AKRON, Ohio – The Altoona Curve lost 6-1 on Sunday afternoon as the Akron RubberDucks completed a three-game sweep at Canal Park.

(Photo: Yeudy Garcia. Photo courtesy of Altoona Curve)

The Curve (9-7) pitching staff combined to strike out 15, one shy of the franchise record for a nine-inning game, and allowed just three hits. Akron (7-9) held Altoona to 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Altoona starting pitcher Yeudy Garcia struck out nine batters, matching the highest strikeout total for a Curve starter this season, but did not make it through four innings on the afternoon.

After walking Greg Allen to open the first, Garcia struck out the next three batters to finish the inning. He sat down the next nine consecutive batters before a lead-off walk to Tyler Kreiger in the fourth inning. Yu Chang followed with a double, putting runners on second and third with no outs.

Garcia struck out Bobby Bradley and Eric Stamets, but back-to-back walks to Mike Papi and Dorssys Paulino plated Akron’s first run. Todd Hankins followed with a two-out grand slam on an 0-2 pitch to extend the lead to 5-0 and end the day for Garcia.

The Curve got on the board in the top of the fifth inning. Kevin Newman legged out a double and Michael Suchy followed with a double to bring the run in.

Akron stretched its lead to 6-1 with an RBI double in the seventh by Todd Hankins.

Altoona reliever Buddy Borden pitched 2.1 innings without allowing a hit or a run, striking out three with no walks. Sean Keselica pitched two innings and allowed one unearned run on one hit and two walks with three strikeouts.

The Curve begin a three-game series against the Erie SeaWolves on Monday night. Right-hander Alex McRae (2-0, 2.16) will be on the mound for Altoona, countered by Erie right-hander Myles Jaye (0-1, 3.38). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at UPMC Park in Erie.