WINNIPEG GOLDEYES DAILY CLIPPINGS

TUESDAY, JUNE 11th, 2019

- Capellan Continues to Prove His Worth as the Team’s Closer—Winnipeg Sun, 6/11/19 - Johnson Takes Mound for Goldeyes—CANSTAR Community News (Eva Wasney), 6/10/19 - A Double Header to Forget—Winnipeg Free Press (Devon Shewchuk), 6/10/19 - Goldeyes Swept in Twinbill—Winnipeg Sun, 6/10/19 - Railroaders Take Twinbill From Goldeyes—Winnipeg Goldeyes (Steve Schuster), 6/9/19 - June 9th Game Highlights, Game 2 (Video Link)—Winnipeg Goldeyes (Jason Young), 6/9/19 - June 9th Game Highlights, Game 1 (Video Link)—Winnipeg Goldeyes (Jason Young), 6/9/19 - Railroaders Sweep Twin Bill—Cleburne Railroaders (Denning Gerig), 6/9/19 - Goldeyes Have No-Quit Mentality—Winnipeg Sun, 6/9/19

CAPELLAN CONTINUES TO PROVE HIS WORTH AS THE TEAM’S CLOSER WINNIPEG SUN – TUESDAY, JUNE 11th Winnipeg Goldeyes’ closer Victor Capellan tied the franchise career saves record last Friday versus Cleburne.

The fourth-year Goldeye struck out two during a scoreless top of the ninth in an 8-6, come-from-behind win. It was Capellan’s 37th save since joining the team at the end of 2016, and matched the record established by Steve Thomas from 2001-03.

Capellan pitched in all 12 of the Goldeyes’ playoff victories during their 2016 and 2017 championship seasons. Last year, the Dominican-born right- hander tied the club’s single-season record with 22 saves.

“He’s done a really good job for us over the years, and he’s kind of morphed into our closer the last two seasons,” said Goldeyes’ manager Rick Forney. “The guy single-handedly was a big reason why we won a couple of championships. He pitched some high-leverage innings for us. He’s a really good teammate and one of the nicest people you can have in your clubhouse. Hopefully we can get him another (save) soon.”

FRENCH BULLDOG Goldeyes’ starting pitcher Parker French, who takes the mound tonight against the Gary SouthShore RailCats, has pitched into the sixth inning or later in all four of his starts this season.

The right-hander pitched exclusively at the double-A level each of the previous two seasons, and has already garnered high-praise from his Kevin Garcia.

“He’s probably one of my favourite pitchers to catch,” Garcia said. “His mentality and demeanor on the mound is different than other guys. It’s more aggressive. Good or bad, he’s always going to go out there and give you everything he’s got, and not sell anything short. He’s gone really far into his starts, and given us a chance to win some ballgames. His character is always going to show up.”

‘AA’ KEEPS TRENDING UPWARD The Goldeyes played host to the Cleburne Railroaders over the weekend. Brent Clevlen is in his first year as Railroaders’ manager, and has watched the American Association evolve since first joining the league as a player in 2011.

Clevlen has also noticed a greater willingness on the part of Major League organizations to take a chance on independent league players.

The have long been at the forefront of providing opportunities, but over the past year, three other clubs have reached heavily into the American Association for talent. The Boston Red Sox, , and Milwaukee Brewers have combined for 14 player signings since last July.

In fact, the Salem Red Sox — Boston’s high-A Carolina League affiliate — recently had three former American Association players on its roster at the same time, including right-handed pitcher Dylan Thompson who was picked up from the Goldeyes during spring training. Thompson was recently promoted to double-A Portland where he earned the win in his debut for the Sea Dogs.

“For me, I think you’re seeing much better arms now,” Clevlen said. “Back in 2012 and 2013, you had maybe one or two guys —maybe — that could throw in the mid 90s. Now you’re seeing teams with three or four, and multiple teams have them. More opportunities are out there, and you’re seeing scouts that have signed (independent league players) who have made it all the way to the big leagues. Other organizations are starting to recognize that a little bit more, and are scouting independent .”

UP NEXT The Goldeyes open a three-game series against the Gary SouthShore RailCats tonight with French on the mound. First pitch from Gary’s US Steel Yard is at 7:10 p.m. The game can be heard live on 93.7 FM.

JOHNSON TAKES MOUND FOR GOLDEYES EVA WASNEY – CANSTAR COMMUNITY NEWS The last two weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind for Ryan Johnson.

After signing an offer to play with the Winnipeg Goldeyes on May 29, the St. James native made his professional baseball debut in front of a hometown crowd just a few hours later.

"It all happened so fast," the 26-year-old left handed pitcher said with a laugh.

Johnson — a Sturgeon Heights Collegiate graduate and a St. James A’s alum — is the first Winnipegger to play for the Goldeyes since pitcher Donnie Smith’s final season in 2006.

Johnson recently wrapped up his college baseball career with Lubbock Christian University in Texas and was planning on playing senior men’s ball in Ontario’s Intercounty Baseball league before the stars aligned with the Goldeyes.

A week before Johnson’s debut, team manager Rick Forney got a text from former Goldeyes third baseman Amos Ramon asking if he was looking for a lefty pitcher.

"Being part of the Goldeyes family... I kind of know what they’re looking for and I always keep tabs on R.J.," said Ramon, who became friends with Johnson while playing in the Winnipeg Senior Baseball League. "Rick said he would sign him right away."

About 10 minutes later, Johnson got a call from Forney.

"I got a FaceTime from him explaining that he wanted me down there and I was very, very excited. I couldn’t really believe that it was happening," he said. "I wasn’t prepared to leave at all… I was living in Texas for three years before that, so it was an interesting pack job, but we got it done."

Johnson led the Goldeyes to a 3-1 victory over the Gary SouthShore RailCats at Shaw Park on May 29, pitching six and two-thirds shutout innings. The rookie relied on experience to keep cool under pressure.

"Staying mentally locked-in, heck it was a lot of noise, but I had thrown 100 and some innings before that," Johnson said. "The game is a little bit faster at this level and the guys are hitting the ball a bit further… but you know the plate is still the same diameter and I’m still the same distance away."

A highlight of the game was having friends and family, many of whom hadn’t seen him pitch in years, cheering from the stands.

Johnson’s presence on the mound has stirred up a lot of excitement amongst Goldeyes fans and former St. James A’s coaches and players. Dave Sellner is an assistant coach with the A’s and worked with Johnson on and off for six years.

"It’s kind of cool that he’s playing professional baseball now," Sellner said. "He was a great player and a great athlete with a great attitude."

Johnson has fond memories of his junior baseball days.

"Growing up playing for the A’s I was blessed with really good coaching and those people have really influenced me throughout the years just to keep working and keep grinding," he said. "I’m very proud to have come from there."

Ramon expects great things from Johnson and the Goldeyes in the future, he just has one request:

"Do the same thing that I did for you. If it ever comes back up and you have the chance to get a kid signed, just do it," Ramon said, adding that Johnson is the kind of person who has no problem paying it forward. "R.J. is the kind of guy who will do anything for you."

A DOUBLE HEADER TO FORGET DEVON SHEWCHUK – WINNIPEG FREE PRESS – MONDAY, JUNE 10th Winds were gusty at Shaw Park on Sunday afternoon, but even they couldn’t be used as an excuse for the first game of the Winnipeg Goldeyes’ doubleheader against the Cleburne Railroaders.

The teams played two seven-inning games on Sunday, making up for Saturday’s rain-postponed game.

The Fish were blown away 8-0 in their matinee at Shaw Park, failing to notch an extra-base hit throughout the shortened game. In their second game, the home team lost 5-2.

Manager Rick Forney said bats have to start ringing — the sooner, the better.

"Unfortunately, we’re not hitting right now. You have to score runs in this league. We’re not scoring," Forney said. "We gotta get some hits, it builds confidence. Good at-bats are contagious. Or bad ones, as you see."

The deficit is the largest the team has lost by this season. It’s the second time they’ve been blanked, the first being just four days ago in a 5-0 loss to the Sioux City Explorers.

Cleburne notched two two-run homers on their way to their first win. Despite a so-so 12-10 record, the Railroaders hit six home runs in the three-game series. The team now leads the American Association in dingers, with 27 in the first 23 games this season.

Winnipeg-born pitcher Ryan Johnson started off strong for the Goldeyes, retiring the first three batters he faced. But he faltered as the game went on, allowing six runs on seven hits, while walking three batters over just four innings.

Johnson entered the game with a sparkling 0.72 ERA, but now drops 1-1 to a 3.78 ERA.

He’s the first Winnipeg-born Goldeyes player since Donnie Smith’s final year with the club in 2006.

Other pitching issues arose in Game 2, but not for the reason you’d expect.

In a remarkably rare and strange occurrence, Goldeyes starting pitcher Harrison Cooney got tossed out of the game just four batters into the first inning.

It happened when Cleburne’s Nick Rotola raced from third on a single, attempting to slide into home under the tag of Goldeyes’ catcher Kevin Garcia. Home plate umpire Chris Lee called Rotola safe, sparking criticism from the catcher.

It appeared Cooney walked to home plate to pipe in, with both players saying Rotola missed the plate during his slide. Neither player was animated during the interaction.

About 30 seconds after it began, Cooney turned on his heels and began walking back to the mound. That’s when Lee turned and pointed at him, ejecting Cooney from the game.

The pitcher’s early exit threw the Fish into an emergency bullpen situation."Bullpen did a good job today, we asked a lot of them," Forney said. "Like nine-and-a-third innings we asked them to pitch, so they did a good job."

Five different bullpen pitchers combined for 6 1/3 innings in the second game, allowing four runs on nine hits, striking out eight.

The Goldeyes had a chance to tie the game in the fourth, but narrowly missed out. The Fish scored two quick runs to make it a 3-2 game, but Railroaders’ starter Michael Gunn worked to preserve the lead and strand the tying run on second. Gunn improves to 2-0 (4.39 ERA) while Cooney falls 2-2 (5.30 ERA).

After an off-day today, the Goldeyes (14-9) hit the road for a five-game road trip. Their next game is Tuesday, when they begin a three-game series against the Gary SouthShore RailCats at 7:10 p.m.

GOLDEYES SWEPT IN TWINBILL WINNIPEG SUN – MONDAY, JUNE 10th The Winnipeg Goldeyes dropped both ends of a doubleheader to the Cleburne Railroaders on Sunday, losing by scores of 8-0 and 5-2.

In the opener, Railroaders starting pitcher Jesus Sanchez threw a complete game five-hit shutout. The Venezuelan right-hander completed the seven innings on just 83 pitches and did not issue a free pass.

Cleburne scored four times in the top of the second to take early control of the game. After Kenny Meimerstorf scored on a wild pitch, Angel Rosa drove in John Nester with a groundball to shortstop. Hunter Clanin and KC Huth followed with back-to-back RBI hits.

The Railroaders made it 6-0 in the fourth on a two-run homer from Clanin. Jonathan Rodriguez slugged a two-out, two-run shot in the fifth.

Rookie left-hander Ryan Johnson took the loss in the opener, allowing six earned runs on seven hits over four innings.

In the second game, the Railroaders took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on a controversial play. Meimerstorf singled home Nick Rotola with two outs. Winnipeg contended that Rotola was tagged out by catcher Kevin Garcia. Goldeyes starting pitcher Harrison Cooney was ultimately ejected just four batters into the game.

A Chase Simpson double and a Rodriguez in the third made it 3-0.

The Goldeyes battled within 3-2 in the fourth on run-scoring hits from Willy Garcia and Dominic Ficociello. Cleburne starter Michael Gunn maneuvered through the rest of the inning with the lead intact, and stranded the tying and go-ahead runs on base.

Nester doubled home a run in the top of the fifth to re-extend the Railroaders’ lead to 4-2. Rodriguez hit a solo homer in the seventh for the final run of the afternoon.

Gunn notched the win, allowing two earned runs on seven hits over five innings. Cooney took the tough-luck loss. Five Goldeyes relievers covered the final six and one-third innings following the ejection.

Ficociello and Gunn were college teammates at the University of Arkansas.

GAME 1 CLEBURNE RAILROADERS 8, WINNIPEG GOLDEYES 0 WINNING PITCHER: CLE: Jesus Sanchez (3-2) LOSING PITCHER: WPG: Ryan Johnson (1-1) CLE: Hunter Clanin (3), Jonathan Rodriguez (1)

GAME 2 CLEBURNE RAILROADERS 5, WINNIPEG GOLDEYES 2 WINNING PITCHER: CLE: Michael Gunn (2-0) LOSING PITCHER: WPG: Harrison Cooney (2-2) HOME RUN CLE: Jonathan Rodriguez (2)

THE SKINNY: The Goldeyes dropped both ends of a doubleheader to the Cleburne Railroaders 8-0 and 5-2 at Shaw Park.

PLAYER OF THE GAMES: Cleburne’s Game 1 starting pitcher Jesus Sanchez threw the first shutout of his career. Sanchez is a converted catcher who started pitching full-time in 2009.

PLAY OF THE GAME: Goldeyes catcher Kevin Garcia made a tumbling catch in front of the plate to retire Nick Rotola during the top of the third in the second game.

NEXT UP: The Goldeyes open a three-game series against the Gary SouthShore RailCats Tuesday night. First pitch from US Steel Yard is at 7:10 p.m. The game can be heard on 93.7 FM.

RAILROADERS TAKE TWINBILL FROM GOLDEYES STEVE SCHUSTER – WINNIPEG GOLDEYES – SUNDAY, JUNE 9th WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes (14-9) lost both ends of a double header to the Cleburne Railroaders at Shaw Park on Sunday afternoon, falling 8-0 in game one and 5-2 in game two.

In the opener, Railroaders’ starting pitcher Jesus Sanchez (3-2) pitched a complete game, five-hit shutout. Sanchez walked none, struck out three, and threw 83 pitches. It was Sanchez’s first career shutout, and his first complete game since May of 2010 while pitching in the ’ organization.

The Railroaders scored four times in the top of the second. After Kenny Meimerstorf scored on a wild pitch, Angel Rosa drove in John Nester with a groundball to shortstop. Hunter Clanin followed with an RBI double, while KC Huth’s RBI single made it 4-0.

Clanin hit a two-run home run in the top of the fourth, and the Railroaders closed out the scoring in game one with a two-out, two-run homer from Jonathan Rodriguez in the top of the fifth.

Ryan Johnson (1-1) started for the Goldeyes and took the loss, allowing six earned runs on seven hits in four innings. Johnson walked three and struck out four.

In the second game, the Railroaders took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on a controversial play. Meimerstorf singled to right with two outs. Nick Rotola was ruled safe at the plate on a throw from Willy Garcia. The call ultimately led to the ejection of Goldeyes’ starting pitcher Harrison Cooney four batters into the game.

Chase Simpson made it 2-0 with an RBI double in the top of the third. Rodriguez added a sacrifice fly later in the inning.

The Goldeyes battled within 3-2 in the bottom of the fourth. Josh Romanski doubled to right leading off. Willy Garcia lined a single to left, and Romanski scored on an error charged to Rotola. Dominic Ficociello then singled up the middle to plate Garcia who had taken second on the previous play. Railroaders’ game two starter Michael Gunn worked around a first and third situation with one out to escape further trouble.

Nester hit a two-out, RBI double in the top of the fifth to re-extend the lead to 4-2. Rodriguez hit a solo shot in the top of the seventh, his second of the double header, to provide the game’s final margin.

Gunn (2-0) picked up the win for Cleburne (12-11), allowing two earned runs on seven hits in five innings. Gunn walked none and struck out two.

Cooney (2-2) took the loss, allowing one earned run in two-thirds of an inning. Brandon Bingel and Victor Capellan each threw a scoreless inning of relief.

The Goldeyes open a three-game series on the road against the Gary SouthShore RailCats on Tuesday night. First pitch from US Steel Yard is at 7:10 p.m. Parker French (1-0, 3.70) is Winnipeg’s projected starting pitcher. All the action can be heard locally on 93.7FM CJNU and worldwide at www.cjnu.ca

The Goldeyes return home on Tuesday, June 18th when they host the Chicago Dogs at Shaw Park. Advance tickets are on sale now by visiting www.goldeyes.com/tickets or by visiting the box office at Shaw Park.

For information on 2019 season tickets, 10-game mini packs, and group tickets, call the Goldeyes’ office at (204) 982-BASE, or visit the Goldeyes’ official website at www.goldeyes.com

VIDEO: JUNE 9th GAME HIGHLIGHTS, GAME 2 JASON YOUNG – WINNIPEG GOLDEYES – SUNDAY, JUNE 9th LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpQK-P5Mceo

VIDEO: JUNE 9th GAME HIGHLIGHTS, GAME 1 JASON YOUNG – WINNIPEG GOLDEYES – SUNDAY, JUNE 9th LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9v5flMB9S8

RAILROADERS SWEEP TWIN BILL DENNING GERIG – CLEBURNE RAILROADERS – SUNDAY, JUNE 9th WINNIPEG, Man. (June 9, 2019) – Jesus Sanchez fired the first individual shutout in franchise history, Jonathan Rodriguez homered in both games, and the Cleburne Railroaders swept a doubleheader from the Winnipeg Goldeyes by scores of 8-0 and 5-2 on Sunday afternoon at Shaw Park.

Sanchez (3-2) was masterful, allowing just five singles in keeping the Goldeyes off the scoreboard. Winnipeg got just one runner to third base, and Sanchez required just 83 pitches. Interestingly, none of the 21 outs recorded came on the ground, as Sanchez struck out three and then induced 18 fly outs, pop outs, or line outs. The Cleburne starter did not go to a three-ball count the entire afternoon.

The Railroaders jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the second thanks to some Winnipeg charity. Goldeyes starter Ryan Johnson (1-1) loaded the bases with nobody out on two walks sandwiched around a single. A wild pitch brought home the game’s first run, then Angel Rosa chopped a run- scoring grounder to shortstop for a 2-0 lead. Hunter Clanin followed with an RBI double and K.C. Huth capped the frame with an RBI single.

A pair of two-run home runs provided more cushion for Cleburne. Clanin smacked an opposite field blast in the fourth, then Rodriguez connected for a line drive two-run shot in the fifth to finish off the scoring. It was Rodriguez’s first home run with the Railroaders.

It didn’t take long for things to get weird in game two of the twin bill. In the top of the first, Kenny Meimerstorf lined an RBI single to right field that scored Nick Rotola on a close play at the plate. Winnipeg starter Harrison Cooney was ejected for arguing the call with home plate umpire Chris Lee, forcing the Goldeyes to go the bullpen in the first inning.

An RBI double from Chase Simpson made it 2-0 in the top of the third, then Rodriguez added another with a long sacrifice fly.

Those runs would prove critical, as Winnipeg came storming back in the bottom of the fourth. The Goldeyes started the inning with four straight hits to cut the deficit to 3-2, and had runners at first and second with nobody out. Cleburne starter Michael Gunn (2-0) recovered to retire the next three, then worked a scoreless bottom of the fifth to qualify for the victory.

John Nester pulled a run back in the top of the fifth with an RBI double, then Rodriguez delivered his second home run of the day with a solo shot in the top of the seventh to stretch the lead to 5-2.

Cody White retired all four hitters he faced, and Martire Garcia induced two groundouts to close out the sweep.

Cleburne (12-11) will have a day off on Monday as they travel back home to open a ten-game homestand against the Kansas City T-Bones. First pitch on Tuesday is scheduled for 7:06 PM.

For information on partnerships, season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Railroaders main office at (817) 945-8705, or visit the Railroaders official website at www.railroaderbaseball.com.

GOLDEYES HAVE NO-QUIT MENTALITY WINNIPEG SUN – SUNDAY, JUNE 9th Friday night, the Goldeyes posted their fourth come-from-behind, last at-bat victory in eight games with an 8-6 win over the Cleburne Railroaders.

In 2018, the Goldeyes won five games in which they trailed after seven innings.

Before that seemingly low figure is chalked up to a rough year in the standings, it’s worth noting the 2017 American Association champion Goldeyes won exactly five games when trailing after seven as well.

Returning catcher Kevin Garcia says the no-quit mentality is shared across the entire roster.

“One though nine (in the batting order), the bench, pitchers, everyone—we’re in it to win it, so we don’t back down,” said Garcia. “We support each other, we play (innings) one through nine. This past week, we’ve been behind most of the night, but in innings seven, eight, and nine, we’ve executed and gotten back in those games.”

Garcia acknowledges talent has played a role in the Goldeyes’ strong start. The Fish were 14-7 and tied for first in the American Association North heading into Saturday. The starting lineup remains the most experienced in franchise history, with as many as eight players owning triple-A or major league experience on a given night.

However, Garcia feels this current group of players has something more at play than just their statistical track records.

“Of course, the talent’s going to show, and we have a lot of veterans,” Garcia said. “I think chemistry plays a role too, though. You could have a bad at bat, but you’re certain that the guy behind you is going to pick you up. With the pitchers, when someone gets in trouble, we know the relievers are going to get them out of the jam. It’s nice to have that security on the mound and in the box.

“We just go out there and have fun,” Garcia added. “This is probably one of the best teams I’ve been a part of, talent-wise, chemistry-wise. There’s no hostility or animosity. It’s all love. It’s like a big family.”

The Goldeyes trailed by as many as four runs in the bottom of the seventh Friday, and their comeback ultimately kicked off when Dominic Ficociello reached on an error by Cleburne first baseman Jonathan Rodriguez. The at bat went into the books as an 0-for-1 for Ficociello, but the Goldeyes infielder had battled Cleburne starter Charles Gillies for 10 pitches, which forced manager Brent Clevlen to go to the bullpen before the end of the inning.

“You make them think about stuff when guys start to have quality at bats,” Goldeyes manager Rick Forney said. “They have to start questioning whether their guy has enough to get to the finish line, or get them to the next guy. They have to make decisions. Good at bats are very contagious, and if you have guys working the count and grinding a little bit, then it seems to find a way to filter throughout your lineup.”

LET’S PLAY TWO The scheduled game between the Winnipeg Goldeyes and Cleburne Railroaders on Saturday was postponed due to inclement weather.

The teams are now scheduled to play a doubleheader Sunday afternoon beginning at 1:05 p.m. Both games are set for seven innings.