Doubleheader Split, Rubber Match Sunday
May 30, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Winnipeg Goldeyes News Release
After rain postponed their game against Joplin Friday night, the Winnipeg Goldeyes split a doubleheader with the Blasters in Winnipeg's first trip in the new Joe Becker Stadium.
The Blasters claimed the first game in a hard-fought 3-2 victory, while the Goldeyes ended their four-game loss streak with a 9-1 win in the second game.
Third baseman Josh Mazzola opened up the scoring in game one for the Fish with a home run in the top of the second. But the Blasters responded in the bottom of the third, scoring two runs off a single from Joplin right fielder Yasser Gomez.
Mazzola hit a triple early in the top of the fifth and scored off an Aaron Baker single to tie the game. Casio Grider came within scoring range in the sixth on his first steal of the season, but, with the bases loaded, three consecutive Blasters pitching changes kept the Goldeyes from taking the lead.
Joplin broke the tie in the bottom of the seventh off a Maikol Gonzalez walk-off single to take the game 3-2.
Goldeyes starter Kyle Anderson pitched two strikeouts through five innings and allowed two Blasters runs in the bottom of the third. Reliever Brendan Lafferty suffered the loss for Winnipeg, and Joplin reliever Winston Abreu claimed the win. There was no save.
In the second game, the Goldeyes scored early and often.
The Fish took an early 4-0 lead in the top of the first after Casio Grider scored off a Adam Heisler double and Nic Jackson, Mazzola and Aaron Baker scored off a Brett Krill double. Left fielder Nic Jackson hit a three-RBI homer in the top of the second to give the Goldeyes a 7-0 lead.
The Goldeyes hitters finally found their mark and the pitching was still phenomenal. Starter Rob Nixon held the Blasters scoreless on four hits through six innings. He came within one out of a complete game shutout, until Omar Luna scored off a Mitch Glasser single.
"It's kind of tough coming back after a last inning loss," Goldeyes pitching coach Jamie Vermilyea said. "We've been struggling putting numbers on the board, so it's nice to score and get your pitchers to settle in, and that's what Rob Nixon did."
With the split the Fish stand at 4-5 on the season.
The Goldeyes and Blasters will play the deciding game of the series and Sunday at 5:05 p.m. to end the long road trip. 2014 American Association Pitcher of the Year Nick Hernandez (0-1, 2.38) will take the ball for Winnipeg against Joplin's Jorge Martinez (2-0, 0.00) The pre-game show with Steve Schuster on Jewel 100.5 FM begins at 4:30 p.m.
The Goldeyes are back in Winnipeg June 2 for their home opener against the Sioux Falls Canaries Tuesday night at 7 p.m.
American Association Stories from May 30, 2015
- Wingnuts Cap Celebration with 7-2 Win over Grand Prairie - Wichita Wingnuts
- Doubleheader Split, Rubber Match Sunday - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- American Association Game Recaps - AA
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- Tonight's Game Canceled Due to Rain - Laredo Lemurs
- 'Cats and 'Bones Rained Out, Play Doubleheader Sunday - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- T-Bones and RailCats Washed out Saturday - Kansas City Monarchs
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