Matt Walker, RedHawks even series with Explorers
Kaedan Fischer
FARGO — Matt Walker twirled his fourth quality start in his last five starts, guiding the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks to a 9-1 win over the Sioux City Explorers (35-41) on Wednesday night in front of 2,979 fans at Newman Outdoor Field.
Walker pitched six innings and struck out five batters, allowing just one run on three hits. The RedHawks (40-35) improved to 6-1 in games Walker starts.
Justin Lopez, Jon Beymer and Kahler Key all tossed scoreless innings in relief.
Jose Sermo launched his 27th home run of the season in the seventh inning. With two runners on, Sermo lifted a towering 102-mph blast over the wall in right field.
The veteran switch-hitter is now two home runs back of the RedHawks single-season record of 29, set by Jeese Hoorelbeke in 2010. Sermo remains four home runs behind Jabari Henry for the AAPB career home run lead.
Juan Fernandez and Tucupita Marcano both smacked two hits, and Dillon Thomas worked two walks for the second straight day. Matt Kroon also extended his hitting streak to 19 games, the longest such streak by a RedHawks batter this season.
Sioux City’s only run came in the third inning when they manufactured a run thanks to a single, two steals and an RBI groundout.
The RedHawks put up five runs in the bottom of the third with three singles, two walks, a hit by pitch, a sacrifice fly and a sacrifice bunt.
The RedHawks will go for their 10th straight series victory at home on Thursday with their rubber match against the Explorers in the season’s final business day game. First pitch at Newman Outdoor Field is set for 12:30 p.m.
