In game four of the Dakota Dust-Up rivalry series, the visiting Bismarck Larks were able to score early and score often on their way to an 8-3 victory in Minot.

The Larks left a runner at third base in the first inning but were able to drive in plenty in the second. Following back-to-back walks, Sam Richardson ripped a run-scoring double to right field. Richardson’s hit began a four-run inning that also included RBI hits by Sonnier Moses and Kyle Hvidsten. 

Minot found it difficult to reach base against Larks starter Ryan Radkey, but the fourth inning brought about some Hot Tots success. Matt Toomey quickly led off the inning with a single and was followed up by a Max Ortega double that brought Toomey across the plate. Ortega would come around to score, making the score 6-2 Larks after four.

The rest of the game was rather uneventful for the hitters, but important improvements were seen from the relievers. For the Hot Tots, Kaden Heathely, Jackson Duncan and Nolan Hines got them through an early move to the pen. Duncan went three innings while allowing two runs.

The ninth inning rally ended with a runner at first for the Tots, bringing about a final score of 8-3 Larks.

The Hot Tots travel to St. Cloud for games Saturday and Sunday. Don’t miss the Honeybees home opener, either, this weekend. First pitch on Saturday for the Bees and Steam will be at 5:05 pm CT.

Max Ortega was the night’s SportClips MVP, going 2-for-4 with the RBI double highlighting the night. Anthony Temesvary’s throwing out of an attempted Bismarck base stealer went down as the day’s First Command Play of the Game. The Hot Tots drew four Buffalo Wild Wings Walks, with Jacob Pearl taking claim to three of them.