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Game #110 - Friday 3rd August - v New Hampshire Fisher Cats

Game Day Promotions

Tuesday 31st July to Sunday 5th August 2007

The Curve will open a six-day homestand on Tuesday, July 31st, with Awful Night V!
During the homestand they will also welcome Kimberly Caldwell (pictured)
and the Amazing Christopher, host two fireworks shows and hold the football giveaway

From "Awful-to-Great" in Curve homestand!!

The Altoona Curve will begin a seven-game, six-day homestand on Tuesday, July 31st at 7.05pm
The homestand will open with a four-game series against Southern Division rival Reading and conclude with a three-game series against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats
The series against the Fisher Cats marks New Hampshire's only visit to Blair County Ballpark in 2007

---The homestand will open on Tuesday, July 31st at 7.05pm with the Curve's nationally renowned Awful Night
Awful Night V "Stick a Spork in it" will feature an awful giveaway to the first 555 fans and will highlight all things awful throughout the evening
The Curve have received recognition throughout minor league baseball for their innovation and creativity in the creation of Awful Nights I-IV

On Tuesday morning, the Curve will hold Breakfast at the Ballpark from 6.00am to 9.00am on the main ticket plaza at BCB
The breakfast, which will feature Uncle Charley's Sausage, is free and open to the public
Donations will be accepted to benefit the Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Fund, which has been established to benefit the family of former Tulsa Drillers coach Mike Coolbaugh, who was killed in a tragic on-field accident earlier this week

The Curve will also be accepting donations throughout the week at the Kinetico Customer Service Booth to benefit the Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Fund
Coolbaugh, 35, died last Sunday after he was struck in the head by a line-drive during the Drillers' game against the Arkansas Travelers
The Mike Coolbaugh Memorial Fund will benefit his surviving family, wife, Mandy, and two young sons, Joseph and Jacob
Mandy Coolbaugh is expecting a third child in early October

---On Wednesday, August 1st, the Curve will play a doubleheader against the Reading Phillies beginning at 6.05pm
The Curve will present the Curve Football Giveaway, with the first 2,000 fans of all ages receiving a Curve football
Fans will also have the chance to win great prizes by participating in Blair Candy Baseball Bingo

On Thursday, August 2nd, the Curve Idol Series presented by the New AT&T continues with an appearance by former "American Idol" star Kimberly Caldwell
Caldwell will be on hand to sing the national anthem, mingle with fans and sign autographs

The BCB gates will open early at 5.00pm as the Hotel Belmar presents Curve Happy Hour featuring live music and food specials on the Toyota Party Deck

---The three-game series against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats will feature two post-game Fireworks Spectaculars

The Tribune-Democrat will present post-game fireworks following the series opener on Friday, August 3rd
Friday's game will begin at 7.05pm

On Sunday, August 5th, the series and homestand will conclude with a 6.05pm start time
The Galliker Dairy Company will present post-game fireworks and all kids will also be invited to run the bases following the ballgame

---The middle game of the three-games series will be played Saturday, August 4th, at 7.05pm
One of the most popular traveling entertainment acts in minor league baseball, The Amazing Christopher, will entertain fans throughout the game
It will also be 70's Disco Night at BCB with themes from the 70's throughout the night

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Brett back on the Disabled List - Monday 25th June 2007

A note from Brett on Sunday 24th June 2007
I know things haven't been going really well lately - and I am afraid it just got a little worse!!
I have hurt my hand again and I am going back on the Disabled List again tomorrow
I am pretty sure of this because I told Tim Leiper I couldn't swing
and that it will take some time just like before
I am very disappointed just as I am sure that you all are
There is nothing I can do now besides trying to rehab as best I can
and get healthy as quickly as possible
I feel like crap over here right now and might just go see a movie tonight to kill some time
and get my mind off of it all
But tomorrow I will be good again and do all I can to get better!!

A note from Brett on Tuesday 26th June 2007
Well, here we are again
I have been to the doctor again today and got an MRI like I did with my shoulder
It hurt a lot more this time when they put the dye in - and I about went through the roof!
Got the reading 'sort of' back tonight
The assistant read it and said it was a deep bone bruise and it should heel to 100% over time
Not sure how long that is just yet
I find out the final reading tomorrow but it should be okay
The bruise is in the same place where I broke it in January
Sucks!!
I am now going to go into rehab and I think I am staying here to do it
and I just hope it doesn't take too long
Also there are two more outfielders coming tomorrow
I have to talk to Brian Graham in the next few days about what they want me to do
I honestly am not sure about my playing time when I do come back
but we'll cross the bridge when we come to it
Just an update and I will be back online tomorrow

A note from Brett on Thursday 28th June 2007
No news yet - and I am going to take that as good news!!
The doctor didn't call or come bye yesterday so I will say that makes me feel a little better!!
Hope to hear officially today and I will email or call then

A note from Brett on Saturday 7th July 2007
With the hand, I have a doctor's appointment the first day after the All Star Game break
which is 10th and 11th July
I might get a pain killing injection if I need it - but it does feel a lot better
I have been doing a small range of motion exercises and it's improving
So hopefully after five more days I may even get to start swinging!!
I want to be ready and then have six weeks to finish the season
That is my ideal situation

A note from Brett on Thursday 12th July 2007
There isn't any really bad news - more so just news - not good or bad
The first MRI I had two weeks ago was done incorrectly, so I found out today
What they did see on the first one was two bone bruises but no definitive answer on the ligaments
So I am now having what's called a three injection arthrogram
They put dye in three different areas to see if there are any leaks
Had the first one today and I then have two more Monday
Then an appointment after them on Monday with the hand specialist
Hope it's good news!
As for now, there is no chance of playing til at least the first on the month in my mind
And with our lineup how it is right now, I don't know if I will play when healthy anyway
Not what I wanted to hear, but there isn't much I can do right now
except push my good news date back to Monday and just hope!

Curve Game Day Show on Sunday 15th July 2007

The audio file opposite/below includes
two segments from the Game Day Show

PART ONE

Manager Tim Leiper discusses Brett's situation
He says he would like to see him back in the
lineup, and that he "feels bad for the guy"
He also mentions his great work as the
First Base Coach during the recent games

PART TWO
During the Curve Injury Report,
the commentator mentions that Brett is
an important part of the Curve lineup,
but there is no timetable for his return

NOTE - Tim Leiper speaks 'a little fast' and is a bit
difficult to understand - the rest of the tape,
including the Injury Report, is very clear

Windows Media Player required
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"PLAY"
button in the controls below to listen
If the file does not play,
you most probably have an older version installed
Minimum of Version #9 is necessary, and it can be
downloaded for free by clicking here
* make sure your speakers are on

This audio file runs for 1 minute 40 seconds
and is 1169Kb
It should download quickly
and start to play within a few seconds

A note from Brett on Wednesday 18th July 2007
Is all good!
Every scan I have had has said that it's all okay and that I am okay to resume activity
I will start small and slow and hope to progress to swinging in about a week or so
The doctor said it is going to hurt - probably a lot - but it's not doing further damage
so try to swing through it
He is going to give me some painkillers and I am going to go from there
If after two to three weeks of trying to play and it's still being sore,
I will go to Pittsburgh to see another hand specialist for a second opinion
But as for today, I am starting to do things!!
About bloody time, huh!!

A note from Brett on Monday 23rd July 2007
Well, today went really good
A lot better than I thought it was going to be
I had fifteen dry swings with a fungo bat
and surprisingly had zero pain or discomfort
I also got to play catch as well
It all went really well!!
I am not sure of my plans tomorrow
but I am sure it will be a little more than today
Not bad for a start!!

A note from Brett on Thursday 26th July 2007
Tuesday I swung a fungo twenty times - with no problems
Wednesday I swung the fungo fifteen times and then a timber bat also fifteen times
and again, no worries at all
Today I am a little achy but I have to deal with a few niggles for a little while
I am not sure what my plan is for today but tomorrow I am hitting off the tee

A note from Brett on Saturday 28th July 2007
The last few days have been good for my hand
But my return to the roster has been pushed back to the first game in Portland,
which is on Tuesday 7th August
So I hope if all goes well, I will be in there then
Swinging a lot lately and it feels good - a lot better than I thought it was going to be

A note from Brett on Tuesday 31st July 2007
Coming off the Disabled List
I was pushed up to be activated on Wednesday 1st August
But then we got another player that they weren't sure if they were getting
Hopefully they will activate me soon!!
I am not sure what is going to happen - but I hope I get in there asap!!

Curve Game Day Show on Thursday 2nd August 2007

The audio file opposite/below includes
a segment from the Game Day Show
x
x
x
x
x

During the Curve Injury Report,
the commentator mentions that Brett is
still on the Disabled List and has been there
for over a month but, hopefully, he should be
returning to the roster next week

Windows Media Player required
Click on the
"PLAY"
button in the controls below to listen
If the file does not play,
you most probably have an older version installed
Minimum of Version #9 is necessary, and it can be
downloaded for free by clicking here
* make sure your speakers are on

This audio file runs for approx 1 minute
and is 858Kb
It should download quickly
and start to play within a few seconds



Curve Game Day Notes on Friday 3rd August 2007

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The Result
Fisher Cats - 4 runs to 3
----------Ten Innings

The Curve - Year-to-Date
57 wins and 53 losses

Brett's Position and the Batting Order
Did Not Play
Playing
Batting - #

Brett's at-bats
First plate appearance

Second plate appearance

Third plate appearance

Fourth plate appearance

At the end of the Game
0 hit from 0 at-bats

Heard during the game

Email from Brett

Game Reports

Brandon Chaves (pictured) had three hits, but the New Hampshire Fisher Cats
got a solo home run in the ninth inning to send the ballgame to extra-innings
and another in the tenth to win going away in the series opener, 4-3

Curve jolted by late blasts in 4-3 loss

The Fisher Cats got solo home runs on the first pitch in each of the ninth and tenth innings to erase a 3-2 deficit and defeat the Curve, 4-3, in the series opener from Blair County Ballpark

With the Curve leading 3-2 heading to the ninth inning, they called on closer Matt Peterson to attempt to finish off the Fisher Cats
That quest ended quickley as Rob Cosby belted Peterson's first pitch into the bleachers in left field to tie the game at three

The Curve stranded the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth and the game extended into extra-innings

Romulo Sanchez came on for the Curve and had his first pitch blasted into the left field bleachers by Ryan Klosterman for a 4-3 Fisher Cats' lead

Sanchez (4-3) was tagged with the loss as Altoona went quietly in the bottom of the tenth against New Hampshire closer Jesse Carlson
Carlson (8-1) worked a scoreless tenth to collect the win for New Hampshire

The Fisher Cats scored first off of Dewon Brazelton in the third
Back-to-back singles by Klosterman and Manny Mayorson put runners at the corners for Ryan Patterson who contributed a sacrifice fly to right field for a 1-0 New Hampshire lead

The Curve responded with an unearned run in the bottom of the inning
An error on New Hampshire first baseman Chip Cannon opened the door for Jason Bowers, who promptly rifled a single to right-center field to score Brandon Chaves and tie the game

New Hampshire took the lead back with an unearned run of their own in the fifth inning as a throwing error on Curve catcher Brian Peterson permitted Dustin Majewski to score to put the Fisher Cats ahead 2-1

Peterson and Chaves gave the Curve their first lead of the game with back-to-back RBI singles in the seventh inning

Neither starting pitcher factored in the decision despite strong performances from both
Brazelton worked seven innings and allowed just one earned run on seven hits
Fisher Cats' starter Yusaku Iriki also worked seven innings and permitted two earned runs on six hits while strkiking out six

The blown save for Peterson was his fourth of season
Peterson is now 20-for-24 in save chances this season

The series will continue on Saturday night at 7.05pm
RHP Todd Redmond (0-0,1.80) will make a spot start for the Curve against RHP Kyle Yates (6-6, 4.57) for New Hampshire

Klosterman leadoff tenth inning home run lifts Fisher Cats over Curve 4-3
Rob Cosby leads off 9th with game-tying homer as New Hampshire wins 2nd straight

Rob Cosby hit the first pitch of the ninth inning over the left field wall for a game-tying home run, and Ryan Klosterman launched the first pitch of the tenth inning over the left field fence for the game-winning home run as the New Hampshire Fisher Cats rallied past the Altoona Curve, 4-3, Friday night at Blair County Ballpark

Klosterman (3-for-3, HR, 2 R, RBI, 2B, SAC) greeted Curve reliever Romulo Sanchez (4-3) with the RELCO Enlightening Play of the Game, his third home run of the year, and his first since June 28, that just cleared the wall in left

Jesse Carlson (8-1) pitched 1.2 scoreless innings of relief to earn his eighth win, tying him for third most in franchise single-season history
The left-hander worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the ninth inning when he induced a fielder’s choice ground out off the bat of pinch-hitter Taber Lee

After allowing a one-out single to Vic Buttler in the bottom of the tenth inning, Carlson picked him off first base and struck out Neil Walker swinging to give New Hampshire (57-55) its second straight victory

Carlson allowed two hits and struck out two

Altoona (57-53) was 44-0 when leading after eight innings until Cosby (1-for-4, HR, RBI) took Matt Peterson’s first pitch of the ninth inning into the left field seats for his tenth home run, tying the game, 3-3

It was the first home run allowed by Peterson in 51.1 innings pitched this season

Altoona scored a pair of runs on back-to-back infield RBI singles from Brian Peterson (1-for-4, RBI) and Brandon Chaves (3-for-4, RBI, R) in the bottom of the seventh inning to grab a 3-2 lead

Those runs came off Fisher Cats’ starter Yusaku Iriki, who pitched a season-high seven innings and matched a season best with six strike outs
The right-hander allowed six hits and three runs -two earned

New Hampshire jumped ahead 1-0 against Altoona starter Dewon Brazelton in the top of the third inning on a sacrifice fly from Ryan Patterson (0-for-4, SF, RBI), plating Klosterman, who had singled

The Curve tied the game, 1-1, on a Jason Bowers run-scoring single in the bottom of the third inning that scored Chaves, who led off the inning with a single

The Fisher Cats reclaimed the lead, 2-1, when catcher Brian Peterson’s pick-off attempt of Dustin Majewski at third base backfired when the ball went into left field, allowing Majewski to score

Brazelton went seven innings, allowing two runs - one earned
He scattered seven hits, struck out three and walked one

With the win, the Fisher Cats remain 3-1/2 games behind the second-place Portland Sea Dogs in the Eastern League’s Northern Division playoff race
Portland defeated Harrisburg, 13-0, on Friday night

The Fisher Cats take aim at their third straight victory Saturday night at 7.05pm when right-hander Kyle Yates (6-6, 4.57) takes the mound against Altoona right-hander Todd Redmond (0-0, 1.80)

New Hampshire’s Ryan Klosterman scores as Curve catcher Brian Peterson
awaits the throw from right fielder Vic Buttler

Hampered - Curve bullpen fails to close game

Matt Peterson came into the ninth inning on Friday night doing his routine, the usual pacing and preparation techniques in place
Then, with the crack of the bat, the results turned anything but routine
New Hampshire’s Rob Cosby sent Peterson’s offering into the left-field bleachers in the ninth to tie the game, and Ryan Klosterman jumped on Romulo Sanchez’s fastball an inning later

The Fisher Cats beat the Curve, 4-3, in 10 innings at Blair County Ballpark before 7,139 stunned fans
Cosby and Klosterman each drilled the first pitch of an inning over the fence

‘‘It’s very uncharacteristic of what’s ever happened’’ Curve manager Tim Leiper said
‘‘That’s very tough to do’’

Cosby homered off Peterson, the first long ball he’s given up all year, for a 3-3 tie in the ninth inning
Klosterman greeted Sanchez rudely by rattling another fastball off the bleachers to start the 10th for a 4-3 advantage

It was only the fourth time Peterson has failed to close the game and the first time all season Altoona lost after taking a lead into the ninth inning
They were 44-0 and the only team in the Eastern League that was perfect

Klosterman, New Hampshire’s No. 9 hitter, owns a .220 average with three homers

‘‘A lot of times when you’ll see guys you’ve never seen before, you’ll jump on the first pitch’’ Curve first baseman Jason Delaney said
‘‘Then again, maybe they’re looking one pitch in one spot, and they hit it
That’s one thing
They definitely didn’t miss it’’

Sanchez (4-3), in stark contrast to Peterson, has now given up eight homers
No other reliever has allowed more than five, but that pitcher - Wardell Starling - has worked 27-1/3 more innings

Vic Buttler singled with one out in the tenth but was erased trying to steal second
Buttler saw the pitch New Hampshire called and guessed he could get into scoring position for Neil Walker and Delaney
Fisher Cats pitcher Jesse Carlson, instead of going to the plate with the fastball Buttler thought was coming, caught Buttler between first and second
‘‘It was a risk I took’’ Buttler said
‘‘I lost’’
Leiper often gives his runners the green light and regretted he didn’t hold Buttler
‘‘I preach to these guys be aggressive, be aggressive’’ Leiper said before adding
‘‘I did not hold him on that pitch, and that’s my fault’’

New Hampshire’s heroics wasted another fine outing from a Curve starter
This time it was Dewon Brazelton, who limited the Fisher Cats to two runs - one earned - on seven hits in as many innings

Curve starters have a 2.27 ERA in the five games since returning home on Tuesday, but Altoona is only 2-3

‘‘That’s what’s going to carry us’’ Leiper said of the starters
‘‘These guys are stepping up when we need them to step up
It’s exactly what we need now’’

Altoona finally cracked New Hampshire starter Yusaku Iriki, who carried a pedestrian 5.31 ERA into the game, in the seventh inning
Alex Fernandez’s double put runners at second and third with two outs
Brian Peterson slapped Iriki’s offering off his foot to tie the game at 2-2
Brandon Chaves’ infield single then gave the Curve a 3-2 lead, their first and only of the night

Chaves went 3-for-4 with an RBI

Iriki, a 34-year-old with extensive experience in the Japanese major leagues, yielded three runs - two earned - on six hits in seven innings

Altoona managed just three baserunners, one of whom reached on an error, through the first six innings
‘‘He was on’’ Buttler said of Iriki

Carlson (8-1) pitched 1-2/3 scoreless innings

The only saving grace from the night was Erie and Akron both falling
The Curve remain six games out of a playoff spot

‘‘It’s August’’ Leiper said
‘‘Every loss is disappointing, but you’ve got to come back
You’ve got to come back the next day’’

Game Highlights Video

Time - 2 minutes 30 seconds

NOTE - Brett did not play - currently on the 'Disabled List'

Windows Media Player required
Click on the "PLAY" button in the controls below to watch the video
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