Goldeyes bounce back but fall short

RICK FORNEY loves the resiliency of his Winnipeg Goldeyes squad -- although there are many nights it must have him reaching for the Pepto Bismol.

If nothing else, the Goldeyes have shown they can take a punch and deliver a few through 34 games of the 2012 American Association campaign.

And that resiliency was showcased again Friday night in front of 5,584 at Shaw Park -- alas, in a loss -- as the Fish fell behind 8-zip to the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, then rallied to make the late innings interestingly before ultimately dropping a 9-6 decision.

The Fish were hooked early, falling behind 8-0 through the first three innings as the RedHawks pounded starter Rich Hawkins for six hits and seven runs. Hawkins didn't get any help early, however, as a potential double-play was botched on an errant throw by first baseman Jon Weber and then followed by back-to-back homers -- a three-run shot by RedHawks DH Ryan Delgado and a solo shot by Sergio Pedroza.

Fargo pushed the lead to 7-0 in the second courtesy a run-scoring single by Aharon Eggleston, a triple by Zach Penrase and a sac fly by Delgado.

The Goldeyes' bats came alive in the sixth on RBI singles by Josh Mazzola and Ridge Carpenter as part of a three-run inning. And when Chris Roberson and Jon Weber hit consecutive dingers, followed by a double by Dan Barbero that cut the gap to 8-6 in the seventh, the game story got a little juicier.

Fargo starter Alex Caldera pushed his record to 5-1 while Tom Boleska picked up the save.

The series resumes tonight at Shaw Park, 6 p.m., with the Goldeyes starting Ace Walker (3-1, 3.83 ERA) against Paul Burnside (3-3, 2.94) of the RedHawks.

In other Goldeyes news, with left-handed starter Fabian Williamson having been picked up by the Atlanta Braves, Forney will move rookie Chriz Zbin into the starting rotation. Zbin started last year with Southern Connecticut State and went 5-2 with a 3.54 ERA.

"He's the only logical choice we have at this point," Forney said.

-- Ed Tait

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition June 23, 2012 C9