Goldeyes relaxed heading into Game 2

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Goldeyes Jeff DeSmidt goes for a run prior to Goldeyes warm up with Redhawks on the field in background before the start of Game 2 of the Northern League Playoff in Fargo. (KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

FARGO -- The Winnipeg Goldeyes arrived at Newman Outdoor Field here this afternoon a relaxed bunch as they prepare for Game 2 tonight of their opening round Northern League playoff series with the Fargo RedHawks.

Fish manager Rick Forney sat in his office listening to an iPod as he looked over the boxscore from his club’s 7-3 win over Fargo in Game 1 Wednesday night.

Forney liked what he saw from a club that was ruthlessly opportunistic, grinding out seven runs out of just eight hits thanks to a pair of home runs from DH Juan Diaz and rightfielder Kevin West.

Diaz, the regular season home run leader in the Northern League, laughed when asked if he could keep up his homer-a-game pace through the playoffs.

"Who knows? I wasn’t trying to hit that one," said the Cuban emigre. "I’m just trying to make a good swing on the ball and that happened."

The Fish will have their hopes in Game 2 riding on the 36-year-old left arm of starting pitcher Bill Pulsipher.

Pulsipher, who pitched for six different major league teams during a 17-year pro career, has looked dominating at times since being signed by the Goldeyes on Aug. 4.

Forney said it’s a relief to have someone with Pulsipher’s experience take the ball tonight.

"He’s been in these kind of situations at a much higher level than this," Forney said. "It’s not like I have to worry he’ll be nervous."
Game time tonight is 6 p.m.. Goldeyes broadcaster Paul Edmonds will have the call on 1290 CFRW, with the pre-game show beginning at 5:30 p.m.