Curve Top Baysox

BOWIE, Md. – A pair of early home runs backed a strong pitching performance as the Altoona Curve took the series rubber game from the Bowie Baysox, 5-2, on Sunday afternoon at Prince George’s Stadium.

The Curve (42-32) moved into first place in the Western Division for the first time in 2016 with the win over the Baysox (32-43).

Edwin Espinal launched a three-run homer out of the ballpark in the first inning against Bowie starter John Means (Loss, 1-3) to get the Curve offense rolling. Eric Wood led off the second with a solo homer, his team-leading ninth of the season, to extend the lead to 4-0.

Erich Weiss scored on a wild pitch by Means in the third as the Curve jumped out to a 5-0 lead.

Alex McRae (Win, 2-2) sat down the first nine batters he faced until a single by Julio Borbon to lead off the fourth inning. McRae sat down the next eight hitters prior to a two-out single by Borbon in the sixth, and Garabez Rosa followed with a two-run homer to get the Baysox on the board.

McRae finished his day after seven innings, allowing two runs on four hits with no walks and five strikeouts.

Jared Lakind pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning with a strikeout. Montana DuRapau (Save, 13) allowed a double and two walks in the ninth, but Jeff Kemp flied out to left for the final out of the game.

The Curve return home to open a three-game series against the Binghamton Mets on Monday night. Right-hander Clay Holmes (6-4, 4.93) will be on the mound for Altoona, opposed by Binghamton right-hander Rainy Lara (4-7, 4.46). First pitch at PNG Field is set for 7 p.m.

Monday is a MEGA Monday at PNG Field, presented by the Altoona Mirror, featuring $1 Bleacher tickets, Monday-exclusive Meatball Subs and a Guaranteed Win Night. For tickets and more information, visit AltoonaCurve.com, call 877.99.CURVE or stop by the PNG Field box office.