Senators Slip Past Sea Dogs, 2-1

Harrisburg, PA- For the second straight night, pitching was the story, as the Portland Sea Dogs and Harrisburg Senators battled at Metro Bank Park. Unlike on Tuesday night, this game went the Senators' way, as Tyler Moore drove in Chris McConnell with a single in the eighth inning. Erik Arnesen, Cory VanAllen, and Rafael Martin limited the Sea Dogs to one run on five hits, as Harrisburg clinched a playoff spot with a 2-1 victory.

The first four innings went by without a run being scored, before both clubs put one on the board in the fifth. In the top half of the frame, Alex Valdez led off with a single, promptly stole second, and took third on a throwing error by catcher Derek Norris. The next batter was Mitch Dening, who flew out to left field, but hit the ball deep enough to score Valdez. With one out in the bottom of the inning, Tim Pahuta tied the score with one swing of the bat, as he belted a solo home run to right field.

The score stayed that way until the eighth, when the Senators took their first lead of the evening. Chris McConnell started the frame with a single, moved to second on Josh Johnson's sacrafice bunt, and around to third on a wild pitch. After Archie Gilbert struck out and Derek Norris walked, Tyler Moore singled to center field, knocking in McConnell with the go-ahead run.

Both starting pitchers were masterful, as Portland's Brock Huntzinger and Harrisburg's Erik Arnesen each allowed just one run in seven innings. Huntzinger struck out six, while giving up six hits and one walk. Arnesen fanned nine, while allowing four hits. With the game being decided late, Cory VanAllen (5-3) was the winning pitcher, defeating Eammon Portice (4-8). Rafael Martin recorded his 13th save with a perfect ninth inning.

The Sea Dogs and Senators will conclude their four-game series on Thursday night at 7:00. Michael Lee (1-6, 5.12) will make the start for Portland, while Stephen Strasburg will start in a rehab appearance for Harrisburg.