Disappointing Defeat in Wichita
May 27, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Winnipeg Goldeyes News Release
A two-out, bases loaded single by Luis Hernandez in the 10th inning drove home the winning run - the only run of the game -- as the Wichita Wingnuts beat the Winnipeg Goldeyes 1-0.
With the count 3-2, Goldeyes reliever Benji Waite challenged the former Major Leaguer and lost the challenge, as Hernandez drilled a solid single to centre to drive home John Nestor from third base with the walk-off winner.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Goldeyes pitching coach Jamie Vermilyea was not disappointed with effort of his hurlers. Starter Nick Hernandez went 6 1/3 innings and allowed no runs on seven scattered hits. Reliever Raul Rivera got the two hitters he faced, Brendan Lafferty was charged with the winning run after giving up two hits in 2 1/3 innings and Waite gave up a hit and got an out in the 10th .
"Our pitchers are giving us a chance to win," said Vermilyea. "They're throwing strikes and so they don't walk many guys and give runs away. As a result, they're putting some zeros on the board."
Last season, the Goldeyes played a grand total of four extra inning games. This season, just five games into the schedule, the Fish have already played three extra inning games. In fact, they've played three straight extra-inning games.
On Tuesday night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in Wichita, the Fish managed only six hits in 10 innings against Wichita starter Charlie Lowell and four relievers.
Nic Jackson and Mike Wilson each had two hits, while Luis Alen and Adam Heisler each had one. That was it. The Goldeyes didn't have many chances to score.
The Goldeyes are now 8-9 all-time against Wichita.
Regardless of the defeat, Vermilyea found the silver lining and it was his pitching. While the Goldeyes have struggled at the plate on occasion, there is little doubt the Goldeyes starting staff and bullpen have done their jobs.
"While I'm getting tired of close games every night, it's good to get some of these guys in key situations to see if they can handle it," Veremilyea said. "Right now, they're showing they can handle it.
"I was really pleased with Nick's start. He didn't walk anybody and that's a big thing. He was throwing strikes and his slider was a lot better. He has a really good fastball and a great change up and to get that third pitch going will be good for him."
Reliever Al Yevoli (1-0, 8.10 ERA) earned the win for Wichita, while Lafferty (0-1, 3.18 ERA) took the loss.
The same two teams will meet Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. in Wichita. Matt Jackson (1-0, 1.50 ERA) will get the start for Winnipeg, while Omar Bencomo (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will take to the bump for Wichita. The game can be heard live with Steve Schuster at the microphone on The Jewel 100.5.
Tickets for the Goldeyes season opener on June 2 against the Sioux Falls Canaries and all Winnipeg Goldeyes games in 2015 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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