The Altoona Curve have a 2.5 game lead over the Bowie Baysox in the Eastern League Western division and left fielder Jordan Luplow has served as the power behind the first-place Curve’s offense.
We featured the power explosion of Luplow on this very site back on May 27th, and at that time the left fielder had only hit eight home runs. Since then, the Fresno State product has continued to hit the ball with power. Since May 29th, Luplow has hit six home runs bringing his season total to 14 while also hitting .342 in that time span.
Luplow’s power surge has provided the Curve with a well needed power option in their line up as the right handed hitter has double the home runs than that of Edwin Espinal, who is second on the team in home runs with seven so far.
As Luplow’s power numbers continue to get better, so do his chances of becoming the next top prospect to get a call up to Triple-A. Luplow is hitting .286 on the season which, at the Double-A level is pretty solid, but his ability to draw 22 walks has shown he’s becoming more patient as a hitter and focusing on getting the pitch he wants to drive.
Pirates post historic lineup featuring former Curve stars
It took 19 years of existence, but for the first time ever Wednesday, a Pittsburgh Pirates starting lineup boasted nine position players who played in Altoona at one point or another. The Pirates took on the Baltimore Orioles Wednesday night in Baltimore so a designated hitter was present for the Buccos. David Freese was the lone representative in the Pirates lineup who failed to have played in Altoona at one point or another.
The lineup was:
Jordy Mercer (2010-11) – Shortstop
Josh Harrison (2010) – Third Base
Gregory Polanco (2013) – Right Field
Jose Osuna (2015-16) – Left Field
Andrew McCutchen (2006-07)- Center Field
Josh Bell (2014-15) – First Base
Elias Diaz (2014) – Catcher
Max Moroff (2015) – Second Base
Chad Kuhl (2015) – Pitcher
Up Next
The Altoona Curve return home for a four-game series against the Richmond Flying Squirrels beginning Friday evening. The series features a double header Saturday starting at 4 pm and finishes with a 6 pm game on Sunday. Following the series against the Flying Squirrels the Curve will play host to the Portland Sea Dogs for a three-game series.
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