Altoona rotation trumps parent club with sterling start

PHOENIX -- The Pirates' starting rotation has gotten off to a terrific start, with a collective 9-3 record and 2.64 ERA through Sunday.

You think that's good? Starting pitchers for the Altoona Curve, the Bucs' Double-A Eastern League affiliate, are 7-0 with an ERA of 0.65.

"Tom Prince is very pleased with the rotation's success to date," reported Clint Hurdle, referring to the Curve's manager. "Tom compared his rotation to ours, the way they've gotten out of the gate. He's gotten out of the blocks pretty clean."

The marquee member of the Altoona quintet is Tyler Glasnow. The Bucs' No. 1 rated prospect has allowed two earned runs in the 16 2/3 innings of his first three starts (1.08 ERA), with 17 strikeouts versus six walks.

"Glasnow is finding his way. He's a work in progress," Hurdle said. "He's making pitches, repeating his delivery. He's showing some ability to throw secondary pitches in offensive counts."

The other cogs in the Curve's Fabulous Five:

• Angel Sanchez (the only other member who was in the Pirates' Major League Spring Training camp): 2-0, 0.40 (one earned run in 22 2/3 innings).

• Chad Kuhl: 2-0, 1.13 (2 ER in 16 IP).

• Jason Creasy: 1-0, 0.56 (1 ER in 16 IP).

• Zack Dodson: 1-0, 0.00 (0 ER in 12 IP).