Friday, August 12, 2022

FARGO, N.D. ⁠— Returning from a quick three-game road trip, the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks returned to the friendly confines of Newman Outdoor Field on Friday, to open a seven-game homestand and the first of three against the Chicago Dogs. Both teams are in first place in their respective divisions with the RedHawks coming off two wins and a loss in Lincoln. The ‘Hawks have a two-game lead in the West over Kansas City, while Chicago, who’s in the midst of a six-game losing streak, is trying to hold on to a four and a half game lead over Kane County in the East Division.

Left-hander Kevin McGovern made his 17^th appearance for the RedHawks against Chicago’s Jordan Kipper, with both pitchers looking for their eighth win of the season. But was the offense that would start the game as the Dogs would get the first run in the top of the first, when second baseman Grant Kay hit a bases loaded, two-out single that would score Charlie Tilson and give Chicago an early 1-0 lead.

The RedHawks would tie the game in the bottom of the first as third baseman Leo Pinã hit his 50^th RBI of the season as a single to left would score Peter Maris. Maris would add to the home team’s lead in the bottom of the fourth as he would bring in Nick Novak on a two-out single and give the RedHawks a 2-1 advantage. The RedHawks’ lead would go to three as Maris, the reigning AAPB Batter of the Week (August 1-7), hit his second RBI of the game that would score Novak again and giving the RedHawks a 4-1 lead.

Kipper came out in the bottom of the sixth with what appeared to be some discomfort in his right leg after walking Sam Dexter on four pitches. He would get the loss and go to a record of 7-5 as he pitched 5.0 innings, allowing three runs on nine hits with seven strikeouts and two walks.     

McGovern would dominate after giving up the first-inning run, holding the Dogs scoreless through six innings as he struck out nine batters. However, McGovern would give up another run in the top of the seventh as a two-out wild pickoff throw to first would score Anfernee Grier, cutting the lead to 4-2. McGovern would come out after the 7^th inning, giving up two earned runs on seven hits with nine strikeouts and no walks as was the winning pitcher as he goes to eight wins and three losses on the year. After tonight’s win, McGovern continues to lead the American Association with 116 strikeouts.

The RedHawks would turn to Joe Jones in the eighth inning as he struck out two and walked two before handing the ball off to Alex DuBord in the ninth. DuBord allowed one hit and struck out two and picked up his league-leading 21^st save of the year as the RedHawks pitching staff leads the AAPB in ERA (4.38), wins-losses (49-28) saves (24) and has the lowest earned runs (329) in 2022.

The RedHawks continue the series against the Dogs with game two taking place on Saturday with first pitch set for 6:00 p.m. Lefty Tyler Grauer (7-3, 3.43 ERA) will get the start for the ‘Hawks as Chicago will start right-hander Johnathon Tripp (2-1, .380 ERA)

All games will be broadcast live on AABaseball.tv and on 740 The Fan (KNFL 790 AM & 104.3 FM). After this series, the RedHawks continue the homestand with four games against Sioux Falls, beginning on Monday.

BOXSCORE

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