Sterling Marte Sets Record in Altoona Curve Win at Bowie Monday

By: Bruce Markey
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 | 6:37 AM

Aaron Pribanic's six innings of one-run ball combined with a four-run first inning was enough to lift the Curve to a, 5-1, series-opening win over the Bowie Baysox on Monday night at Prince George's Stadium. Starling Marte went 3-for-5 to pass Nate McLouth and become the franchise leader for hits in a season with his single in the seventh inning.

Marte wasted no time in finding the McLouth-tying 166th hit as he blasted a triple in to start the game off Bowie starter Armando Gabino (5-3). It was the first of four straight hits by the Curve off the spot starter that saw Altoona plate three runs. Brock Holt, Andrew Lambo and Tony Sanchez all drove in a run to open up the 3-0 lead.

Gabino lasted just a third of an inning before he was taken out of the ballgame for Eddie Gamboa. Gamboa quelled the Curve threat in the first, except for a failed pickoff attempt that allowed Lambo to score from third, and went on to finish 6.1 innings of scoreless relief with five strikeouts.

Pribanic (10-9) pitched well from the get-go, taking a shutout into the sixth before Brandon Waring homered with one down to place Bowie on the scoreboard and within three at, 4-1. Altoona's righty starter finished six innings and allowed just the one run while striking out four. The Curve bullpen was superb on Monday night, combining for three shutout innings with six strikeouts. Mike Loree, Duke Welker and Anthony Claggett each pitched an inning of scoreless relief in the win.

The Curve were able to grab its final run in the ninth inning when Brandon Cooney issued a bases-loaded walk to Jeremy Farrell that brought in Josh Rodriguez.

Marte finished the game 3-for-5 and raised his league-leading average to .335. Lambo and Rodriguez also chipped in with multi-hit games in the win.

After defeating Bowie for just the second time this season, Altoona (61-73) and Bowie (72-62) will play the second game of the four-game series at 7:05 p.m. Tuesday night at Prince George's Stadium. RHP Kyle McPherson (7-5, 3.40) will make the start for Altoona while LHP Mike Ballard (7-2, 3.51) toes the slab for the Baysox.

Airtime is set for 6:35 p.m. on the MSA Sports Network.

Tags: Altoona