ALTOONA, Pa. — The Portland Sea Dogs’ recent surge was interrupted, Tuesday, by a 10-3 thumping handed them by the Altoona Curve, before 6,405 at Blair County Ballpark.

Third baseman Pedro Alvarez, rated by Baseball America at the top prospect in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ farm system, went 3-for-4 with two RBI to help pace the Curve.

Portland, which had won a season-high five consecutive starts, fell victim to a six-run Altoona outburst in the fourth inning.

All of those runs were charged to starter Ryne Lawson (3-10).

Altoona also received production from center fielder Gorkys Hernandez (3-for-6, RBI), while former Sea Dog Jeff Corsaletti reached base four times with a single and three walks.

Catcher Luis Exposito had three of Portland’s eight hits, going 3-for-4 with an RBI single in the eighth inning.

Portland will resume its three-day stay here, tonight (7:05 p.m.), when RHP Blake Maxwell (4-7) gets the starting nod against Altoona LHP Kyle Bloom.

Notes

The contest was delayed 16 minutes due to rain”¦Despite the loss, the Sea Dogs remain one half game ahead of both New Britain and Trenton ”“ both of whom also lost ”“ in the chase for the final Northern Division playoff spot”¦Exposito has hit safely in five of six games since joining Portland and picked up his first Double-A three-hit game”¦Daniel Nava and Jon Still both doubled for the Sea Dogs ”“ Still leads the Eastern League in doubles with 34”¦Prior to the game, the Dogs announced that RHP Adam Mills (10-5) has been promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket. Replacing Mills on the roster is LHP Kason Gabbard, who had been rehabbing at Short Season Lowell.