Woodchippers stumble in series opener

Kaedan Fischer

FARGO — The Sioux City Explorers (39-35) jumped out to an early lead and stayed the course, winning 7-4 over the Fargo Woodchippers (35-40) on Tuesday night in front of 3,192 fans at Newman Outdoor Field. 

Eric Filia went 2-for-5 at the plate in his return to Fargo. Jesus Lujano also recorded two hits and Dillon Thomas worked two walks. 

Eric Chalus got the start, going four innings and allowing five runs on six hits. Mason Pelio and Jon Beymer both pitched a scoreless inning with two strikeouts in relief.  

RBI hits in the first and second innings gave the Explorers an early 2-0 lead.  

A Jesus Lujano bunt in the bottom half of the third forced a throwing error which scored a run, then Tucupita Marcano drove in the tying run with a fielder’s choice.  

A bases-clearing double extended the lead to three for Sioux City the next inning, but the lead was cut to one with a Tripp Clark RBI single and a Jesus Lujano sacrifice fly. 

Sioux City would tack on two insurance runs in the eighth and closed out the contest with five scoreless innings. 

The RedHawks are back in action on Wednesday for Game 2 of their three-game set against Sioux City. First pitch at Newman Outdoor Field is set for 7:02 p.m.