Erie Blasts Three Homers as Montero Wins His Seventh Game

The SeaWolves lead from wire to wire in the opening game of the series in Altoona and beat the Curve 6-4.

Erie scored a pair of early runs against Altoona starter Sean Sullivan in the first inning. With two on and two out, Jake Holton slammed a two-run double off the fence in left-center to score both runners.

Keider Montero allowed a first-inning solo home run to Matt Gorski which cut Erie’s lead to 2-1.

The SeaWolves pulled away on a pair of home runs. Wenceel Perez blasted a two-run shot in the third inning. It was Perez’s first home run since May 25. Justice Bigbie hit a long home run to center field in the fifth, extending Erie’s lead to 5-1. Both were hit against Sullivan.

Montero allowed an unearned run in the fifth as a run came home on Andrew Navigato’s error. Montero (7-2) went five frames to earn the win and allowed two runs, one earned, on four hits, two walks, and four strikeouts. It was Montero’s sixth win in seven starts. Sullivan (2-2) took the loss.

Adam Wolf tossed two hitless innings with three strikeouts.

Navigato laced a solo shot in the eighth inning to extend the Erie lead to 6-2.

Blake Holub struggled in the eighth inning out of the Erie pen. He allowed a leadoff single to Matt Fraizer followed by Gorski’s second home run of the game, making it 6-4. Holub then walked Mason Mason, prompting Andrew Magno to relieve Holub.

Magno earned his third save, allowing two walks but no further damage over the final two innings. He struck out Gorski as the potential tying run to end the game.

Erie and Altoona continue the series on Wednesday with Ty Madden pitching for Erie. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.