AA Winnipeg Goldeyes

Walker Settles Down to Help Fish Earn Split

Published on July 5, 2011 under American Association (AA)
Winnipeg Goldeyes News Release


It isn't how you start. It's how you finish.

Last night, in front of 6,375 spectators at Shaw Park, the Winnipeg Goldeyes fell behind the St. Paul Saints 3-0 after half an inning. But then the Fish scored three in the second, two in the third and two more in the fourth and routed the Saints 7-3.

While the Goldeyes pounded out 11 hits and got an offensive contribution from every batter in the lineup, starting pitcher Ace Walker was outstanding. Walker went eight complete innings allowing only one earned run on five scattered hits as he won his fifth game of the year and the 33rd of his Winnipeg career. He's now tied with Rick Forney for second all-time in Goldeyes pitching victories.

"After giving up three runs in that first inning I thought I have to keep the team in the game and the guys responded," Walker said. "It really helps knowing that are guys are playing so well right now."

With the win, the Fish put a halt to a two-game losing streak and split the four-game series with the Saints. They also improved to 29-20 and moved to within one game of the first-place Saints in the American Association's North Division.

"The difference for me tonight was my fastball location," Walker said. "Everything seemed to work off that. The slider was working real well against right-handed hitters and the changeup worked well against the left-handed hitters, but the reason was the fact I was locating the fastball.

"And Luis (catcher Alen) called a great game. He had an outstanding game plan and we just kept to it. Luis was great tonight."

St. Paul opened the scoring with three in the first as Ronnie Bourquin hit a solo homer and then, with two out, Goldeyes second baseman Price Kendall made a wild throw on a routine infield play that would have been the third and final out. Instead, with an extra life thanks to Kendall's error, Richard Mercado hit a two-run homer and the Saints appeared in control

But Winnipeg fought back. In the second inning, Brian Myrow walked and went to second on an infield single by Jon Weber. Both Weber and Myrow moved up 90 feet on a wild pitch and then Luis Alen drove both of them home with a double to the gap in left-centre field. Alen scored on a single by Louis Ott and the Goldeyes had evened the score.

In the third Kendall tripled, scored on an RBI single by Kody Kaiser and then Kaiser eventually scored on a sacrifice fly by Myrow.

In the fourth Alen walked and then Justin Bass homered and suddenly the Goldeyes had a 7-3 lead. That's all they'd need.

"Next time," said Walker with a grin, "I'll try not to give up two home runs before I start pitching."

Walker (5-3, 3.66 ERA) earned the win for Winnipeg, while St. Paul starter Alberto Rolon (5-2, 3.86 ERA) took the loss. There was no save, but Jamie Vermilyea pitched a scoreless ninth to put the game away.

The Goldeyes will play in their annual Field of Dreams Fundraising Golf Tournament at Bel Acres Golf and Country Club on Wednesday and then, on Thursday, they'll open a four-game series in Fargo. Chris Salamida (5-1, 3.27 ERA) will get the start for Winnipeg on Thursday night.

Game time is 7 p.m. and can be heard live, with Paul Edmonds, on Sports Radio 1290.

Check out the Winnipeg Goldeyes Statistics

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American Association Stories from July 5, 2011


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