FARGO, ND --- The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks couldn’t keep up with Saint Paul’s offense Friday night, losing 11-7 in an offensive slugfest that included 28 total hits (10 FM) (18 STP).
The RedHawks scored six of their runs in the bottom of the third on six hits, including a two-RBI single by Keury De La Cruz, an RBI double by Josh Mazzola, and a three-RBI double by Charlie Valerio to give them a 6-2 lead.
The Saints cut the lead to one when Anthony Gallas went deep for a three-run HR in the top of the fifth off of Will Solomon who picked up a no-decision while giving up five earned runs on 11 hits while striking out three in 5.1 innings of work.
The Saints got their starter, John Straka, off the hook in the top of the seventh with a six-run inning of their own, tacking four on Tyler Thompson and two on Will Dennis.
The RedHawks used five pitchers before turning the ball over to Mazzola in the ninth to save their bullpen. The starting 3B pitched his second scoreless inning of the season walking one and striking out one.
Caleb Thielbar pitched a scoreless ninth for St. Paul to even the series at 1-1.
Winning Pitcher: Brandon Peterson (2-0)
Losing Pitcher: Tyler Thompson (2-2)
What’s Next?: The rubber match is scheduled for tomorrow at 6:00 pm. Tyler Alexander is scheduled to start for the RedHawks.