The Altoona Curve sit two games ahead of of second-place Bowie in the Eastern League Western division through their first 25 games. How have they gotten to first place? Using a combination of top prospects as well as quality play from those that are lesser known.
While the Curve have maintained their spot in first place throughout the early part of the year via strong early performances from top-prospects Kevin Kramer and Alex McRae, it’s been the performances of three lesser known prospects who have helped pave the way.
On the offensive and defensive side, Connor Joe and Edwin Espinal have been stalwarts in the lineup as well as pacing a potent Altoona offense so far. Tate Scioneaux has held down his end of the Curve bullpen as he leads the team in wins with four so far this season.
Connor Joe
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2014 Connor Joe has worked his way up the minor league ladder to get to the Curve for the 2017 season. Joe, drafted as a catcher/first baseman, has worked in both the outfield and at first base for Altoona after playing exclusively at third base with Bradenton in 2016.
Splitting time between the outfield and first base has yet to affect Joe at the plate as the first-year Curve player is hitting .300 while appearing in 22 of the 25 games Altoona has played this season. Joe has 21 hits, nine runs, two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBIs. The San Diego native has struck out a mere 11 times in 70 at-bats while walking nine times.
Edwin Espinal
Edwin Espinal has been a member of the Pirates’ organization since he was 17 years old, now at 23, Espinal is in his second season with the Altoona Curve. The Mao Valverde, Dominican Republic native has picked up right where he left off in 2016 as he finished the season with a slash line of .289/.324/.411. So far in 2017, Espinal is hitting at a clip of .338/.388/.442 with his .338 batting average being the second highest on the team following Kevin Kramer.
Espinal has appeared in 20 games for Altoona so far this season splitting time between first base, third base, and designated hitter. In those 20 games, Espinal has 26 hits (second on the team behind Kramer) and is the team leader in RBIs with 12.
Tate Scioneaux
Tate Scioneaux has been lights out for the Curve out of the bullpen this season. This week saw Scioneaux notch his team-leading fourth win of the season as he got the victory against Harrisburg in an inning and a third of relief April 29th.
The Southeastern Louisiana boasts a perfect ERA as teams have failed to score an earned run against the 24-year-old so far. Appearing in eight games, Scioneaux has struck out 15 opposing hitters while walking a total of two hitters in 14 innings of work. Paired with closer Montana DuRapau, Scioneaux has become a formidable set-up man for the first place early on this season.
Opponents are hitting a brutal .143 of the third-year minor leaguer while Scioneaux WHIP is an astounding .064 thus far.
Up Next
The Altoona Curve continue their seven-game road trip with three more games in Akron against the Rubber Ducks before heading to Richmond to take on the Flying Squirrels for a three-game set beginning Monday. Altoona returns home next Thursday to begin a four-game homestand against New Hampshire.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
