REDHAWKS 6 GOLDEYES 5
Snapshot
FARGO, N.D. -- The Winnipeg Goldeyes squandered a 3-0 lead -- and a solid start by left-hander Zach Baldwin -- to lose their fourth in a row here last night, 6-5 to the Fargo- Moorhead RedHawks.
The loss drops the Goldeyes a full three games behind league-leading Fargo, which has now won seven in a row and are 10-1 in their last 11 games.
The Goldeyes limped into Fargo having lost three of four -- and their league lead-- in Kansas City and were hoping to get back on track last night against a team that the Goldeyes have dominated this season. Heading into last night, the Goldeyes had a 9-5 overall record against Fargo this season and -- even more impressively -- a 4-2 record here in Fargo.
Things appeared early on as though they'd play out according to form as the Fish jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning courtesy of a two-out, two-run home run by left fielder Colin Roberson off Fargo starter Garry Bakker.
One inning later, newcomer Chad Ernsberger drove in another run with a two-out double to put the Fish up 3-0. But after cruising through five strong innings, Baldwin came apart on the mound in the sixth for the Goldeyes, yielding five straight hits -- including a two-run triple -- as Fargo pounded out four runs in the inning to take a lead they'd never relinquish.
Forney keeps his cool
Goldeyes manager Rick Forney was asked prior to last night's game if he had any choice words for his team after they lost 15-0 to Kansas City on Thursday. "I'm not a yeller or a screamer. That stuff doesn't work. We had a little meeting (yesterday) and talked about some things but that's about it... We're still a good baseball team. We've still got the same personnel, except for (former third baseman Brent) Metheny we've had all season."
'Gimme a B!'
In what is a rarity in baseball, Fargo has their own team of cheerleaders for the first time this season. The 10-member dance troupe performs on the field prior to games and between innings.
The crowds seem to enjoy it -- Fargo's sold out six times this year and currently sits third in Northern League attendance behind the league-leading Fish and second-place Kansas City. Kansas City trailed Winnipeg in total attendance this season by just 163 fans heading into last night --157,012 vs. 156,849 -- but they've had two more home dates than Winnipeg.
He got it all right
Fargo first baseman Ruben Salazar was rushed to hospital by ambulance Thursday evening after an ugly collision with teammate Alan Rick at Newman Outdoor Field. Salazar and Rick, the Fargo catcher, were both trying to track down a pop fly in foul ground on the first base side when they slammed into one another in the ninth inning against Gary. Salazar somehow managed to hang on to the ball despite being knocked out cold, recording the last out of the game. He was taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with a concussion. He sat out last night's game against Winnipeg and is expected to sit out again tonight.
Up next
The Goldeyes and Fargo meet again tonight (6 p.m.) in the second of this three game series. The Fish will send right-hander Ace Walker (4-3, 4.96) against right-hander Todd George (2-0, 6.43).
-- Paul Wiecek
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