RailCats cool off Goldeyes

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This article was published 03/05/2011 (5643 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

GARY, IND. — The Winnipeg Goldeyes got their first taste of some competition here at U.S. Steel Yard Tuesday afternoon, losing 5-4 to the Gary SouthShore RailCats in a game that marked a new era for both the Winnipeg and Gary franchises.

The contest was the first pre-season game of 2011 for both clubs and also marked the first game in the American Association for the two franchises, who both played in the Northern League until this season.

The Goldeyes, who had just one on-field practice leading up to the game thanks to inclement weather in Winnipeg over the weekend, got some timely hitting — particularly from the top of their lineup — and some quality outings from a string of eight different pitchers that Fish manager Rick Forney sent to the mound.

But a winter’s accumulation of rust was also prominently on display, as the Fish put up five errors defensively – including one in the tenth inning that scored the game-winning run for Gary — and Goldeyes pitchers walked a total of nine RailCats batters.

Still, Fish manager Rick Forney was delighted with his club’s first taste of competition. “I think we threw the ball well today and offensively we’re ahead of where I expected we’d be,” said Forney.

“It was a good second day of practice. Of course, you’re going to kick the ball around and it cost us — four of the five runs. But all in all, not a bad day of work.”

The Goldeyes were led offensively by some newcomers at the top of their lineup that they are counting on to drive the offense this season.

Lead-off man Jonathan Wyatt did exactly what you want a lead-off man to do, getting on base and scoring twice. Third baseman Amos Ramon had a productive game hitting in the second spot, going 2-3 with an RBI. And Kody Kaiser, listed on the Goldeyes depth chart as an outfielder but getting a look at second base, went 3-4 with two RBI hitting in the third spot.

Catcher Alan Rick went 1-2 with a run and two walks, while shortstop Price Kendall scored the Goldeyes other run.

The game was played in cool conditions — game time temperature was just 9 C — and in front of a tiny crowd of about 50 spectators. The RailCats did not sell tickets for the game or advertise it, choosing instead to simply open the gates and allow anyone who happened by to enter for free.

Both managers also took licence with the rules of the game to get a better look at their teams, with opening day of the 2011 American Association season looming already next Thursday. Both teams started the game with 10-man batting orders and the game was played to a scheduled 10 innings.

The Goldeyes play the RailCats again here Wednesday morning before moving on to St. Paul, where they are scheduled to play the Saints on Thursday and Friday.