Kyle Crigger shines, Juan Fernandez homers twice as RedHawks defeat Canaries

Kaedan Fischer

FARGO — Kyle Crigger went seven scoreless innings and Juan Fernandez homered twice to lead the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks to an 8-1 win over the Sioux Falls Canaries (44-45) on Wednesday night at Newman Outdoor Field.

Crigger allowed just three hits and two walks while striking out six – his third consecutive start allowing one run or less – to earn the win. The Louisiana Tech alum dropped his ERA to 4.28 on the season, the second lowest mark among RedHawks starters.

Justin Lopez tossed the eighth inning, allowing one run and striking out one batter. Tyler Jeans closed out the game in the ninth with two strikeouts. 

Juan Fernandez returned for the first time in three days and provided an immediate jolt, clubbing two home runs and collecting four RBIs. Jose Sermo smacked a double, while Brian Fuentes grabbed three hits one day after going 4-for-5. 

The RedHawks jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning thanks to a passed ball and a Juan Fernandez RBI single. 

Fernandez extended the lead himself with his first home run in the third, then padded the lead again with a two-run shot in the fifth. 

Eric Filia and Jesus Lujano both drove in runs as well to give the RedHawks eight runs in the contest.

The RedHawks improved to 47-41 on the season with the win. They sit 4.5 games behind first-place Kansas City and one game behind second-place Winnipeg. They move to 3.5 games ahead of Sioux Falls and five games ahead of Sioux City.

The RedHawks will look to take the series on Thursday night in their final matchup of the regular season against the Canaries. First pitch at Newman Outdoor Field is set for 7:02 p.m.