May 28: Goldeyes Bullpen Can’t Hold the lead, Fish lose 7-3 to JackHammers

Despite a 7-3 loss to Joliet in the final game of an eight-game homestand, Winnipeg Goldeyes manager Rick Forney had no problem finding a silver lining.

“We’re off to a good start,” Forney said bluntly. “5-3 is a good start. If we went 5-3 over every eight-game stretch until the end of the season, it would be a very successful year for the Goldeyes.

“Right now, we just need some consistency. I thought we’ve pitched pretty well, especially the starters, and the big thing right now is staying healthy. Our defence is a little inconsistent and I suppose if we have one area we need to improve, it’s our defence. But overall, I’m happy to start the season 5-3.”

On Thursday afternoon, the Goldeyes lost the final game of an eight-game homestand, 7-3, to the visiting Joliet JackHammers to split a four-game series. The Fish had already won their first series of the year against Lake County (3-1) and were now 5-3 heading out onto the road to open a series in Rockford on Friday night.

The Goldeyes fell behind 3-0 to Joliet on Thursday, then battled back to tie the game 3-3 in the fifth before the Jacks blew it open with four runs against the Goldeyes bullpen.

Goldeyes catcher Brett Wallace had a big day at the plate for the Fish going three-for-four with an RBI triple. Shortstop Wes Long and centerfielder Aharon Eggleston also had three hits each for the Fish. Eggleston improved his batting average to .433.

“I hit the ball OK, but I’m not happy with my defence,” Wallace said after the game. “I have a reputation as a catcher who doesn’t make many mistakes and I had two passed balls today. I don’t remember if I’ve ever had two passed balls in a game before.”

Ultimately, Wallace was charged with only one passed ball. The second was ruled a wild pitch, charged to reliever Austin Donmoyer.
The Fish will now head out onto the road and play three games against Rockford and three against Gary before returning home to open a weekend series against the Schaumburg Flyers on Friday, June 4.