McGowin Superb in 2-0 Shutout Win

The Harrisburg Senators shutout the Erie SeaWolves 2-0 in the homestand opener on Tuesday night at FNB Field. Senators starter Kyle McGowin tossed seven shutout innings and became the first Senators pitcher since 2016 to strike out 10 batters in a game.

The Senators scored both of their runs in the second and third innings against Erie starter Tyler Alexander. Zach Collier tripled to lead off the second and scored when the next batter, Austin Davidson, grounded out to second. The Senators loaded the bases in the third on three straight singles by Daniel Johnson, Stephen Perez and Dan Gamache. Taylor Gushue drove in Johnson with a sacrifice fly to center to put the Senators ahead 2-0.
Alexander (3-1) allowed two runs on eight hits over five and a third innings. 
Senators starter Kyle McGowin (1-0) faced just two over the minimum across seven shutout innings. The right-hander allowed just two hits and one walk while striking out 10 over the seven scoreless frames. The strikeouts are the most by a Senators since Erick Fedde struck out 12 on August 31, 2016 against Bowie. 
"He's throwing more strikes (than last season), he's staying down in the zone and he's not elevating too many pitches. Tonight, he took advantage of a team that was very aggressive. They were swinging early and chasing off the plate," Senators Manager Matt LeCroy said. "It was a good outing for him, that's now back-to-back outings where he's done well. Hopefully he'll build on it, continue to work and give us chances like that every night."
After Kaleb Fleck tossed a perfect eighth, Bryan Harper worked a scoreless ninth to earn his second save and seal the 2-0 win.
Collier and Gamache each finished with multiple hits to pace the Senators offense. The win was the Senators third in a row and sixth in their last eight games.
"Now that (Juan Soto) is gone that's given some opportunities for some guys to step up and they've done a nice job," LeCroy said. "Tonight we pitched well, we swung it well out of the gates, and we're playing better defense. There's been a lot of good things (over the recent stretch of games) and hopefully we'll continue to play well."
The Senators and SeaWolves continue the series Wednesday night at FNB Field. Luis Reyes takes the mound for the Senators opposite Erie starter Beau Burrows. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at FNB Field. The game can be heard on CBS Sports Harrisburg 96.5 & 95.3 FM and 1400 AM or at www.cbssportsharrisburg.com beginning at 6:15 p.m.