Goldeyes continue slide

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Winnipeg Goldeyes' Josh Mazzola finds the ball during action against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks Wednesday at Shaw Park. (DAVID LIPNOWSKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

The Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball team is clinging to a one-game lead atop the American Association’s North division after dropping a 5-3 decision on Wednesday at Shaw Park to the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks.

After the loss before 4,811 spectators, the Goldeyes (26-18) are on a three-game losing slide and have lost five in a row to Fargo (23-21).

The two teams will meet again today at 7 p.m. at Shaw Park with lefty Tony Butler (2-2, 4.03 ERA) expected to take the mound for Winnipeg and Paul Burnside (4-3, 2.70) for Fargo. The Goldeyes are now two games into the 12-game home stand, the longest home stand of the season.

In Wednesday’s loss, the RedHawks got a solo home run in the third inning from ninth-hole hitter Buddy Sosnoskie to take the early lead. The Goldeyes led 3-1 after seven scoring runs in the third, sixth and seventh innings on RBI singles by Chris Roberson and Luis Alen and on a Price Kendall fielder’s choice.

Winnipeg’s starting pitcher Ace Walker left the game after seven innings, allowing just one run on three hits, and Fargo had a field day scoring four runs in the eighth inning off relievers Billy Spottiswood (loss) and Craig James to win the game.

ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca