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The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks got a stellar start from Brian Ernst but the Wichita Wingnuts rallied for three runs in the final two inning to win 3-1 on Monday night at Newman Outdoor Field in Fargo, ND.

Locked in a pitcher’s duel, both the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks’ and the Wichita Wingnuts’ hitters were kept at a distance by the starting pitchers. Through five complete innings, the ‘Hawks’ starter Brian Ernst only allowed on hit (a double to David Espinosa in the fourth), while ‘Nuts’ Frank Del Valle gave up five hits in the same period of time.

Both of the hurlers kept the opponent from crossing the home plate. That was true until the bottom of the sixth, when 3,426 fans in attendance exploded in a standing ovation, when Erik Castro belted a solo home run that almost hooked foul in the right field to give the home team a 1-0 lead.

After six innings, Frank Del Valle left the game with 6 hits and 1 earned run. During his time on the mound, the Wingnuts were able to only get two hits and no runs in support. That was due to Ernst’s superb pitching performance. Ernst continued his dominance in the office into the top of the eight, when he gave up a lead-off double to Jake Luce. That summed up Ernst’s night, who went impressive 7+ innings pitched, giving up one earned run, as Luce would come around to score after a sacrifice bunt and a double.

More trouble for the ‘Hawks came in the top of the ninth. After a single, fielder’s choice and two straight walks by Harris, Kevin Fuqua came in to save the day. He was, however, unable to do so, and his single given up to Ryan Khoury meant two runs coming home safely for a 3-1 Wichita lead.

The RedHawks made a good run at it in the bottom of the ninth. Petey Paramore opened up the frame with a walk,a nd Sawyer Carroll roped a single to right.

That was all it for the RedHawks, as both Brandon Tripp and Travis Higgs struck out, and Penprase grounded into a fielder’s choice.

On the evening, Joe Harris was the one suffering the loss (4-2), and Alex Hinshaw got the win (2-1). Matt Nevarez shut the door and got his 19^th save on the season.

Third game of the four-game series, out of the total 8 straight home games for the RedHawks is scheduled for tomorrow night, Tuesday, August 5, with first pitch at 7:02pm. Purchase your tickets at www.fmredhawks.com or by calling (701) 235-6161.