FARGO — The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks pulled off an impressive walk-off win against the Lincoln Saltdogs, avoiding a series sweep and giving their fans something to celebrate. The game ended dramatically in the 11th inning with a game-winning hit from Leo Pina, leading the RedHawks to a 4-3 victory at Newman Outdoor Field. The thrilling contest showcased the resilience of the home team, much to the delight of the 3,923 spectators in attendance.
Pina’s clutch single to center field in the bottom of the 11th inning brought home Sam Dexter, who began the inning at second base. Dexter advanced to third base on an intentional walk to Dillon Thomas, and Nick Novak followed with a crucial single to load the bases. Pina, focused on making contact, connected with the ball and sent it flying into the outfield, securing the important win for the RedHawks.
After the game, Pina humbly admitted that he was simply trying to make contact and did not even know what type of pitch he hit. Manager Chris Coste praised Pina’s performance, drawing parallels to his heroics in last year’s Miles Wolf Cup championship, where he also delivered a game-winning hit. Coste emphasized the significance of Pina’s contribution, recognizing the team’s struggles in finding timely hits over the past few months.
Lincoln had a strong start, taking a 3-0 lead in the second inning with key hits from Zane Zurbrugg and Nate Samson. However, Fargo-Moorhead battled back, narrowing the deficit to 3-2 in the fifth inning. Novak’s single to right field brought home Dexter for the RedHawks’ first run, and Novak himself later scored on Scott Schreiber’s sacrifice fly.
The RedHawks threatened to take the lead in the eighth inning, loading the bases with no outs. Dexter’s walk tied the game at 3-3, but the Saltdogs managed to escape further damage. The intensity of the game reached its peak in the 10th inning when outfielder Evan Alexander and bench coach Anthony Renz were ejected for protesting a clock violation. This incident provided the RedHawks with added motivation to secure the victory.
Pitching played a crucial role for the RedHawks, with Tyler Grauer pitching six innings and allowing three earned runs on eight hits while striking out six. Garrett Alexander and Tasker Strobel also made valuable contributions on the mound, but it was Reza Aleaziz who ultimately earned the win by pitching 3-1/3 no-hit innings in relief.
As the regular season approaches its end, the RedHawks currently sit in fifth place in the American Association’s West Division. With a record of 39-43, they trail division leader Kansas City by 8-1/2 games. To have a chance at making the postseason, Coste emphasized the importance of the team’s offense finding consistency and becoming a more potent threat at the plate. The RedHawks have struggled to generate runs in recent months, and without significant improvement, their season could come to an early conclusion.
The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks’ walk-off win against the Lincoln Saltdogs exemplified their resilience and determination, providing a much-needed victory to avoid a series sweep. Leo Pina’s heroics served as a reminder of his past championship-winning hit, solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer for the RedHawks. As the regular season winds down, Fargo-Moorhead will need to regain their offensive rhythm in order to make a push for the playoffs. With time running out, the RedHawks are focused on turning their fortunes around and aiming for success in the postseason.
