Winnipeg, MB (August, 13th, 2022) – A pair of David Washington homers, including a two-run shot in the eighth lifted the Winnipeg Goldeyes to a 5-4 victory over the Sioux City Explorers. 

The X’s grabbed an early 3-0 lead in the second on a pair of home runs. Ademar Rifaela extended his hitting streak to ten games when he hit a solo home run. After a single Jack Kelly smacked a two-run homer to right. 

Winnipeg cut the X’s lead down to one with a third inning Ian Sagdal RBI single and a lead off homer in the fourth from David Washington to pull within 3-2. 

The Explorers extended their lead to two in the fifth. Trey Martin singled with Blake Tiberi at first base. Tiberi was able to score from first on an error by the centerfielder giving the X’s a 4-2 lead. Sioux City had runners at the corners with only one out but bounced into an inning ending double play. 

RJ Martinez received a no decision as he managed to toss four innings, allowed four runs, three earned on six hits with three walks and two strikeouts. 

Also receiving a no decision was Nivaldo Rodriguez who made his Explorers debut. He went five innings and allowed two runs on three hits with four strikeouts and a pair of walks. 

Winnipeg pulled to within a run in the sixth on a Max Murphy base hit to center to make the score 4-3. 

The Goldeyes bullpen held the X’s hitless after the sixth inning on. The only base runner Sioux City managed over the final four frames of the game was on an error. 

In the eighth, Murphy singled ahead of Washington who clobbered his second home run of the night. The two-run bomb gave Winnipeg a 5-4 lead. 

Taking the loss for the X’s was right hander Solomon Bates (0-1). He allowed two runs on three hits in an inning and a third. 

Getting the victory for Winnipeg was Will McAffer (1-0) who tossed a scoreless inning. 

Tasker Strobel (20) nailed down the save with a perfect ninth including a pair of strikeouts. 

The Explorers and Goldeyes will meet on Sunday afternoon for the rubber game of the series. Sioux City sends righty Zach Hedges (1-7, 6.38) and Winnipeg will counter with right hander Luis Ramirez (10-3, 3.79).