The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks had been as explosive as the grand finale at a fireworks show in recent weeks. However, the team returns home for the Fourth of July weekend low on gun powder.
Yurendell DeCaster has signed with the New York Yankees organization, first baseman Randall Simon is likely out for the weekend with leg injuries and backup catcher Kole Zimmerman is out indefinitely with a knee injury.
"What you saw seven days ago, you won't see (tonight) at Newman Outdoor Field," RedHawks manager Doug Simunic said. "I'm just trying to get to the break is what I'm trying to do. If I can get to the break, maybe I can get it fixed."
The RedHawks start a three-game home series vs. Joliet at 7:02 tonight, the last three games before the Northern League All-Star break.
Despite losing their last two games at Gary, the RedHawks have won 12 of their last 17 to improve to 20-20.
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RETURNING ALL FIRED UP
The following are four reasons for the RedHawks' recent surge:
Hot Piepkorn
Jeremiah Piepkorn (pictured above) has been on a torrid pace since June 11, batting .467 (28-for-60) in 16 games, including 17 runs, four doubles, one triple, six home runs and 17 RBIs.
"He's dangerous at any time," RedHawks manager Doug Simunic said. "He's a good solid player with a lot of good upside."
Home cooking
The RedHawks are 7-1 in their past eight home games, scoring an eye-popping 85 runs in those games. F-M has a .374 team batting average in those eight games. The RedHawks were 4-9 in their first 13 games at Newman Outdoor Field this season.
Better Broc
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Left-handed starter Broc Coffman is 3-0 in his last four starts with a 1.88 ERA. He's allowed 15 hits and five earned runs in his last 24 innings, including a two-hit shutout to start his hot streak.
In those last four starts, Coffman lowered his ERA from 6.94 to 4.37.
"He keeps making those little subtle adjustments and every time he makes one, it seems to pay off for him," RedHawks manager Doug Simunic said. "He's been very positive in everything he's done."
Highly offensive
F-M has averaged eight runs per game in its last 17 games. The RedHawks are averaging 6.6 runs per game this season and have scored a league-best 263 runs. The RedHawks have hit 56 home runs and stolen 57 bases through the first 40 games.
