Defenders snap the losing streak with a 2-1 win over

the Altoona Curve (Pirates) tonight at Dodd. Pitching and defense carried the day as a trio of Connecticut pitchers combined to hold the Curve to just one run. Jesse Floyd started and pitched well before getting into trouble in the top of the sixth. Floyd gave up a run and turned to ball over to Oscar Montero with one out and the bases loaded. Montero stuck out the next two batters to keep the gamed tied and K'ed four batters in all in 1.2 innings of work. Billy Sadler relieved Montero and wiggled out of a jam in the 8th before pitching a 1-2-3 ninth for his fourth victory of the season and breaking the team's 11 game losing streak.
Floyd and Sadler both helped themselves with their gloves as both pitchers started double plays to get out of jams. On both DP's the out at first were very close and cost the Curve runs drawing two arguments from the Curve skipper. Floyd also helped himself with the bat, getting a RBI groudout with the bases loaded as he hustled down the line to avoid the DP.
The Defenders scored the winner in the bottom of the eight. Nate Schierholtz got on base on an error on a routine grouner to the first baseman. He moved to second on a ground out by PH Brian Buscher and came around on a single by catcher Todd Jennings.
Misc fan notes: Nate was on board all four times he was up; two errors, a walk and a double and he had two stolen bases.
Buscher, Travis I. and Quincy Foster all started the night off on the bench with a lefty on the hill for Altoona. Aaron Sisk played third for Buscher. Nate was the only lefty bat in the lineup.
Tyler Von Schell who rarely plays first anymore had two great plays on those DPs--the first was on a long stretch and the second was a tag. He also made a nice picup of a smash down the line.
Owner Lou D. was in the house for the game. Maybe he was the streak buster. Or maybe it was because I was wearing that Defender promo cap for the first time. I also caught my first Land Rover/Defenders t-shirt tonight. Had it all the way up on the concourse; the guys had some air under it.
Old Navigator friend catcher David Parrish is with the Curve. His father is former AL All-Star Detriot Tiger catcher Lance Parrish. Dave was up briefly with the Yankees. Dave caught Roger Clemens when the Rocket rehabbed with the Navigators.