Wacky Ninth Leads to Fish Victory
June 20, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Winnipeg Goldeyes News Release
Before Saturday night, the Winnipeg Goldeyes hadn't won when trailing going into the ninth inning in 13 tries this season. That stat no longer holds true.
The Goldeyes scored five unearned runs in the top of the ninth inning to beat the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks 7-3 at Newman Outdoor Field before 4,060 fans Friday night.
The win gives the Goldeyes their third series win of the season and marks the sixth consecutive game the Goldeyes have won in Fargo against the RedHawks dating back to last season.
Like Friday night, the Goldeyes grabbed an early lead. In the top of the second, Nic Jackson and Josh Mazzola singled to lead off the inning. Two outs later, Brad Boyer knifed a double down the right field line to score both base runners.
It stayed that way until the sixth inning when Goldeyes starter Rob Nixon gave up his only run of the outing. Raul Rivera came in from the bullpen and finished the inning with the Goldeyes leading 2-1.
Winnipeg's bullpen gave up the lead in the bottom of the seventh when Mark Pope and Brendan Lafferty each surrendered RBI singles to put the Goldeyes behind 3-2, but that only led to a bizarre ninth inning comeback.
Down to their final at-bat, the Goldeyes benefited from the sun wreaking havoc on Fargo's infielders. After Jackson walked, Mazzola grounded to third base, but Fargo second baseman Frank Salerno couldn't see the throw from third baseman Tyler Doughty because of the setting sun, leaving both runners safe. The sun blinded Fargo first baseman Joe Bonfe trying to find a throw after Goldeyes right fielder Jon Weber laid down a bunt and Jackson scored from second. Mazzola then scored on a Luis Alen ground ball after Fargo shortstop Zach Penprase threw the ball away trying to get Mazzola at home plate. On the play, Mazzola bumped into Fargo catcher Charlie Valerio, who took exception and was ejected for going after Mazzola. Fargo pitcher Mike Nesseth was also was also ejected during the altercation. The Goldeyes added three more runs to take a 7-3 lead, as Ramon Ortega and Brady Wilson had RBI singles and Adam Heisler had a sac fly.
Jackson, Mazzola and Boyer each had two hits for the Goldeyes, who scored seven runs in nine hits and benefitted from three Fargo errors.
Lafferty picked up the win - his first of the season - while Fargo relief Mike Nesseth suffered the loss after giving up four unearned runs in the ninth.
The series finales goes Sunday afternoon at Newman Outdoor Field at 1 p.m. Goldeyes ace Nick Hernandez (2-1, 1.83) will start for Winnipeg against Fargo's Mike Mason (1-2, 5.89).
Tomorrow's game can be heard on Jewel 100.5 FM with Steve Schuster on the call.
American Association Stories from June 20, 2015
- American Association Results - AA
- RedHawk fall to Goldeyes - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- T-Bones Offense Sizzles in 13-8 Victory over Wingnuts - Wichita Wingnuts
- McGovern Great But Dogs Blow Lead - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Extra Inning Rule Continues to be Unkind to Saints in 8-5 Loss in 11 - St. Paul Saints
- Offensive Onslaught Marks Fourth Series Win for T-Bones - Kansas City Monarchs
- RJ Peruck's Walk-Off Homer Caps off Will Night at the Birdcage - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Koch Hits For Cycle But Explorers Fall To Canaries 9-6 - Sioux City Explorers
- Wacky Ninth Leads to Fish Victory - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- RailCats Activate Quintero and Place Osaki on DL - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Canaries Sign Grayson, Release Gomez - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Tote Bag Giveaway Scheduled for September 5th - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Goldeyes Bust out in Fargo - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- American Association Results - AA
- RailCats First Trip to New St. Paul Digs Turns into a Night To Forget - Gary SouthShore Railcats
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