Jose Sermo breaks RedHawks single-season home run record
Dylan Engel
FARGO — Jose Sermo etched his name into the RedHawks record books Friday, notching his 30th home run of the season in the seventh inning of a 2-1 loss to the Milwaukee Milkmen in front of a sellout crowd of 4,407 fans at Newman Outdoor Field.
On a 2-1 count in the bottom of the seventh, Sermo launched a 376-foot blast off the light pole in left field. The blast moved him past Jesse Hoorelbeke’s 29 home runs in 2010 for the most in a single season by a RedHawks batter.
Sermo opened the season with six home runs in his first seven games, including his 150th career AAPB home run that moved him into second place on the all-time list.
After winning the Home Run Derby over the All-Star break in Lincoln, Sermo returned to Newman Outdoor Field and smacked seven home runs in four games, including three in a single game on July 18 against the Chicago Dogs.
His home run Friday brought him to 171 in his AAPB career, one behind active leader Jabari Henry. His 30 home runs is also a single-season career high.
Starting tonight on the mound for the RedHawks was Patrick Wicklander, who tossed seven innings and allowed just two runs. Justin Lopez and Henson Leal both pitched scoreless innings in relief.
Matt Kroon extended his on-base streak to 11 games with a walk, and Jesus Lujano collected his 15th hit in his last six games.
The RedHawks (48-42) will look to even the series against the Milkmen (54-37) on Saturday night. First pitch at Newman Outdoor Field is set for 6 p.m.
