HARRISBURG — A rough first inning spoiled things for pitcher Beau Sulser and the Curve on Friday night.

Sulser, the club’s co-pitcher of the year, allowed three runs on three hits and also committed a throwing error in the first. The Senators rode that early lead to a 4-1 win over Altoona at FNB Field.

The Curve are one game above .500 with three games left.

Sulser (8-3) has had a strong season, pitching mostly in relief before moving to the starting rotation late in the year. He was selected to the Eastern League All-Star Game and shared the Curve yearly pitching honor with Pedro Vasquez.

Sulser allowed four runs — three earned — on six hits over six innings with six strikeouts and three walks.

Altoona’s lone run scored in the eighth inning on an RBI single by Brett Pope.

Kyle McGowin (1-1) won for Harrisburg, tossing seven shutout innings and giving up only three hits. He dominated with 11 strikeouts and didn’t walk a batter.

Game recap

Key player: RHP Kyle McGowin allowed only three hits and struck out 11 over seven shutout innings for Harrisburg.

Key play: The Senators scored three runs in the first inning.

Key stat: The Curve are one game over .500 with three games left.

How they scored

Bottom 1st: Garcia singled, scored on Sagdal fielder’s choice (0-1); Bichette reached on fielder’s choice, scored on Banks single (0-2); Wiseman bases-loaded walk scored Sagdal (0-3).

Bottom 4th: Garcia doubled, scored on Sagdal single (0-4).

Top 8th: Valerio singled, scored on Pope single (1-4).