Goldeyes Take American Association Title with 8-3 Win

The Winnipeg Goldeyes beat the Wichita Wingnuts 8-3 Friday night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in Wichita to win the 2012 American Association Championship Series in three straight games.

The championship is the first by a Winnipeg professional sports franchise since the Goldeyes won the Northern League title in 1994.

The Goldeyes opened the scoring in a big way with a five-run second inning, as Luis Alen singled in Josh Mazzola, Mike Coles doubled in Alen, Amos Ramon singled in Coles and Chris Roberson doubled in Ramon and Price Kendall. Winnipeg belted out five hits in the frame and had the benefit of two errors, including one by Wichita third baseman Greg Porter that allowed Kendall to reach base.

C.J. Ziegler responded for the Wingnuts to begin the bottom of the second inning with a solo home run.

Wichita added two more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, cutting Winnipeg's lead to 5-3.

After Goldeyes starter Matt Rusch struck out Wingnuts catcher Jesse Mier with runners on the corners in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Goldeyes loaded the bases in the top of the seventh and catcher Luis Alen came through with a bases-clearing double to the right field wall. The clutch three-RBI hit put Winnipeg up 8-3 and cemented the championship.

Brian Beuning then came in for the eighth and ninth innings and closed the door on the Wingnuts. The game ended with a ground ball hit to shortstop Kendall and he threw it first for the final out.

Alen finished the game with four RBI, while Mazzola had three hits.

Rusch picked up the win, as the Goldeyes went a perfect 6-0 in the American Association playoffs.

Wingnuts starter Derek Blacksher suffered the loss.

The Goldeyes will stay in Wichita tonight and are scheduled to return to Winnipeg Saturday night.

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American Association Stories from September 14, 2012

• Goldeyes Take American Association Title with 8-3 Win - Winnipeg Goldeyes

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