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The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, despite an eight strikeout outing by Jake Laber, were unable to finish the sweep of the Sioux Falls Canaries and lost 4-3 on Sunday afternoon at Newman Outdoor Field in front of 3,763 fans.

Laber, the RedHawks starter, got into early trouble in the top of the first. After giving up a lead-off double to Steven Tinoco, sacrifice bunt and a walk meant runners at the corners. After striking out Chris Duffy for out number 2, Carlos Mendez reached on an error by shortstop Zach Penprase, which let Tinoco to cross home safely. Chris Valencia hit an RBI single, bringing home A.J. Kirby-Jones for a 2-0 lead for the visitors.

The RedHawks could not find a way to bring any runs in until the fourth inning, only having one base runner in each of the first four innings, up until Petey Paramore doubled to center field, scoring Nic Jackson to lower the Sioux Falls’ lead to 2-1.

Laber, just one win away from tying the RedHawks franchise record was moving smoothly through the Sioux Falls line-up, besides giving up two unearned runs in the first caused by an error. The biggest trouble came in the top of the sixth frame. Carlos Mendez and Chris Valencia went back-to-back with singles, and a well-placed bloop single by Matt Hitt scored two more, putting the Canaries ahead by three runs, with score 4-1.

Bottom of the seventh saw the RedHawks come closer to the Canaries, as Petey Paramore scored Nic Jackson from second, who previously doubled for cutting the Sioux Falls lead to 4-2.

One more run for the home team came in the bottom of the ninth frame. C.J. Retherford kept the ‘Hawks alive with a single to left, and with one out, Jackson reached on an error by the second baseman. Petey Paramore’s RBI 5-3 ground out scored Retherford for a 4-3 score.

The RedHawks, however, were unable to add any more runs and came short in the ballgame.

On the afternoon, Laber went 6.0 innings with 8 strikeouts in front of 3,763 fans, while being unable to tie the win record, suffering the loss and moving to 6-6 on the year. Kyle Ruwe (5-5) earned the win for the Canaries. Alan DeRatt closed the door in the ninth for his 11^th save on the year.

The RedHawks return to Newman Outdoor Field on Friday July 25 against the St. Paul Saints. Purchase your tickets at www.fmredhawks.com or by calling (701) 235-6161.