Senators Swept Out of the Playoffs by Richmond with 2-1 Loss

The Richmond Flying Squirrels completed their three-game sweep of the Senators on Sunday afternoon with a 2-1 win. Richmond advances to the Eastern League Championship Series and will play either New Hampshire or Reading beginning on Tuesday.

Chris Dominguez gave Richmond all they would need with a two-out home run in the bottom of the sixth inning off of Tanner Roark. Roark was outstanding, striking out 10 batters and allowing just six hits in seven strong innings of work. Cory VanAllen pitched a scoreless eighth for the Sens.

Harrisburg had just three runners against Richmond starter Justin Fitzgerald into the eighth inning when they rallied with one out.

Erik Komatsu doubled and scored on an rbi single by Stephen King. Pinch-hitter Devin Ivany popped out, but Josh Johnson singled advancing pinch-runner Shairon Martis to third base. Derek Norris then grounded into a fielder's choice to end the inning.

With the loss the 2011 season comes to an end for Harrisburg. The Senators had the best record in the Eastern League, but because of the floods were forced to play the entire series in Richmond. Harrisburg won the Western Division for the first time since 1997 and also had the best record in the league for the first time since 1997.

The 2012 season begins on Thursday, April 5th on the road in Bowie. The home opener is Thursday, April 12 against Reading.