Saltdogs Drop Series Rubber Game to RedHawks

(Photo courtesy of Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks)

Fargo, North Dakota- Thursday afternoon, at Newman Outdoor Field, the Lincoln Saltdogs were defeated by the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, 8-2.  After claiming the first game of the series, Lincoln dropped the final two games in the mid-week set.  Juan Fernandez and Andy Nelson hit home runs for Fargo-Moorhead, while Cary Arbolida hit his ninth home run of the year, for Lincoln, in the loss.

Fargo-Moorhead (34-30) scored eight runs, off eight hits, committed one error, and left six runners on base.  Lincoln (29-36) plated two runs, with eight hits, had one error, and left eight runners aboard.  Thursday afternoon’s game lasted two hours and thirty-two minutes and was played in front of 3,390 fans.

The RedHawks took the lead in the bottom of the second inning.  Facing Lincoln starter Graham Edwards, Tripp Clark hit a one-out single.  Then, Jairus Richards doubled to put runners at second and third.  The next batter, Brian Fuentes, singled, scoring Clark, to make it 1-0.

Lincoln tied the game in the top of the fourth.  Facing RedHawks starter Matt Walker, Cary Arbolida hit a one-out solo home run to left field, to tie the score at 1-1.

Fargo-Moorhead took the lead for good in the bottom of the fifth.  Aidan Byrne led off the inning with a single.  Then, Jesus Lujano bunted, to sacrifice Byrne to second base.  The next batter, Juan Fernandez, hit a two-run home run to center field, to make it a 3-1 RedHawks lead.

In the bottom of the sixth, Fargo-Moorhead cracked the game open with another home run.  Tripp Clark began the inning by reaching on an error, on a pop up down the right field line.  Jairus Richards reached on a fielder’s choice.  Then, Brian Fuentes drew a walk.  A double steal put runners at second and third.  Then, Andy Nelson hit a three-run home run to make it a 6-1 Fargo-Moorhead lead.

The gap for Lincoln to overcome grew in the bottom of the seventh.  Facing Lincoln reliever Trey Jones, Dillon Thomas reached on a one-out walk.  Jose Sermo singled.  Then, Tripp Clark singled, scoring Thomas.  A wild pitch moved Sermo to third.  Jairus Richards drew a walk.  Then, Brian Fuentes reached on a fielder’s choice, that scored Sermo, to make it 8-1.

The Saltdogs scored their final run in the top of the eighth.  Facing reliever Angelo Cabral, Calyn Halvorson led off the inning with a double.  Then, Jairo Pomares singled, scoring Halvorson, however, the 8-2 score ended up as the final.

Fargo-Moorhead starter Matt Walker (3-1) earned the win, pitching 6.0 innings, giving up one run, off four hits, struck out four and walked two.  Jon Beymer pitched 1.0 innings, yielding one hit and struck out one.  Angelo Cabral worked 2.0 innings, giving up one run, off three hits and struck out five.

Lincoln starter Graham Edwards (2-7) suffered the loss, pitching 6.0 innings, giving up six runs, off six hits, struck out five and walked two.  Trey Jones pitched 1.0 inning, yielding two runs, off two hits and walked two.  Ryan Spalliero pitched a clean eighth inning.

Offensively for the RedHawks, Juan Fernandez was 1-for-5 with a two-run home run.  Tripp Clark went 2-for-4 with an RBI.  Brian Fuentes went 1-for-3 with two runs knocked in.  Andy Nelson was 1-for-3 with a three-run home run.

For the Saltdogs, Jairo Pomares was 1-for-4 with an RBI.  Cary Arbolida went 2-for-3 with a solo home run.

Lincoln continues its season-long nine-game road trip by beginning a three-game series at the Winnipeg Goldeyes, Friday night.  RHP Alex Johnson (0-0, 6.00 ERA) will pitch for Lincoln.  LHP Ryo Kohigashi (5-2, 2.91 ERA) will take the mound for Winnipeg.  First pitch at Blue Cross Park will be 7:00 p.m.  The game will be broadcast on KFOR 101.5 FM/1240 AM and on: www.aabaseball.tv.

The next Saltdogs home game will be Friday, August 7^th, when Lincoln hosts the Winnipeg Goldeyes at Haymarket Park, beginning at 7:05 p.m.  That game will be FREE T-SHIRT FRIDAY! sponsored by Abante Marketing.  It is also The Arc of Lincoln Disability Empowerment Night.  In addition, there will be Post-Game Fireworks sponsored by Sandhills Global.  Plus, part of the Saltdogs 25th Season Celebration, there will be 25% off in the Souvenir Store.  For tickets, merchandise and more information, visit: www.saltdogs.com.