Goldeyes extend win streak to six games

The Winnipeg Goldeyes are on a season-high six-game winning streak after defeating the Lincoln Saltdogs 10-6 on Tuesday at Shaw Park before a crowd of 5,512.

The Goldeyes (18-6) and the Saltdogs (11-15) will meet again Wednesday at 11 a.m. when the Goldeyes will go after the sweep of the three-game series against the Saltdogs. Ace Walker (3-0, 3.00), who set the Goldeyes' all-time strikeout record (315) last Friday in Fargo, will start for Winnipeg. Lincoln will go with righty Ryan Sheldon (2-1, 3.07).

The Goldeyes are in first place in the North division with a 4.5-game lead over the St. Paul Saints.

Rookie left-handed pitcher Rich Hawkins got the win for the Goldeyes, his second in two starts, while Jino Gonzales took the loss for Lincoln.

Goldeyes reliever Craig James recorded his first save of the season.

The Goldeyes had a 10-0 lead after six innings but after Hawkins left the game after pitching six scoreless innings, the Saltdogs took advantage of Winnipeg's bullpen and a Goldeyes error to score pairs of runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings.

For the second straight night, the Goldeyes opened up a lead in the first inning. The Winnipeg team scored eight runs off six hits and batted around in the first inning for an 8-0 lead.

Winnipeg took a 10-0 lead in the fifth inning after third baseman Amos Ramon's two-run double to right field scored catcher Luis Alen and right-fielder Josh Mazzola, each recording their second runs of the night.

Leading the Goldeyes was centre-fielder Chris Roberson with two hits including a triple and a double, a run scored and three RBI. Second baseman Price Kendall had two hits and two RBI and Alen had two RBI.

A collision early in the first inning cost the Goldeyes their second baseman. Price Kendall collided with Lincoln catcher Alan Rick near home plate as he scored Winnipeg's first run. Kendall stayed in the game for his second at-bat but, after hitting his second single of the inning, was replaced on first base by Ridge Carpenter.

Rick was also shaken up on the play but stayed in the game into the seventh inning. After a walk to get on base, he was replaced by backup catcher A.J. Miller.

Lincoln right-fielder Stephen Holdren led his team with three hits and two RBI.

About 5,000 children from local schools are expected to attend Wednesday's game.

ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca