For Goldeyes starter Ace Walker, the final game of the 2009 regular season began early in the day. That’s when he wandered out onto the field, with the blessing of general manager Andrew Collier and head groundskeeper Don Ferguson, and began drawing a spectacular angry Goldeye on the field behind home plate.
Walker’s first work of art was tremendous. His second was a masterpiece.
In the final regular season start, Walker pitched his club-record sixth complete game as the Goldeyes whipped Schaumburg 7-2. Walker allowed two runs on only six hits to improve to 12-6 on the season. He led the league in wins and complete games, is second in earned run average and in the Top 5 in innings pitched.
“I have to give the credit to my defence,” Walker said. “When a guy gets five double plays (also a franchise record) behind him, it should give him a good chance to win. Cory (centre fielder Patton) made a great catch to end the game so that defence was my best friend tonight.
“I just care so much about being a Goldeye that getting that club record was something I really wanted to accomplish this year and being part of a club record for double plays is pretty nice, too. Having that record makes this a really great season.”
It was a big night all-around for the Fish, who pounded out 10 hits to give Walker plenty of run support. Second baseman Josh Asanovich led the way with a three-run homer, his ninth of the season, while catcher Brent Metheny hit his 20th double of the year and drove in two runs.
With the win, the Goldeyes finished the season with a record of 55-41 – the most wins in a season in manager Rick Forney’s four years at the helm – good enough for second place in the Northern League. They open the playoffs on Wednesday at Newman Outdoor Field against the third-place Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks.
“We’re all focused on the playoffs now,” said Walker, who is penciled in to start Game 4 back here in Winnipeg on Saturday night. “This team will be ready to go on Wednesday.”
Check back tomorrow for Ace Walker’s take on the “Painted Fish” behind the plate at Canwest Park.
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