Goldeyes replacement players show their mettle

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Winnipeg Goldeyes Josh Mazzola (13), Dan Barbero (8) and Chris Roberson (15) high-five after scoring against the Amarillo Sox during their game in Winnipeg Tuesday. The Goldeyes won 4-3. (JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball team manager Rick Forney told the two newest additions to his starting lineup to seize the moment and that's what they did in Tuesday's home-opening 4-3 win over the Amarillo Sox at Shaw Park.

Dan Barbero put in a solid night in left field and sizzled at the plate going 2-for-4 including a double and scored a run. David Narodowski went 1-for-3 as the designated hitter hitting a two-out single in the third inning and getting to second on a balk when the Goldeyes were trying to get their bats going.

The Goldeyes and Sox play the middle game of the three-game set tonight at 7 when thousands of children who volunteer as school patrols will be in attendance. Winnipeg will send Chris Salamida (0-0, 4.00) to the mound. Amarillo will go with Justin Garcia (0-0, 3.86).

The third game is Thursday at 11 a.m. when about 6,000 students from local schools will take in the game with the early start.

Barbero and Narodowski were replacing suspended left-fielder Jon Weber (two games) and Yurendell de Caster (one game) who were serving the time levied by the league for their roles in an altercation that took place in the bottom of the eighth inning in El Paso when Weber became the fourth Winnipeg Goldeyes player to be hit by a Diablos pitch.

However, de Caster is eligible to return today so now Forney has a nice dilemma.

With his replacements producing as they did, what's a skipper to do?

If Forney puts de Caster back on first, Josh Mazzola could go back to right field after filling in at first on Tuesday. Barbero could stay left field or get a look at catcher, as Barbero saw work there in training camp and catcher Luis Alen has played 10 straight games. Backup catcher Kyle Day is out with a hamstring injury.

If Forney wants to take another look at Narodowski, he could have him work again as the designated hitter or switch him out at second for Matt Cusick or third base for Amos Ramon.

The game can also be heard on TSN 1290 radio and broadcast on Shaw TV.

ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @WFPAshleyPrest