Goldeyes ride big second inning to victory over Railroaders

The Winnipeg Goldeyes (36-47), powered by a six-run second inning, held on for a very needed, close 7-6 victory over the Cleburne Railroaders (39-44) Thursday night at Blue Cross Park in front of 4,016 fans.

The Goldeyes, who dropped game two of the series 10-8, despite a late comeback attempt, took care of unfinished business in game three, earning back-to-back series wins at home with a one-run win finally going in their favour.

Although the Fish still sit 101/2 games back of the Sioux Falls Canaries, who hold the final West Division playoff spot, with 16 games left in the season, they hope momentum will carry into a crucial road series against the best in the West, the Sioux City Explorers.

“We’re just trying to finish as hot as possible,” said Goldeyes manager Logan Watkins. “It’s kind of a long shot that we’re going to get back into it, but that’s a product of our division being so good this year. I mean, I think four of the five top teams in the league are in the West. And I mean, it’s kind of crazy to think about, but yeah, it’s good to see the guys haven’t quit.”

Rob Emery got things going for the Fish in the second with his first home run of the season since returning from playing in the Mexican League, sending one over the left-field fence.

“Obviously, there’s a little layoff between when I finished up in Mexico and being back here,” said Emery. “And it’s always kind of a you never know if you’ve still got it until you find it and perform… And I’m happy to be playing good baseball and healthy at this point of the year.”

Emery, who has played around 130 games since spring training this year rejoined his former team Aug. 8.

“Every player on the scene loves coming to work and being together,” said Emery on playing in Winnipeg. “Everyone’s here early, enjoying, you know, just the clubhouse and being around everyone. Everyone’s here late, too. So you know, we have a blast, and that’s really a testament to the leadership of the organization.”

His homer was followed by a Ramón Bramasco single, bringing in two runs, before a powerful Max Murphy three-run home run blast gave the Goldeyes a comfortable early 6-0 lead at the bottom of the second.

“Obviously, it’s good to have the six-run inning,” said Watkins. “Then we kind of went quiet after that, but at the same time, you can just tell we’re a different offensive team. Right now, we’re hitting the ball a lot better, and the bullpen has been pretty good up until this series, had a couple guys give up a couple home runs late. Like today shouldn’t have been a one-run game, that’s fortunate that we won it.”

After three scoreless innings for both teams, the Railroaders finally got on the board in the top of the sixth, scoring two runs to cut the lead to 6-2.

However, the Goldeyes were quick to respond, with Ray-Patrick Didder sending a bomb over the left fence to put the Goldeyes up 7-2 at the bottom of the sixth with his ninth home run of the season.

Former Railroader Luke Boyd started against his old team, allowing two runs, seven hits and striking out four in six innings before being relieved by Tasker Strobel.

The Railroaders continued to push late in the game, with a two-run home run by Dustin Peterson making it 7-4 in the seventh, and another two-run homer in the ninth to bring the road team within one.

The Fish, however, held on for the win.

Goldeyes fans also welcomed another familiar face back from the Mexican League, as outfielder Miles Simington rejoined the lineup after being signed on Wednesday for the remainder of the season.

In 2024 with the Goldeyes, Simington hit .329 with seven home runs, 65 RBIs and 28 stolen bases.

“It’s definitely better,” said Watkins of the team atmosphere. “It’s better when you win for sure, but yeah, someone like Rob (Emery) who was one of our leaders last year, someone like Miles (Simington), who was an emotional leader on the team, that’s kind of what we’ve been missing.”

After playing the Explorers in a critical weekend series, the Fish will then continue their six-game road trip against the Kansas City Monarchs before returning to Blue Cross Park on Aug. 22.

“I don’t think we’re really worried about that,” said Emery of the standings. “We’re just happy to be together and playing. And I think if we can stay present and let the chips fall where they may, you know, something crazy could happen, but we’re just gonna enjoy it anyways.”

zoe.pierce@freepress.mb.ca