MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com-Starter Eric Niesen produced his third straight quality start, but not his third straight win as Altoona shutout Binghamton 3-0 in the 2009 season finale at NYSEG Stadium Monday afternoon. Niesen tossed seven innings and allowed just two runs on five hits in the loss.

Binghamton (54-86) was baffled by Curve starter Mike Crotta who fired seven, scoreless innings and allowed just six hits with five strikeouts to notch his seventh win of the year.

Altoona (61-81) took the lead on Niesen in the sixth inning thanks to Jonel Pacheco, who lifted a sacrifice fly to center with the bases loaded allowing Miguel Perez to score. Later in the frame, Jason Delaney added another run with an RBI single through the right side of the infield, which scored Brian Friday, making it 2-0 Curve.
ADVERTISEMENT

Ray Chang brought home Altoona’s third run with a sac fly to left off reliever Julio De La Cruz, scoring Pacheco, who led off the inning with a single to extend his hitting streak to 12 games.

D.J Wabick was the only B-Mets player with a multi-hit performance as he rapped two hits, including a double.

Jared Hughes fired the final two innings scoreless for his third save in six chances, nailing down the win for the Curve.

Niesen struck out five and failed to walk a batter for the first time in 16 starts. However, he was hung with his seventh loss despite the strong performance.

Are You an Insider Yet?
SZ Insider. A look ahead into the big player feature, the big story, tips, rumors, and special opportunities for collectibles and memorabilia only available for our insiders. Free monthly to your e-mailbox. Click the link to subscribe to this FREE newsletter!