FARGO, N.D. — Pete Parise was impressive in his first start back from the disabled list but Jake Laber was even better as the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (9-9) topped the Saltdogs (9-8) 3-1 in front of 2.504 fans at Newman Outdoor Field Monday night.
Parise (2-1) pitched 6 1/3 innings in his first start since May 22, allowing just one earned on six hits but took the loss. Laber (2-1) went 6 1/3 as well, allowing one unearned run to record the victory.
The Saltdogs scored their lone run on a Dennis Raben sacrifice fly in the seventh. They had the possible tying runner in scoring position with one out but RedHawks reliever Nathan Kilcrease struck out two straight to get out of the jam.
Fargo-Moorhead scored runs in the fourth, fifth, and eighth to win their fourth straight, and 10th consecutive game against Lincoln.
Chase Johnson booked the final two outs to pick up his fifth save.
David Espinosa went 2-for-4 with a double and a run in the losing effort.
The clubs are back at it Tuesday night at 7:02 p.m. for game two of the four-game series. Nate Moreau (0-2, 6.43) will square off against Paul Burnside (0-3, 9.49). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
The Saltdogs return home June 7 to take on the Explorers. For ticket information, please visit www.saltdogs.com.