RedHawks teach Goldeyes a lesson
The Goldeyes barely had time to find hope for a win before the RedHawks blew things wide open in what was a game-costing start for pitcher Mitchell Lambson.
On just the second swing of the game, the RedHawks got on the board, with Lamar Sparks blasting a home run over the left field fence.
BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS
Winnipeg's Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Ensemble entertained fans throughout Wednesday's game.
A couple of outs later, it was RedHawks designated hitter Brendon Dadson who sent a home run of his own out of Blue Cross Park, this time over the right field fence, to give his squad a 2-0 lead at the top of the first.
It was the second inning when the Goldeyes' grave was dug, as the RedHawks pushed seven runs across to open up a 9-0 advantage.
'He's been doing this a very long time,' said Goldeyes manager Logan Watkins of Lambson. 'I promise that wasn't the first time he's had an outing like that, and he'll bounce back. It's pretty obvious, when we hit well, we win. We typically pitch well enough to be right there to keep every team we play — with the exception of tonight — to about three, four or five runs. But we're only scoring two, three, four runs right now, it feels like. So yeah, we gotta hit.'
For a Goldeyes team that sat second-last in runs and hits in the American Association going into the game, the kind of explosive offence needed to put together a comeback just hasn't been around this season.
The Goldeyes are now sitting 12 games back from the Western playoff line, and being swept by the team they are trying to chase in the standings, it goes without saying that it's not the outcome the Fish needed or wanted.
'We have a full month to do it,' said Watkins of climbing back up the standings. 'We probably need a couple of the teams ahead of us to go cold, which can happen. Sioux City snuck into the playoffs last year by getting really hot the last three weeks of the season, so it's not impossible.'
Matthew Warkentin scored the first run for the Goldeyes in the bottom of the second, which was followed by another run by the RedHawks in the top of the third.
Lambson lasted 4 2/3 innings before being relieved by Derrick Cherry, allowing 11 hits, 10 runs and walking two.
'We're pitching well enough to have a chance with the exception of tonight,' said Watkins. 'But we got to start hitting the ball, it's that simple.'
The Goldeyes had a small comeback attempt towards the end of the game, starting in the sixth, with Roby Enríquez's double driving in Keshawn Lynch and Warkentin, before Jacob Robson sent his ninth home run of the season over left field in the seventh to cut the lead to 10-4.
BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS
Winnipeg Goldeyes southpaw starter Mitchell Lambson had a night to forget Wednesday against the RedHawks.
It was not nearly enough, as the Goldeyes, who have dropped their last five, fell to 27-43 on the season.
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Fans at Blue Cross Park were still energetic and cheering loudly, regardless, especially for the Goldeyes' ninth annual Ukrainian Night, which sprinkled celebrations of Ukrainian culture throughout the evening.
The Hooslie Ukrainian Male Chorus started the night off, singing the Ukrainian, American and Canadian national anthems, and the Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Ensemble performed traditional Ukrainian dances in the pregame show and between innings.
'That's one of the reasons that the best fans in this league are here in Winnipeg,' said Watkins. 'It's easy to show up and cheer on a team that's playing well, it's not when the team is struggling, but you still show up and are still into the game and being supportive. And I know the guys really appreciate that.'
The Goldeyes hit the road today, where they will face the Milwaukee Milkmen. Game one starts at 6:35 p.m.
zoe.pierce@freepress.mb.ca
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