Fargo, ND – Anthony Fontana scored the winning run on a passed ball in the bottom of the ninth as the Jamestown Miller Lite Merchants started the season off on the right foot with a 6-5 victory over the Dilworth Raildogs.

“I knew we needed a baserunner,” Fontana said. “ I was very patient at the plate and ended up drawing a walk.”

The Merchants were given a solid start by Sam Hirchert. Sam battled through four innings, only giving up three runs.

In the fifth, Bryan Erstad broke open a 3-3 ball game with a two RBI double up in the Jetstream over the centerfielder’s head.

However, the Raildogs got those two runs right back in the sixth. Cole Honl crushed a two-run homer off reliever Brandon Baumgartner to tie things up.

“I guess that’s what happens when you throw a fastball letters high, right down the middle of plate,” Baumgartner said.

Dan Ross and Jameson Benson combined to throw three innings of scoreless relief to keep the score tied until Fontana scampered home in the ninth following the Raildogs’ third passed ball of the inning.

In his debut, New Jersey native Alec Sames reached base four times and also collected his first career hit as a Merchant.

Also, out of his semi-retirement, Steve Hirchert played a beautiful shortstop turning two double plays and navigating the position flawlessly.  Unfortunately for Steve he was hit by a pitch in the hand.  The x-rays were negative, but the doc told him he’d be on the shelf for 7-10 days.  The Merchants thought that might have been the last they’d see of Steve this year, but he assured them he’d be back with a vengeance.

The Miller Lite Merchants (1-0) will take part in the Moorhead Brewers Tournament at Jack Williams Stadium this weekend.

Moorhead Brewers Tournament Schedule:

Friday, May 19 – Pelican Rapids Lakers – 8:15 PM
Saturday, May 20 – Dilworth Raildogs – 11:00 AM
Saturday, May 20 – Moorhead Brewers – 5:45 PM