Five-Run Frame Not Enough for RedHawks to Overcome Early Deficit
FARGO, N.D. – The Winnipeg Goldeyes used the RedHawks’ winning formula against them as they held onto an early lead to win 9-5 in front of 2,435 fans at Newman Outdoor Field on Wednesday night. Goldeyes right fielder Max Murphy reached base five times and was a triple short of the cycle in the win.
Fargo-Moorhead didn’t get the offense going until the fourth inning, as they scored five runs on five hits (three with two outs) to cut into the Goldeyes early lead. It was the third straight game in which the RedHawks scored five or more runs in an inning. Designated hitter Kevin Krause was 4-for-5 with an RBI in the game. Dylan Kelly (2-for-3, walk, RBI, run scored) and Alex Boxwell (2-for-4, RBI, run scored) were the only other RedHawks’ batters with more than one hit in the loss.
RedHawks’ starter Bret Helton (3-3) pitched five innings and gave up seven runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out two batters. Helton got the loss and was replaced by RHP Alex DuBord in the sixth inning. DuBord pitched for two innings and gave up one run on two hits and a walk. RHP Michael Hope and LHP Tevin Murray each pitched one inning, with Hope giving up a run on two hits.
Winnipeg scored a combined seven runs in the third and fourth innings to jump out to a 7-0 lead. Max Murphy then hit a solo home run in the sixth inning to extend the lead. Murphy was 4-for-4 with a home run, two doubles, a walk, two RBIs, and three runs scored in the game. Kyle Martin (2-for-3, walk) and Raul Navarro (2-for-4, walk) each had three RBIs in the game.
Goldeyes right-handed starter Mike Webb gave up five runs on eight hits and two walks in four innings pitched. RHP Kyle Thomas (1-2) got his first win of the season after pitching three innings and allowing only one hit and one walk. Thomas struck out two batters and faced only one over the minimum in his appearance. Left-handed pitchers Travis Seabrooke and Jose Jose each pitched for the second straight night and combined to allow only one hit and one walk in the eighth and ninth innings.
The RedHawks and Goldeyes will conclude their series with a business day game at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoon at Newman Outdoor Field. Thursday’s starters are still to be determined.
By Chad Ekren, Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
