The Calgary Vipers busted open a one run game with five runs in the fifth inning to win 8-5 over the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks at Foothills Stadium in Calgary, Alberta. With the victory the Snakes take two of three from the RedHawks for the second time this season and move into sole possession of second place, one game behind division leading Winnipeg. Kazu Minami got his fourth win of the season going six innings, giving up three runs, walking nobody, and striking out eight.

 

Fargo-Moorhead scored first in the game in the second inning when, after a Darryl Lawhorn single and a Clint Johnston double, Kory Wayment hit a sacrifice fly to make it 1-0.

 

The Vipers responded right back in the bottom half with Mitch Evans leading off with a double. The next batter Kevin Price singled Evans home and then Drew Miller plated Price with a single giving Calgary the lead.

 

Calgary added to the lead in the fifth when with one out six batters in a row reached base. Nelson Castro singled, Carlos Duncan doubled to score Castro, Jason Colson walked, Evans singled bringing in Duncan, Kevin Price singled, and with the bases loaded Drew Miller hit a two run double to make it 6-1. Price capped off the inning scoring on a fielding error by shortstop Kory Wayment.
 

The RedHawks closed the gap in the sixth with two outs and the bases loaded. After three singles to load them up, Casey Haugen hit a two run single to right to pull Fargo-Moorhead within four at 7-3.

 

One run was taken back by the Snakes in the sixth when Castro singled, stole second, and scored on a Evans RBI single.

 

Things were made interesting in the seventh when Mike Just and Richard Austin hit solo homeruns to close the lead to 8-5.

 

But that is as close Fargo-Moorhead got as Daivis Burguillos came in for the two inning save giving up only one hit and striking out one in facing the minimum six batters. Castro made a great play to end the game converting a 6-3 double play.

 

Darryl Brinkley's 23 game hitting streak came to an end with an 0-5 night. Austin at first base made a great play on Brinkley's hot shot in the fifth inning to rob him of a base hit.

 

Vipers' Duncan, Evans, and Miller all had three hit nights with Miller also driving in three, while Castro and Price each singled twice.

 

Calgary now heads out onto the road where they are 8-2 this season. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday they will be in Edmonton to take on the Cracker-Cats and then next Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday in Kansas City to play the T-Bones. All games can be heard live online at www.am770chqr.com. The Snakes return home next Friday night for the double header starting at 6:05 PM (MDT) against Edmonton and then will wrap up the series Saturday at 5:05 PM (MDT) and Sunday at 1:35 PM (MDT). Tickets can be ordered by calling 277-BALL (2255).