RedHawks Fall to Monarchs But George Streak Continues
FARGO, N.D. – The RedHawks’ offense was limited to six hits by the Kansas City pitching staff on Wednesday night as the Monarchs (46-24) rolled to a 7-1 win over Fargo-Moorhead (41-31) in the series finale in front of 2,533 fans at Newman Outdoor Field. The RedHawks picked up their second straight series win after taking the first two games from Kansas City.
RHP Gage Hinsz (4-5) started for the RedHawks and allowed five runs on six hits and seven walks in four innings pitched. Hinsz got the loss and was replaced in the fifth inning by RHP Jon Ludwig (0-0) after allowing a two-run home run, a single, and a walk to start the frame. Ludwig pitched 2.1 innings and gave up an unearned run on one hit and a walk. RHP Michael Hope (6-1) came into the game in the seventh inning and pitched 2.2 innings, allowing only one run on two hits and two walks.
It was a night to forget in the batter’s box as the RedHawks tied their season high with 12 strikeouts in the game. Dylan Kelly (2-for-3, walk, RBI) was the only batter with more than one hit and the only batter to drive in a run for the RedHawks. Jordan George tied his season high with three walks in the game and extended his on-base streak to 52 games, four games shy of the American Association all-time mark.
RHP Keyvius Sampson (1-0) got the win for the Monarchs after giving up only one run on four hits in 5.1 innings pitched. RHP Justin Donatella (2-0) relieved Sampson in the sixth inning and pitched 2.2 scoreless innings. Donatella allowed only one hit and two walks while striking out three batters. RHP Jameson McGrane (5-1) pitched in the ninth inning and allowed a hit but struck out a batter and didn’t allow a run.
Kansas City was held to only one hit through the first three innings before scoring three runs in the fourth to open the scoring. Collin Willis (1-for-4, walk, 2 RBIs) and Gabriel Guerrero (2-for-4, walk, 2 RBIs) each hit two-run home runs in the Monarchs’ win.
Fargo-Moorhead will continue its playoff push and head on the road to play a three-game series against the Sioux City Explorers (39-31) at Lewis & Clark Park beginning Friday, August 6. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. on Friday night. The RedHawks will return to Newman Outdoor Field on Tuesday, August 10 to play a series against the Kane County Cougars (33-38).
By Chad Ekren, Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
