By Nick Ironside, Globe Correspondent

Bowden threw a perfect game, secured in the final inning by senior center fielder Randeley Lora’s spectacular over-the-shoulder catch. The Bulldogs went on to win their season opener, 5-0, over the Magicians.

Lora’s catch was clutch, but the day belonged to Bowden.

“It’s such a thrill,” said Lynn English coach Joe Caponigro, who has been at the school for nine years. “It was outstanding, and I’ve never been part of a perfect game.”

Marblehead’s assistant coach Tom Roundy, who kept the scorebook for the game, described Bowden’s performance as “incredible.”

Bowden recorded 14 strikeouts in seven innings, fanning six consecutive batters at one point.

Caponigro said the Bulldogs' inexperience last year contributed to a first round knockout in the playoffs. This season he thinks the pitching staff has matured and will play a big role in where the team finishes.

“I think we have a solid pitching staff and we’ll go as far as they can take us,” he said.

At 6-foot-4, 200-pound Bowden is an imposing figure on the mound. The southpaw, who has been clocked throwing as high at 89 miles per hour, has already received interest from several Division 1 college programs. He also went 2 for 2 with a single and a double. He was walked twice -- once intentionally – and left Caponigro more than impressed with his opening day performance.

“[Bowden] was snapping off his curveball and his fastball was moving,” Caponigro said. “He’s got a major league changeup and everything was working for him today.”