Trio of Errors Cost Goldeyes in Loss to Saints
Published on July 4, 2011 under American Association (AA)
Winnipeg Goldeyes News Release
On Sunday, the Winnipeg Goldeyes lost to the Saints bats. On Monday, they lost to their own mitts.
The final score was 12-8 as the Goldeyes (28-20) lost the third of a four-game series to St. Paul (29-18) in a game that wasn't as close as the score might suggest.
The fifth inning summed up Winnipeg's night succinctly. Two errors - one by Kody Kaiser on a routine fly ball and another by Justin Bass at first - resulted in three unearned Saints runs to push an already daunting lead to 9-3. The Goldeyes committed three errors on the night.
Although Winnipeg rallied late with a three-run eighth, capped by Wes Long's second home run of the game, the errors made earlier in the game ultimately spelt another notch in the loss column and their second straight to the Saints.
"We played from behind all game," said Goldeyes field manager Rick Forney. "Unfortunately, we made too many mistakes and paid for them. The fielding miscues cost us and they're a good hitting team."
Winnipeg starter Luis Villarreal, fresh off being named the American Association's Pitcher of the Month, had his worst outing of the year. He pitched just two full innings and in that short span gave up eight hits, six runs and walked two. The result was his first loss of the season, dropping his perfect record and landing him at 5-1.
"He had no command of the fastball," said Forney. "Everything was in the middle of the plate and that wasn't a good approach. If you're not good with your fastball, not changing speeds enough, you're going to struggle."
Trailing 9-3 after five innings, the Goldeyes relief pitchers did a decent job keeping St. Paul down long enough to give the lively 5,284 fans at Shaw Park some hope late in the game. Ian Thomas pitched four complete innings, his longest stretch in any game this year. He gave up no earned runs, just three hits, and struck out seven.
Another bright spot on a losing night was the aforementioned Wes Long. Alongside his two home runs, he went 3-for-5 with four RBI, bringing his total to 41 on the year, which is a team high. He also pushed his hitting streak to nine games.
The Goldeyes will now look to earn a series split Tuesday night with a win. Game time is 7 p.m. and great seats are still available by calling 1-855-GOLDEYE, visiting www.ticketmaster.ca or by stopping by any Ticketmaster outlet, including the one inside Shaw Park.
The game can also be heard with Goldeyes broadcaster Paul Edmonds on Sports Radio 1290.
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