Josh Patton mugged for the camera over the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks dugout with four young fans following the game Tuesday night at Newman Outdoor Field.
The RedHawks third baseman was showing his appreciation for their support.
F-M also showed its appreciation on the field, scoring a 5-2 Northern League victory against the Gary SouthShore RailCats before 3,480 fans.
The RedHawks improved to 7-1 at Newman this season, including seven consecutive victories.
"You always want to put on a show for any fans," said Patton, who had two hits and scored a run. "But at home, these fans see you play 40 or 50 times."
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The RedHawks improved to 11-6 this year, and remain in first place in the NL Central North Division.
"If you can defend your home ballpark and make it tough for people to win here, the word gets around the league," said RedHawks closer Steve Montgomery, who earned his third save of the season. "The fans here get behind you no matter what you do. If you mess up they pick you up. You try to impress the fans."
RedHawks pitcher Greg Salvevold continued a trend of strong starts at Newman.
Salvevold pitched 6 2/3 solid innings against the RailCats, scattering eight hits, striking out five and allowing two runs.
He improved to 2-0 on the season.
In the eight home games at Newman, F-M starters have worked at least six innings per outing and have earned all seven victories.
The RedHawks are two games into a 10-game home stand with the first half just over a third complete.
"We have two 10-game home stands in this first half," Montgomery said. "We have to take care of business on those 10 games. You want to get a cushion as quick as you can and create some separation from the second-place team."
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While F-M has been solid at home, Patton said he likes his team's effort wherever it has played.
Of the RedHawks' five road defeats, four of them have been by one run. The other setback was a two-run loss.
"We've played well everywhere," Patton said. "I guess at home we're just getting the breaks you get at home."
NOTES: F-M first baseman Brian Becker extended his hitting streak to 12 games Tuesday with an RBI double in the fifth inning. ... Gary right-handed starter Matt Wagner was kicked out of the game in the bottom of the fifth inning for arguing a call at third base. ... RedHawks veteran right-handed pitcher Jeff Bittiger is scheduled to make his first start of the season tonight. ... Gary signed right-handed rookie pitcher Aaron Reid on Tuesday. Reid recently completed a college career at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Readers can reach Forum reporter
Eric Peterson at (701) 241-5513
