Fargo, ND – “We just couldn’t get that big hit when we needed it,” stated Merchant centerfielder Bryan Erstad. The Merchants ended up stranding ten runners in the title game of the Herd & Horns Invitational at Jack Williams Stadium in Fargo over the weekend.

The Miller Lite Merchants out hit the Moorhead Brewers eight to four in the title game. However, the Brewers were able to string three of those four hits together in the fifth and score the only run of the ball game as they claimed the title beating the Merchants 1-0.

Sam Hirchert had a stellar outing on the mound for the Merchants, going all seven innings and only giving up one run.

Jared J-Rod Purdy led the Merchants at the plate going three for four. Dakotah Kirchenwitz and Bryan Erstad each added two hits.

The Merchants swept through pool play by beating the FM Gators 7-2 on Friday night behind the strong pitching performance of Steve Hirchert and another three hit game by J-Rod.

On Saturday, the M’s beat the Pelican Rapids Lakers 3-2 to clinch a spot in the title game. Brandon Baumgartner went the distance for the Merchants throwing all seven, in what was a sloppy game by both the teams.

The Merchants (3-1) look to rebound on Wednesday against Pelican Rapids, game time is moved back to 7:30pm at Helling Field.