FARGO, N.D. — Brian Ernst and Justin Erasmus combined to throw a four-hit shutout as the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (16-9) topped the Saltdogs (11-14) 6-0 in front of 3,051 fans at Newman Outdoor Field Tuesday night.
Ernst (2-2) went six innings, allowing three hits with four walks and three strikeouts to earn the win.
The RedHawks jumped out to a 3-0 lead through three, and plated runs in three of the next four frames, highlighted by a pair of homers from catcher Petey Paramore.
Nick Green (0-2) tossed six innings, allowing five runs on 12 hits, with four strikeouts and no walks to suffer the loss.
Chad Mozingo went 2-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base in the losing effort. Mozingo added to his league-leading steals total, now at 13.
The Saltdogs were shutout for the first time in 2014, and have dropped four of the first five games against the RedHawks this year.
The clubs are back at it Wednesday night at 7:02 p.m. for the second game of the three-game series. RHP Joe Bisenius (1-1, 3.70) will take the hill for the 'Dogs against RHP Drew Bowlin (1-0, 1.56). Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.
The Saltdogs return to Haymarket Park Friday night for a weekend series against division-leading Gary SouthShore. For tickets, please visit www.saltdogs.com.