Jackson All Quality, But Goldeyes Split Series
July 13, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Winnipeg Goldeyes News Release
Matt Jackson had his best outing of the season, but St. Paul starter Kramer Sneed and four relievers were better.
Jackson allowed only two runs - just one earned run -- on three hits, over seven complete innings, but fell 2-1 to the St. Paul Saints in the final game of a four-game series at Shaw Park.
The Goldeyes were trying to become the first team this season to win a series from St. Paul. The Saints, however, put a halt to Winnipeg's two-game winning streak and split the four-game set at two wins apiece.
With the loss, the Goldeyes fell to 21-28 on the season, while St. Paul improved to 38-12. The Saints lead the Goldeyes by 16 1/2 games in the race for first in the American Association's North Division.
"Matt was very good tonight," Goldeyes manager Rick Forney said of his starter. "It was his third straight quality start and we needed it. We're asking our starters to give us six innings and he gave us seven. That allows our bullpen, which is getting better all the time, to get comfortable with their roles. Once again, the bullpen was outstanding tonight.
"We certainly can't complain about the pitching over the last three games. Tonight, we had men in scoring position three times and just couldn't get the hits we needed to bring them home."
St. Paul scored a run in the top of the fourth, thanks in no small way to Jackson's wild throw to first base. With one out and Alonzo Harris at first, Jackson tried to pick off the runner and threw the ball wildly, down the right field line. Harris went all the way to third base and with two out, scored on an infield single by Ian Gac.
The Goldeyes tied the game in the bottom half of the inning as Brady Wilson led off with a walk, stole second and went to third on a wild throw. He scored on a single by Brad Boyer. The Goldeyes might have scored a second run in the fourth. With two out and Boyer at second, Adam Heisler singled, but St. Paul centerfielder Alonzo Harris threw Boyer out at the plate to end the threat.
The game remained tied until the seventh when Angelo Songco hit a solo homer for the Saints.
And that was it. The Goldeyes finished with one run on seven hits,while St. Paul managed two runs on just four hits (two of them never left the infield).
After Jackson left the game, Rett Varner pitched a perfect eighth and then Mike Noteware and Brendan Lafferty threw a scoreless ninth.
The Goldeyes pitchers were nearly flawless, but the Goldeyes offence struggled again. Winnipeg won two of four games in the series, but they scored only 10 runs - total.
Jackson (3-6, 5.37 ERA) was tagged with the hard-luck loss, while Sneed (9-1, 2.56 ERA) picked up the victory for St. Paul. Ryan Rodebaugh earned his league-best 12th save of the season.
The Goldeyes will have Tuesday off and then on Wednesday will open a four-game series with the Gary Southshore RailCats. Right-hander Tony Smith (2-1, 3.41) will get the start for Winnipeg in the series opener on Wednesday. Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Shaw Park.
Tickets for all Goldeyes home 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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American Association Stories from July 13, 2015
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