Not only did the Senators prevent Top-10 prospect Tyler Glasnow from earning a win at Metro Bank Park last night, they squeezed the most of their seven hits, three walks and an errant throw. That concoction mustered just enough offense to support fine pitching against a powerful lineup to sweep 2nd place Altoona.
As Glasnow tossed 70 pitches and then handed the ball to Tom Prince, he received much more than the polite applause visiting performances usually receive on City Island. In fact, many fans in Section 106 stood and cheered their prized Pirates pitching prospect, showing their appreciation for his 2-hit, 7-K performance.
About 40 of those baseball fans are members of the Altoona Curve Booster Club. They chose to visit Metro Bank Park on a beautiful late June evening to enjoy cheering their Curve and the Pirates #1 prospect on the road.
Between innings, I welcomed the group and spoke briefly with Carol Henrie. She and her husband visit Metro Bank Park annually to support the Curve. This time, they were able to hitch a ride with the booster club, which was formed in 2010.
In our brief conversation, she mentioned multiple times how much they enjoy our renovated ballpark. I countered that I believe both Altoona and Harrisburg are fortunate in that regard.
Although the Altoona fans didn't receive the results they wanted, they seemed to enjoy their stay during an entertaining game. They even cheered our now-famous (and very talented) all-male dance revue!
As much as we celebrated the return of baseball Tuesday, April 7th at Welcome Back Senators Night, last evening proved it's really here. Honest. The Senators and Altoona Curve crossed the white lines on a misty, raw 41-degree evening; however, I only witnessed smiles as baseball is truly back.
My observations:
The teams played a crisp, pitching-dominated opener ... Only one error per side. Both had to be scored on tough plays to third ... Catcher Pedro Severino opened a lot of eyes by quickly releasing lasers to catch four Curve runners running the bases ... Austin Voth's 6 scoreless IP shouldn't go unnoticed ... Kudos to Aaron Margolis and his team for the scoreboard and ribbon board updates. Everything is much easier to read at a glance. I'm really impressed ... The front office and fellow fans were downright giddy that we were actually watching a baseball game take place. It didn't have anything to do with shivering from the dampness or even $2 beer night. I guess this off-season and winter really were that depressing! (I'll never understand why those in charge of calendars steal days and weeks from a baseball season, multiply them, and indiscriminately stick them into the off-season. It just isn't fair.)
Each team managed just five hits, not unusual considering the weather ... Five of the six combined walks didn't hurt, although each team had scoring threats ... A lead-off walk, however, still does hurt. (I'm still amazed by how many lead-off walks score in MLB.) Nothing against Abel, who battled through his first hitter of the season in less than stellar conditions. You know it's cold when Bob Hauer's wearing long pants and long sleeves!
I look forward to Game 2 tonight. The temperature should be higher, but it'll be tough to beat a tight 1-0 Opening Night final.
One final note: If the weather scared you away last night, be sure you don't miss the new synchronized dancers between innings tonight.
Between innings, I welcomed the group and spoke briefly with Carol Henrie. She and her husband visit Metro Bank Park annually to support the Curve. This time, they were able to hitch a ride with the booster club, which was formed in 2010.
