CURVE, Pa. – The Altoona Curve set a franchise record by committing seven errors against the Harrisburg Senators but still took the rubber game of a three-game series, 8-4, on Thursday night at Peoples Natural Gas Field.
Altoona (64-52) surpassed a mark last set by committing six errors in the first game of a doubleheader on May 29, 2000, against Binghamton. Harrisburg (62-55) now trails Altoona by two and a half games in the E.L. West.
The Curve trailed 3-2 entering the bottom of the third inning but five of the first six batters of the frame reached base and a Jonathan Schwind RBI fielder’s choice tied the game at 3-3.
Altoona took a 4-3 lead on a Stetson Allie RBI single and extended their lead on consecutive scoring plays with a Chris Diaz sacrifice fly, Alex McRae two-run single and Elvis Escobar RBI triple to give the Curve an 8-3 advantage.
Harrisburg came within four runs with a Spencer Kieboom sacrifice fly in the top of the sixth inning, but Josh Smith, Miguel Rosario and Montana DuRapau combined to toss 2.1 scoreless relief innings in closing out the ballgame.
Harrisburg scored three runs in the top of the first inning, taking advantage of four Altoona errors in the frame to take an early 3-0 lead, but the Curve responded with a pair of runs in the bottom half on a two-run double from Jin-De Jhang to pull within 3-2.
McRae (Win, 5-6) settled down after allowing the three runs in the first, allowing just two earned runs (four total) on six hits. McRae set a new career high in strikeouts with seven, while issuing just two walks.
Harrisburg went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
The Curve welcome in the Reading Fightin Phils for a three-game weekend series beginning on Friday at 7 p.m. Altoona righty Clay Holmes (9-7, 4.15) gets the start against Reading right-hander Ricardo Pinto (4-4, 4.18).
Friday is Altoona Heritage Night at the ballpark, and the first 1,500 fans will receive a Baker Mansion Bank Giveaway, presented by Peoples. There will also be a spectacular post-game fireworks show. For tickets and more information, visit AltoonaCurve.com, call 877.99.CURVE or stop by the PNG Field box office.
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