Milkmen spoil Goldeyes’ season opener

The Winnipeg Goldeyes took their first swings of the new season Friday in Milwaukee — but failed to make much of an impact.

A 6-2 loss to the host Milkmen at Franklin Field spoiled opening night for the visiting Fish, although there are still 99 games left to change the narrative.

Left-fielder Roby Enriquez provided the offensive highlight, collecting four of Winnipeg’s eight hits — three singles and a double — while driving in the club’s first run of 2026 in the sixth inning. Designated hitter Jiandido Tromp had the other RBI on a ninth-inning fielder’s choice.

Right-fielder Max Murphy, third baseman Ramon Bramasco and second baseman Adam Hall each went 1-for-4 with a double, while shortstop Ray-Patrick Didder chipped in with a single. Tromp, along with first baseman T.J. Schofield-Sam, centre-fielder Noah Marcelo and catcher Kevin Garcia, were held hitless.

Milwaukee starter Solomon Bates was rock-solid on the mound, tossing five scoreless innings before four relievers combined to finish off the victory.

Goldeyes manager Logan Watkins, now in his third season, has high hopes for a club looking to rebound after taking a major step backward in 2025.

Winnipeg finished 41-58 and missed the American Association playoffs by a wide margin. The total matched the fewest wins in franchise history during a 100-game campaign, although one game was rained out and never rescheduled.

The Fish welcomed back 13 players — including Friday’s starter, Landen Bourassa — while adding 13 fresh faces as they chase their first championship since 2017.

Bourassa surrendered one run in the first inning and two more in the second before settling in, scattering five hits across five innings. He struck out five and did not issue a walk.

The bullpen had more difficulty keeping the game within reach. Tasker Strobel allowed two runs while recording just two outs, while Quinn Waterhouse surrendered a solo home run in his lone inning of work. James Colyer and Eli Saul were more effective, each delivering scoreless outings.

Winnipeg will finish the three-game series Saturday and Sunday in Wisconsin before returning home for Tuesday’s opener at Blue Cross Park against the Kane County Cougars. The game is nearly sold out, with the first 5,000 fans to receive a free Goldeyes jersey. Fireworks will follow the final out.

FISH WRAP

Pitcher James Bradwell opened the season on the inactive list while continuing to rehabilitate a lingering off-season injury.

The Vancouver right-hander went 1-3 with a 4.61 earned-run average in seven starts for Winnipeg last season.

Bradwell is expected to play a significant role in the rotation. The UBC graduate showed some of his potential last August in Sioux Falls, when he threw nine hitless innings in a game the Goldeyes lost 3-1 in 11 innings.

“Getting James back was big priority for us this off-season,” said Watkins. “He flashed stretches of dominance last season, and if he can get back fully healthy, I expect him to be one of the better starters in the entire league this year.”

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