Photo courtesy Harrisburg Senators

Senators 8, Flying Squirrels 1

The last time Paul Demny took the mound he fired eight innings against the B-Mets on the way to the Senators’ fourth no-hitter in modern history. The first batter on Tuesday night who stepped to the plate, Jarrett Parker, made sure history wouldn’t repeat itself as he launched a 2-2 changeup over the rightfield bullpen.

It was a situation that might have rattled Demny in the past, but with a new approach and focus he settled down, didn’t allow another run, and led the Senators to an 8-1 victory over the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

“I was proud of Demny tonight. He needed to come out after that no-hitter and give us what he had. He competed well. In the first inning he made some pitches that got him out of that inning and that for me was the turning point for him,” manager Matt LeCroy said after the game.

Player of the Game: Paul Demny

Dugout Chatter

“He’s a leader for us. He’s here every day at 11-11:30 working on his body and getting ready to play…the one thing I really love about him is that he loves his pitchers, he wants them to do well, he takes control of all of them and he takes pride in the games whether it’s good or bad. He wears it if it’s bad. And when it’s good, he’s happy about whether he’s hitting or not. To me, the hardest part of catching is being able to understand that the job is those twelve pitchers and to get them through the games and have solid outings. He takes pride in it. He’ll get another chance to play in the big leagues. I truly believe that. I’m glad he’s with me.” – – LeCroy on Sandy Leon

“I tell my position players to watch the pitchers hit. They’re like little kids, they love it. That’s the way you have to approach it. You’re still playing. You work your tail off before the game but then when the game starts, you just play.” – – LeCroy on the joy the pitchers get by hitting

From the Windup

• Over the last three innings, both teams combined to strike out 15 batters.

• Justin Bloxom was the lone Harrisburg starter who took the collar (0-for-5) as Anthony Rendon, Brian Goodwin, Destin Hood, Sandy Leon, and Ricky Hague all had multi-hit games.

• Jerad Head, Sandy Leon, and Brian Goodwin each homered for the Senators as they clubbed three dingers for the first time all season.