Senators Pitchers Combine For Three-Hitter In 2-1 Win

The Harrisburg Senators edged the Altoona Curve 2-1 in the homestand opener Friday night at FNB Field. Four Senators pitchers combined to limit Altoona to just three hits which is a new Senators season-low. 

Christian Kelley hit a home run in the third off Senators starter Wirkin Estevez for the only Curve run of the game.
Estevez gave up just the one run in six innings while striking out five and tying a Senators starting pitcher season-low with three hits allowed.  
"Wirkin did a good job keeping the ball down and he just made one mistake. He threw some good off speed (pitches) which kept (Altoona) off balanced but the thing I like the most is that he was down in the zone," manager Matt LeCroy said. "He's had some tough luck but has had success here lately and hopefully he'll continue to do that."
Altoona starter Brandon Waddell worked six shutout, one hit innings before the Senators were able to get on the board and tie the game in the bottom of the seventh. With Kelvin Gutierrez and Osvaldo Abreu at first and third on a pair of singles, pinch-hitter Zach Collier rocked an RBI double to deep right field to tie the game at 1-1.
Waddell allowed one run in six and a third innings while walking four and striking out five. 
The Senators took the lead in the seventh. Altoona reliever Yeudy Garcia issued back-to-back one out walks to Taylor Gushue and Ward, and a wild pitch put runners at second and third. The next batter, Kelvin Gutierrez, facing new reliever Tate Scioneaux, hit a shallow fly ball into center field that was dropped by center fielder Jason Martin which allowed the go-ahead run to score. 
Austen Williams struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning to seal the 2-1 win and notch his first career save. The Senators bullpen did not allow a hit over the final three innings.
"(Austen's) got a lot more confidence (this season). All the work he's putting in with (Senators pitching coach Michael Tejera) is paying off," LeCroy said. "He's a guy who wants to be in the game right now and that's a good sign. His ability to get ahead and throw the breaking ball and the changeup has really helped him."
Logan Darnell (2-0) by pitching a scoreless eighth inning while Garcia (0-1) took the loss after allowing the go ahead run in his lone inning of work. 
"We took advantage of some walks and we squared the ball up," LeCroy said. "I liked the intensity, and I thought our focus was better (late in the game). The guys are continuing to grind and work every day. Hopefully we can get on a little streak."
The Senators and Curve play game two of the series Saturday night. Brady Dragmire takes the mound for the Senators opposite Curve starter Mitch Keller. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at FNB Field.