By Doug Greenwald, Winnipeg Goldeyes

WINNIPEG, MB – Winnipeg Goldeyes (23-33) manager Greg Tagert said he wanted two scoreless innings from “opener” Max Steffens and have Luis Ramirez (4-4) take it the rest of the way. That’s what happened on Friday night at Shaw Park in an 8-4 victory over the Cleburne Railroaders (28-30). The Goldeyes have won four-out-of-five.

Box Score

The Goldeyes bullpen didn’t have many available arms so Steffens earned the opening assignment early Friday. He retired the only batter he faced the game before in his Winnipeg debut.  The Iowan worked two innings, gave up one hit, and had one strikeout.

The Manitobans scored twice in the first inning. Right fielder Max Murphy began the two-out rally with a double to left. Designated hitter Jacob Bockelie delivered an RBI single to center which made it 1-0. Bockelie has hit safely in his last ten games. After a walk to first baseman Chris Burgess, catcher Jackson Smith came through with an RBI single making it 2-0.

Ramirez took the mound in the third inning. It was the second time this year he’s been the designated second pitcher and each time he’s won. He went the final seven innings, allowed seven hits, four runs (three earned). He walked one and struck out seven.

Friday was the fifth straight game where the Goldeyes have had at least ten hits—they had 12 in this contest. Bockelie finished with two hits and three RBI’s. It was his fifth game this year with three RBI’s. He has ten hits over six games since his return from injury.

Winnipeg broke open a 4-2 contest with three runs in the fifth. Smith singled to open the frame, left fielder Miles Simington doubled. Center fielder Javeyan Williams hit a comebacker–Cleburne pitcher Miguel Ausua knocked the ball down but threw wildly to first as it went down toward the Railroaders bullpen. Smith and Simington scored. Williams was credited for an infield single and an RBI.

Michael Wong (0-1) surrendered four runs (all earned) in four innings with no strikeouts. The Cleburne starter allowed seven hits and walked four (one intentional).

The fifth game of this scheduled six-game series at Shaw Park is Saturday at 6:00. The probables are Cleburne righty–former Goldeye–Kevin Hilton (3-2) against Winnipeg native–RHP–Marc-André Habeck (1-1).

For information on season tickets, group outings, Skysuite rentals, patio bookings, and 10-game mini packs, visit the team’s official website Goldeyes.com.

GOLDEYES SCALES

The game was played in 2:23. That was 1:14 quicker than Thursday’s 11-inning game

Murphy had two doubles which gives him a seven-game hitting streak. He scored twice

Simington’s two hits snapped an 0-10

It was Smith’s first three hit game with Winnipeg. The last time he had at least three hits in a contest was September 4th of last season with Gary SouthShore when had four

Half of Ramirez’ wins have been as the designated second pitcher

Eight-of-the-nine Goldeyes in the starting lineup reached base safely. The only who didn’t was shortstop Andy Armstrong yet he contributed with his American Association best 13th sacrifice bunt which led to a run

Winnipeg has scored 30 runs over the first four games of this series