The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks got strong pitching from three hurlers to snap a four-game slide and topple the Saltdogs 5-3 in the series opener at Haymarket Park Monday night.
Jesse Hoorelbeke launched a solo home run to right center in the top of the second inning to open the game’s scoring, and end a 19-inning scoreless drought for the RedHawks.
Rafael Alvarez then gave the Saltdogs their lone lead of the game with a two-run homer to right in the bottom of the second.
The decisive frame came in the top of the fifth, when Fargo-Moorhead rallied for four two-out runs, highlighted by a three-run shot by Nic Jackson.
Dan Blewett (1-3) pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on five hits to earn the victory. Vince Bongiovanni (1-3) gave up five runs in six innings to suffer the loss. Donnie Smith worked a hitless ninth to notch his fourth save.
Rookie right-hander Kevin Fuqua tossed a perfect 1 1/3 innings as a bridge from the starter to the RedHawks closer.
Fargo-Moorhead improves to 6-1 on the season against Lincoln, and is just 28-45 against the rest of the American Association.
The teams meet again Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. for game two of the four-game series.
