ERIE — McDowell starting pitcher Evan Stranko took a no-hitter into the seventh inning on Friday, and stranded Warren’s only hit at third base in a 2-0 Region 5 win over the Dragons.

“Tough day offensively, but truthfully, our approaches were much better,” said Warren coach Andrew Morrison.

He added: “That was the best pitcher we have seen so far and some of our younger guys haven’t seen (velocity) like that, so credit to him.”

Aidan Zdarko broke up the no-hit bid in the top of the seventh, but Stranko finished with 73 strikes out of 95 pitches and struck out 10 in the shutout.

“Our pitching was awesome again,” said Morrison, whose Dragons are 3-8 overall and 2-8 in the region. “Eric (Dippold) threw great for that being his first start in about two years; it was really impressive. Our pitching continues to keep us in games.”

Dippold allowed one run in three hits over four innings, striking out six. In relief, Konnor Hoffman allowed a run over two innings.

“Everything we came into the year wanting to accomplish is still there for us to accomplish,” said Morrison.

He added: “We have some big games coming up and can still do some damage and make a run. We will get a good practice in before Monday and come out ready to go.”

McDowell is 11-4 overall and 9-0 in Region 5 with two important games against Prep in the next two weeks.

Warren hosts Corry on Monday to begin a busy week.

STOUDT PITCHES GEM

Eisenhower traveled to Northwestern to face the Wildcats under the lights and found themselves on the losing end of a five-inning no- hitter, 12-0.

Senior Kaden Stoudt recorded the gem, throwing only 72 pitches, 50 of them strikes.