By Doug Greenwald, Winnipeg Goldeyes

KANSAS CITY, KS – Winnipeg’s (30-44) snapping of a four-game losing streak was not easy as the Goldeyes defeated the Kansas City Monarchs (42-30) 7-5 on Saturday night at Legends Field.

Box Score

The Goldeyes led by that score going to the bottom of the ninth inning with closer Samuel Adames (11) notching the first two outs. However, three straight Monarchs reached which gave them a chance to win. However, with a full-count, Monarchs first baseman Brian O’Grady popped out in foul territory to Goldeyes catcher Chris Burgess who secured the ball and win near the Kansas City first base dugout.

It was Winnipeg’s second win against the Monarchs this year as Kansas City leads the series 9-2.

Winnipeg jumped on the board in the first on a solo homer by right fielder Max Murphy (21) adding to his league high. He has 63 RBI’s–third in the league. The hit snapped a 1-17 drought.

Kansas City tied the game in the bottom of the first but Winnipeg scored three times in the second. Third baseman Dayson Croes and shortstop Andy Armstrong each had two-out run-producing hits. Croes had an infield single while Armstrong a two-run single to centre. Croes has four straight multi-hit games while Armstrong has three multi-hit games in this series.

Burgess (3) in the third inning added to the lead making it 6-1 with a two-run round-tripper to left field. It was his second homer of the series. All nine Goldeyes in the lineup reached base safely while eight had hits.

Kansas City scored three times in the fifth with the big hit a two-run double by O’Grady and that made it 6-4 Winnipeg. Windsor, Ontario product, Monarchs centre fielder Jacob Robson (8) added a homer in the eighth.

Landen Bourassa (7-5) won his third straight start for the Goldeyes. The Lethbridge native worked five innings, allowed nine hits, four runs (all earned) while walking one and fanning three. Adames worked two innings and struck out two for the save.

Monarchs starter Zach Matson (4-2) was the losing pitcher, surrendering six runs (five earned) in five innings. He allowed both Goldeyes homers.

The final game of this six-game set is on Sunday afternoon in Kansas City with a 1:00 first pitch. Left-hander Tyler Jandron (1-6) will be the “opener” for Winnipeg with Luis Ramirez (5-5) likely being the next pitcher beginning in the third inning. Kansas City will counter with left-hander Dalton Moats (4-3).

The Goldeyes return home Tuesday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m. when the Lincoln Saltdogs visit Shaw Park to open what will be a six-game homestand.

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

Croes is 8-21 in the series with five RBIs. His average is third in the American Association at .348. His RBI single in the sixth was his 100th hit this season which is second most in the AA.

Reliever Chas Cywin pitched two perfect innings with three strikeouts. In his last 22 innings he’s issued two earned runs–0.82 ERA during that time.

At 3:18 in duration, it was the longest nine-inning game of the season for Winnipeg.