'Dogs Dig Fish Early Hole
May 9, 2014 - American Association (AA)
Winnipeg Goldeyes News Release
A poor start was ultimately the end for the Winnipeg Goldeyes Friday night in a 7-3 loss to the Lincoln Saltdogs at Haymarket Park in Nebraska.
It's Winnipeg's first loss of the exhibition season.
After the top of the Goldeyes order went 1-2-3 in the top of the first inning, the Saltdogs jumped on Winnipeg starter Ethan Hollingsworth for five runs on five hits in the bottom of the first. The Saltdogs tallied three doubles in the inning, which was cut short in exhibition fashion with two out because Hollingsworth reached his pitch count.
"Ethan had a rough first inning, but he settled down and started to figure it out," Goldeyes pitching coach Jamie Vermilyea said on the Jewel 101 Post-Game Show. "Everything was up (in the zone) in the first inning. Once he made a slight adjustment and started working the ball down in the zone, he started to get some easier outs."
The Goldeyes broke through in the third inning with a pair of runs, as the bottom of the order did the damage. Luis Alen led off with single and was followed by a double from Ryan Pineda. Amos Ramon then singled in Alen and Pineda scored on a Donnie Webb fielder's choice.
David Hatt took the ball in the fourth inning from Hollingsworth, who settled in with two scoreless innings following the first. Hatt worked a clean fourth inning, but gave up a two-run home run to Trevor Martin in the fifth inning, which increased Lincoln's lead to 7-2.
The Goldeyes looked to be rallying in the top of the seventh inning, as Josh Mazzola and Casey Haerther led off with singles. After a wild pitch moved them up to second and third base, Mazzola scored on an Alen ground out. Pineda then singled to put runners on the corners, but Ramon grounded into a double play and the threat was over.
Despite the five-run first inning, the five pitchers that took the ball for Winnipeg put together a solid effort. Aside from the home run, Hatt had two strikeouts, as did Christian Garcia and Gabe Aguilar. Taylor Sewitt also pitched a clean seventh inning. Hatt's home run was the only runs surrendered after the first inning.
"The guys were throwing strikes," Vermilyea said. "We only had a couple walks. All-in-all, it wasn't a terrible night. It's not exactly what we're looking for, but it's still early."
At the plate, third baseman Ryan Pineda went three-for-four with two doubles to lead the offensive charge. Webb, Ramon and Alen had the RBI for Winnipeg.
Steven Bougher got the win for Lincoln, while Hollingworth's exhibition record falls to 1-1 with the loss.
The Goldeyes and Saltdogs will meet again at Haymarket Park tomorrow afternoon at 12 p.m. The pre-game show with Steve Schuster on Jewel 101 (100.7 FM) begins at 11:30 a.m.
Tickets for all 2014 Winnipeg Goldeyes games, including season tickets and 9-game mini packs, are available through Ticketmaster by clicking on Goldeyes.com, calling 1-855-GOLDEYE or visiting any Ticketmaster location, including the Shaw Park box office.
American Association Stories from May 9, 2014
- Saints Come out on Top in Three-Way at Midway - St. Paul Saints
- Saltdogs Filet Fish 13-3 in Exhibition Friday Night - Lincoln Saltdogs
- 'Dogs Dig Fish Early Hole - Winnipeg Goldeyes
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