FARGO,ND -- After losing the first two games of the weekend series in Fargo, and extending their most recent losing streak to seven games,  the Sioux Falls Canaries turned to veteran right-hander Kyle Ruwe in search of a win on Sunday afternoon at Newman Outdoor Field.

Ruwe made his first start since suffering the 13-5 loss at home against Laredo on Tuesday night, his worst outing of the season and first loss in over a month, allowing a season high 13 runs on 17 hits.

Ruwe was masterful against the Fargo-Moorhead offense on Sunday afternoon, inducing 13 groundball outs and walking one batter while striking out two over seven strong innings enroute to the 4-3 Canaries win.

The Canaries extended their 2-1 lead in the top of the sixth inning after back-to-back singles from Carlos Mendez and Chris Valencia when Matt Hitt drilled a two-run single into right field, giving the Birds a 4-1 lead.  Hitt continues to impress at the plate, going 1-for-3 with 2 RBI on Sunday afternoon, and has now hit safely in all eight games with Sioux Falls this season.

The RedHawks' offense was silent much of the afternoon, but mounted a small comeback in the seventh inning when center fielder Nick Jackson led off the frame with a double and later advanced to third on a wild pitch.  Petey Paramore drove in Jackson on an RBI single to center, Parmore's second RBI of the day.  The RedHawks' threat was short-lived though, with the Canaries defense turning one of three double plays to end the inning.

The Canaries victory didn't come without some late inning drama.  Fargo mounted one last attack in the bottom of the ninth against Canaries closer Alan DeRatt, who gave up a leadoff single to CJ Retherford, who later scored on a Paramore groundout to Mendez at third.  DeRatt wrapped up the win, and his 11th save of the season, after striking out slugger Brandon Tripp for the final out.

The Canaries continue their week-long roadtrip on Monday night in St. Paul with a 7:05 PM first pitch from Midway Stadium.  All-Star pitcher Kyle Vazquez (4-4, 3.66 ERA) takes the mound for Sioux Falls against St. Paul starting pitcher Jeff Shields (5-4, 2.95 ERA).

 

Kyle Ruwe, Sioux Falls Canaries
Sioux Falls Canaries
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Courtesy:  Sioux Falls Canaries

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