Mazzola and Jackson Lead Goldeyes to Victory
July 19, 2014 - American Association (AA)
Winnipeg Goldeyes News Release
The Winnipeg Goldeyes got into the swing of things on Saturday night.
The Goldeyes (38-23) were able to even their series with the Kansas City T-Bones (30-31) at one game apiece, beating the home team 10-4 in front of 8,386 fans at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
The Goldeyes bats were hot, as seven players had at least one hit on the night. Josh Mazzola led the team though with three hits, and five RBI, including a sixth inning grand slam.
"Our hitters did a good job putting runs on the board to give us momentum," said Goldeyes Pitching Coach Jamie Vermilyea on the Jewel 101 Post-Game Show. "And that helps take the pressure off of our pitchers."
Matt Jackson did his job on the mound to help ensure the Goldeyes offensive production stood up. Jackson went strong for seven full innings. He struck out eight and didn't give up a walk, earning him his league leading eighth win of the season.
"Yeah I mean taking the ball on three days rest is tough to do," said Vermilyea. "This is the second time [Jackson's] done it for us this year, and he's had success doing it."
The Goldeyes took the lead in the top of the first, as Josh Mazzola would get on base on a single and would come home later in the inning on a wild pitch.
One inning later the Fish would tack on two more runs on RBI from Luis Alen and Jordan Guida.
The T-Bones would respond and tie the game in the third on a three-run home run from Danny Richar.
The Goldeyes though would retake and open up their lead in the fifth and sixth innings. In both frames, the Fish loaded the bases with no outs. In the fifth the loaded bases would result in three runs which would double Winnipeg's score at the time. In the sixth, the loaded bases would set the stage for Josh Mazzola's grand slam. Which is the team's second of the season.
"When you're getting guys on base and have guys who can drive in runs behind them, it's going to hurt the other team," Vermilyea said.
Kaohi Downing and Gabe Aguilar, who would come on in relief of Jackson in the eighth and ninth innings respectively, helped maintain the Goldeyes six run lead.
With the win the Goldeyes remain three and a half games ahead of the St. Paul Saints atop the American Association North Division.
The Goldeyes and T-Bones will play a series ending rubber match on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. Nick Hernandez (5-2) will be the starting pitcher for Winnipeg, and Kansas City will send Casey Barnes (2-0) to the mound. The Goldeyes then come home on Monday and will face the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks in a three-game series that goes Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Tickets for all 2014 Winnipeg Goldeyes games and the 2014 American Association All-Star Game are available through Ticketmaster by clicking on Goldeyes.com, calling 1-855-GOLDEYE or visiting any Ticketmaster location, including the Shaw Park box office.
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American Association Stories from July 19, 2014
- Back-to-Back Walk-Offs for Wichita - Sioux City Explorers
- Mazzola and Jackson Lead Goldeyes to Victory - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Zagone Struggles in T-Bones' Loss - Kansas City Monarchs
- Nothing Spotty About Saints' 12-4 Win over Lemurs - St. Paul Saints
- Canaries Drop Second Straight in Fargo - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Penprase's Big Hit Leads RedHawks Over Canaries 4-2 - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Rockland Romps to Clinch Inter-League Series - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Wingnuts Add Cuban Lefty Del Valle to Pitching Staff - Wichita Wingnuts
- RedHawks Acquire Orosey; Place Harris on Inactive - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Saints Bring Back Familiar Face, Sign Pitcher Matt Meyer - St. Paul Saints
- RailCats Activate Smith - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Cats Rally Late to Beat Sox - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- American Association Results - AA
- Amberson Ambushes Explorers with Walk-Off in Ninth - Wichita Wingnuts
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