Pheasants lose early lead, fall to Winnipeg in slugfest

August 6, 2012 - American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release

WINNIPEG, Manitoba. - The Sioux Falls Pheasants plated six runs in the first inning but could not hold the early lead, losing 20-16 to the Winnipeg Goldeyes in a night high on offense and low on pitching.

The two teams combined for 36 runs and 31 hits, but the Pheasants dropped the opener of a three-game series at Winnipeg's Shaw Park.

The Pheasants led 7-4 going into the sixth inning, but Winnipeg erupted for six runs to overtake the Pheasants. Pheasants reliever Dan Cooper (1-5) issued a bases-loaded walk to Yurendell de Caster, the second allowed in the inning, to allow the go-ahead run home. Winnipeg plated five runs in each of the seventh and eighth innings to build a 20-7 lead.

The Pheasants would not go quietly; they scored nine runs in the top of the ninth inning before Trevor Lawhorn struck out to end the game.

Cesar Nicolas and Lawhorn each had three hits for the Pheasants, and all but one starter had at least one hit.

Cristian Guerrero belted a two-run home run in the ninth to halt a homerless drought that spanned back to July 13. It was his 15th of the year, keeping pace with Winnipeg's Josh Mazzola, who also homered in the game. They each are tied for second in the league. Mazzola led the Goldeyes offense, going 3-for-4 with four RBI.

Chris Salamida (3-5) earned his first victory against Sioux Falls, who had beaten him twice previously. Salamida gave up seven runs, two earned, on seven hits in seven innings. He struck out four and walked one.

Mark Michael took a no-decision in his start with the Pheasants. He gave up six runs in 5 1/3 innings on five hits. A Pheasants' bullpen that had been very stingy over the last 12 games gave up 14 more runs, 11 earned, in the final 2 2/3 innings.

Shaw Park has been unfriendly to the Pheasants, who are just 1-7 against their North Division foe in Winnipeg.

The Pheasants look to even the series at 7 p.m on Tuesday, August 7, in Winnipeg. The game will be broadcast on Sioux Falls Sports Radio 1230-AM KWSN and www.kwsn.com.

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American Association Stories from August 6, 2012

• Pheasants lose early lead, fall to Winnipeg in slugfest - Sioux Falls Canaries
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