Harrisburg nips Richmond Flying Squirrels, 1-0

Eastern League ERA leader Jack Snodgrass turned in eight more sensational innings, but it wasn’t enough as the Harrisburg Senators (33-31) blanked the Richmond Flying Squirrels (34-28), 1-0, on Tuesday night at Metro Bank Park.  Snodgrass (5-2) was credited with the first complete game of the season for the Squirrels, but was also saddled with his second loss.

Harrisburg righty Paul Demny and Snodgrass dueled through five scoreless innings.  Each starter stymied the opposition on just two singles.  However, Demny left the ballgame due to a pitch count after five innings.  He did not factor in the decision, walking two and striking out seven.

Josh Johnson, pinch-hitting in the pitcher’s spot to open the sixth inning, finally broke the stalemate.  He cracked a solo-home run off Snodgrass into the left-field bleachers for a 1-0 Harrisburg lead.  It was just the second home run conceded by Snodgrass on the season.

Righty Matt Swynenberg followed Demny and tossed a scoreless inning. Lefty Matt Grace came on and retired all five batters that he faced.  Right-handed closer Aaron Barrett entered to record the final out of the eighth inning and returned for the ninth.  He permitted a lead-off double to Javier Herrera.  Barrett recovered to strike out Ricky Oropesa, but Andrew Susac punched a single into right field.  Herrera tried to score from second base but was gunned down by right fielder Steven Souza Jr.  Ehire Adrianza grounded out to end the ballgame.  Barrett earned his ninth save of the year.

Snodgrass allowed just four hits and a lone run over his eight innings.  He walked one struck out five, lowering his league-leading ERA to 1.92 with the performance.  Swynenberg (1-0) was credited with the win in relief for the Senators.

Game two of the three-game series is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday night at Metro Bank Park.  Richmond LHP Carlos Teller (1-1, 2.38) will make the start against Harrisburg RHP Ryan Tatusko (0-0, —).  The Flying Squirrels Pregame Warm Up begins at 6:30 p.m. on Sports Radio 910, SportsRadio910.com and IHeart Radio.