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The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks are scheduled to host the Sioux City Explorers in the start of a four-game series beginning at 7:02 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at Newman Outdoor Field. Fargo-Moorhead returns home after taking three of four games over the Saltdogs in Lincoln from July 2-July 5, their fifth-consecutive series win. The RedHawks have won 13 of their last 17 games and lead the Winnipeg Goldeyes by three games in the North Division standings. Paul Burnside (3-5, 5.52) is expected to start for the ‘Hawks and the Explorers will send Preston Olson (1-2, 6.84) to the mound in the series opener.   

 

The Sioux City Explorers enters tonight’s game with a 21-25 record and are currently in fourth place of the Central Division standings. Stan Cliburn is in his third season as manager of Sioux City. The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks and Sioux City Explorers are set to play 11 games this season -- all scheduled in the month of July. The RedHawks are 88-60 all-time against the Explorers. Both teams began playing one another in 1996 as members of the Northern League and continued matchups in 2011, after Sioux City moved to the American Association in 2006. Last year, the RedHawks went 4-2 against the Explorers. Nic Jackson and Buddy Sosnoskie were among the top hitters for the ‘Hawks against Sioux City, each batting above .300. Alex Caldera and Paul Burnside each earned victories and Joe Harris appeared in three games in 4 1/3 innings.

 

The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks radio home is The Fan 740 AM. Scott Miller serves as the voice of the RedHawks for his eighth season. Pregame starts 20 minutes before the scheduled first pitch. Home games can also be watched live for free on livestream.com/fmredhawks. 

 

The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks have a combined team ERA of 3.27, which is best in the American Association. This in part can be attributed to three starters ranked in the top 10 in the league for ERA. Jake Laber (6th), Taylor Stanton (7th) and Alex Caldera (9th) each have sub-3.00 ERA’s and have a combined 15-8 record during the 2013 season.

 

The number four has been prevalent in some big performances at the plate recently. C.J. Retherford and Buddy Sosnoskie both came up big at opportune times in the four-game series at Lincoln. On July 2, the game was tied at 2-2 before a two-run home run by Retherford eventually helped push the ‘Hawks ahead in an 11-2 victory. Retherford finished with 4 RBIs in the game. Sosnoskie would come in the clutch on July 4, picking up four hits in an 8-4 defeat of the ‘Dogs. Sosnoskie also had three RBIs and three runs scored in the game.

 

Ron Bourquin and Keith Brachold had impressive June’s at the plate for the RedHawks. Bourquin led the club hitting .365 (35-for-96) with five home runs, 22 RBIs, seven doubles and 21 runs. Brachold provided the power with a team-high seven home runs, while hitting .340 (36-for-106) with eight doubles, 20 RBIs and 25 runs scored. Each player has also played in every game for the ‘Hawks this season.

 

RedHawks reliever Joe Harris is having another outstanding season out of the bullpen. Pitchinhg in 23 games this -- one back of a league-high for appearances -- Harris continues to be tough to hit. The lefty leads the club with a 1.78 ERA and has four wins. This season, left-handed batters are hitting .179, while righties are hitting .150 off Harris.

 

Tim Alberts               Runs (39)                                 3rd

                                    Extra-Base Hits (28)              3rd

Alex Caldera             Wins (7)                                 Tied-1st          

                                    Starter’s ERA (2.92)               9th

Chase Johnson       Saves (11)                               3rd

Zach Penprase         Stolen Bases (18)                 2nd

Joe Harris                  Appearances (23)                  5th

Taylor Stanton           Complete Games (2)         Tied-1st

                                     Starter’s ERA (2.84)               7th

Ron Bourquin            Batting Average (.327)           9th

 

53… Team-high number of strikeouts by Alex Caldera (Tied-5th in AA)

24… Consecutive game on-base streak for Nic Jackson, sixth-longest in AA in 2013

4… Number of consecutive wins for Alex Caldera, second highest streak in AA in 2013

3… Number of players hitting above .300 in the last 10 games (Ourso, Sosnoskie, Brachold)

12… Number of wins away from 1,000 in club history for the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks