Strong Spring Training Finish in Wichita
May 17, 2016 - American Association (AA)
Winnipeg Goldeyes News Release
WINNIPEG, MB - The Winnipeg Goldeyes closed the 2016 pre-season on a high note Tuesday afternoon, taking their final exhibition game 5-2 over the Wichita Wingnuts at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.
The Goldeyes went 4-2 in spring training, while the Wingnuts finished 1-2-2. Winnipeg hitting coach Tom Vaeth once again credited the Goldeyes' success to solid play on both sides of the ball.
"I wouldn't say it's a broken record, because I like the record we're playing right now," Vaeth said after the game.
For the second straight game, the Goldeyes scored in the first inning and never trailed. Maikol Gonzalez opened the game with a leadoff walk before Reggie Abercrombie drove him home from third with a sacrifice fly.
Abercrombie hit a two-out double in the third to score Adam Heisler for his second RBI of the afternoon. He later scored on an RBI single from Jacob Rogers to give the Goldeyes a 3-0 lead.
The Wingnuts fought back with an unearned run in the fourth and another on an RBI double in the fifth, but the Goldeyes put up two more in the sixth -- one on an RBI single from Ridge Hoopii-Haslam and the other on consecutive wild pitches - to take the shortened game 5-2 after eight complete innings.
"We need to keep manufacturing runs," Vaeth said, after the Goldeyes drew 35 walks in spring training, including five on Tuesday. "You're going to find times when you struggle, but when the team has that mindset, those slumps are going to get a lot shorter.
"As long as you can keep your pitcher in the dugout and let him rest and give him a lead to work with, things should be good. We have the potential to be a really good club."
Goldeyes left-hander Kyle Anderson allowed one unearned run in three innings for the win, while Wichita starter Kyle Medina suffered the loss. Winnipeg reliever Jailen Peguero pitched a scoreless eighth for the save, and Edwin Carl took a no-decision after one inning in his first start for the Fish this season.
"It's nice that he threw pain-free," Vaeth said about Carl. "It's good to see him get his work in. If he can continue on this pace, he should be okay.
"The biggest thing is staying healthy. We all start at zeroes on Thursday."
The Goldeyes will open the 2016 regular season with the first of a four-game series against the Joplin Blasters at Joe Becker Stadium on Thursday. The Fish will also face the Laredo Lemurs and Lincoln Saltdogs on the road before returning to Winnipeg for their home opener against the Sioux Falls Canaries on Monday, May 30.
Tickets for all Goldeyes home games are available at the Shaw Park box office or by calling 1-855-GOLDEYE or visiting ticketmaster.ca. All Goldeyes games are broadcast live on 93.7 CJNU and at cjnu.ca.
American Association Stories from May 17, 2016
- Goldeyes Finalize 2016 Roster - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Blasters Release Opening Day Roster - Joplin Blasters
- RailCats Release Roster - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Strong Spring Training Finish in Wichita - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Saints Finish Exhibition Season with Alonzo Harris Walk-Off Three-Run Homer in 5-4 Win - St. Paul Saints
- Wingnuts Drop Exhibition Finale to Goldeyes - Wichita Wingnuts
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