Fish look to snap losing streak

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Goldeyes David Narodowski lays down a sacrifice bunt to advance a runner to second base on Wednesday, July 4 at Shaw Park. (DAVID LIPNOWSKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES) Photo Store

The Winnipeg Goldeyes (26-20) will look to snap their season-high five-game losing streak when they take on the Sioux Falls Pheasants (25-21) tonight at Shaw Park.

The Goldeyes currently hold a one-game lead on the Pheasants in the American Association’s North Division, a lead that could be erased with another failed outing tonight.

Last night, the Goldeyes failed to protect a three-run advantage, allowing the visiting Fargo-Moorhead Red Hawks to score four unanswered runs to steal a 4-3 win and complete a 4-0 series sweep at home in front of a fish faithful amassing 4,446 strong.

The Goldeyes continue to struggle with their bats as they have not been able to score more than three runs in their last four games.

Center fielder Chris Roberson may have had his worst night of the season yesterday as he went hitless on five trips to the plate.

"A lot of guys gotta swing at strikes, not let too many strikes go by," said Roberson moments before today’s batting practice. "We’ve talked about that throughout the past week. Hopefully we can pick some stuff up tonight. We got a new series, a fresh start."

But Roberson is not alone. In fact, he’s actually been a bright spot in the Goldeyes woeful stretch.

Yurendell de Caster, once the saving grace for a team that was well positioned in top spot in the North, has seen better days since returning to the Goldeyes after a sudden and short departure to the Mexican League. In 15 trips to the plate, de Caster has been held to a dismal two hits and 0 RBIs.

Asked whether or not it was time to push the panic button, Goldeyes Manager Rick Forney was quick to dismiss the current direction of his team.

"We’re in first place," said Forney during an interview in his office. "I could be in a lot worse position."

Starting on the mound for the Goldeyes tonight is Todd Privett. This year, Privett boasts a 1-3 record and 4.89 ERA. In his last start with the Goldeyes, the righty pitched 2.1 innings, allowing seven hits and five earned runs, earning him the loss in an 8-5 decision against the Wichita Wingnuts on Canada Day.

The Goldeyes have a record of 1-2 against Sioux Falls, dropping their only to the Pheasants this year.

Game time is 6 p.m.