Goldeyes Squander Comeback in Extra Innings
June 14, 2011 - American Association (AA)
Winnipeg Goldeyes News Release
On an emotional Tuesday night that saw tears, fireworks, and a new number lifted beyond the outfield fence at Shaw Park, it was the Winnipeg Goldeyes who suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 loss in 10 innings to the Sioux Falls Fighting Pheasants.
The Goldeyes bats found it tough to solve Sioux Falls starting pitcher Ben Moore, who pitched seven strong innings, giving up just three hits, a run, and striking out four. As the Fighting Pheasants relief came in to try to preserve a 2-1 lead, Winnipeg was able to take advantage and tie the game up on a Wes Long sacrifice fly in the bottom of the eighth, forcing extras.
In the top of the tenth though, Goldeyes reliever Ian Thomas allowed three walks to load the bases with no outs, and Sioux Falls center-fielder Francisco Leandro turned that into two runs with one swing of the bat. A Victor Ferrante solo shot would bring the Goldeyes within one in the bottom of the 10th, but three quick grounders brought an end to Winnipeg's night.
Outfielder Jon Weber, who played left field Tuesday night, joined the team earlier that day and was the newest face to join a team marred by injuries to start the year.
"It was a tough game to start," said a discouraged Weber. "We didn't hit. and swung at a lot of bad pitches. We swung at the pitches [Moore] wanted us to swing at and that's what happens."
Weber, who had got the call from manager Rick Forney at 4 a.m. pacific time, admitted being fatigued, but was happy to be in a Goldeyes uniform.
"It's always good to get back on the field and do what you do and what you were born to do. I just wish I had played better," says Weber.
A sellout crowd of 7,465 was on hand to watch Max Poulin, the eight-year Goldeyes shortstop, have his number retired in a poignant and memorable ceremony. It featured old faces reaching out to Poulin and an emotional, tear-filled speech by the man who made number six famous in Winnipeg baseball. After many standing ovations and acknowledgement from Poulin though, it was down to business for the Goldeyes.
The Goldeyes will now get a short rest and be back on the field for an early 11 a.m. start Wednesday in the series finale with Sioux Falls.
Great seats for all Goldeyes games are available by calling the Goldeyes office at 982-BASE (2273), visiting www.ticketmaster.ca, or by visiting any Ticketmaster outlet, including the one inside Shaw Park.
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