FARGO, N.D. — The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (47-25) scored five runs in the bottom of the seventh to take their first lead and did not look back in a 9-5 win over the Saltdogs (29-43) in front of 4,469 fans at Newman Outdoor Field Friday night.
Lincoln held a lead the entire way until that fateful last of the seventh rally by Fargo, highlighted by a two-run homer by Ryan Stovall.
Jake Laber (5-5) pitched seven innings, allowing four runs on nine hits while fanning three and walking none to earn the win. Moises Melendez (0-2) allowed three runs on three hits in 2/3 of an inning to take the loss.
The Saltdogs held leads of 1-0, 3-0, 3-2, and 4-2 before RedHawks sprung for the late lead.
Mike Provencher finished the night 3-for-4 with a home run, double, two runs, two RBI and stolen base. Matt Forgatch went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI.
Justin Edwards allowed four runs on eight hits in six-plus innings while striking out five and walking four.
The RedHawks are now 7-0 against the Saltdogs on the season and have won 37 of their last 45 games.
The game was delayed 88 minutes at the start due to rain.
The clubs meet again Saturday night at 6 p.m. for game two of the three-game set. Tommy Palica (2-6, 7.48) will take the bump against former first-round pick Tyler Herron (6-3, 3.92). Radio coverage begins at 5:30 p.m. on KFOR 1240.