Kyle Nichols homered off Kansas City T-Bones’ (25-33) closer Andy Shipman (1-4) to tie the game at one in the bottom of the ninth, and drove in the game-winning run on a sacrifice fly in the 10th to give the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (27-31) a 2-1 win in the first game of a four-game series on Thursday night.
 
Both starters were brilliant for their respective teams as the game remained scoreless until the top of the sixth inning. Keanon Simon opened the scoring when he led off the sixth with a double against Zach Ward and advanced to third on a groundout by Rico Washington. The next batter, Ray Sadler, reached on dribbler down the third-base line that brought Simon home for a 1-0 advantage.

Ward went nine-plus innings for the RedHawks, leaving after surrendering a leadoff single to Gerardo Caceres in the top of the 10th. The right-hander allowed the lone run on 11 hits but did not factor into the decision.

Devin Anderson threw six and one-thirds scoreless innings for Kansas City before leaving with an apparent injury. The left-hander surrendered just four hits in the outing. Kyle Dahman took over and added one and two-thirds scoreless frames, striking out three in that span before giving way to Shipman.

Nichols was the first to greet Shipman in the ninth and quickly tied the game on the second pitch of the at bat. The blast handed Shipman his fifth blown save in 14 tries this season.

Kansas City put two runners on in the 10th inning but Donnie Smith (1-1) struck out Jim Fasano to end the threat. Zach Penprase opened the bottom half of the inning with a bunt single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Carlo Cota. After an intentional walk to Nic Jackson and a six-pitch walk to Jesse Hoorelbeke, Nichols hit a 1-0 pitch to center field for the game-winning sacrifice fly.

Shipman was charged with two runs on three hits and two walks over one and two-thirds innings in the loss. Nichols finished two-for-four with two RBI.

Kansas City has yet to announce a starter for Friday’s matchup while right-hander Alex Caldera (5-2, 2.46) will take the mound for the RedHawks. First pitch is set for 7:02 p.m. To catch all the action while the team is on the road, listen live on KUDL Radio Bach 1660 AM or online at www.tbonesbaseball.com.