English
The Winnipeg Goldeyes’ season ended in painful fashion on Friday night at Blue Cross Park, as the team blew a late lead and fell 6-5 to the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks in Game 2 of their West Division semifinal series. Fargo completed a two-game sweep to advance to the next round of the playoffs.
Late Collapse Ends Goldeyes’ Season
Winnipeg appeared to be on the verge of forcing a decisive Game 3. The Goldeyes led 5-3 heading into the ninth inning and needed just two more outs to stay alive. However, RedHawks slugger Matt Kroon changed everything with one swing, launching a three-run home run to put Fargo ahead for good.
Stay connected to every major update — subscribe and follow us on the PhoenixQ website and across our social media platforms.
Goldeyes closer Derrick Cherry surrendered the game-winning blast. It was only his second blown save of the entire season, making the timing all the more difficult for Winnipeg.
Earlier in the game, the Goldeyes showed signs of life. Ray-Patrick Didder hit a solo home run in the eighth inning to give Winnipeg some additional cushion. Roby Enríquez also connected for a home run during the loss. Despite those contributions, the late collapse proved too much to overcome.
Strong Pitching Not Enough for Winnipeg
Goldeyes starter Kevin Vaupel pitched five innings and allowed three runs. He finished with a no-decision. Sage Ferguson was outstanding in relief, throwing three scoreless innings to keep Winnipeg in the game. Unfortunately, the bullpen could not hold the lead when it mattered most.
Fargo won the best-of-three West Division semifinal series 2-0. The RedHawks now advance to face the winner of the series between the Kansas City Monarchs and the Sioux Falls Canaries. That series was headed to a deciding third game on Saturday.
For the Goldeyes, the early exit marks a disappointing end to their season. Blowing a two-run lead with two outs remaining in the ninth inning is a tough way to close out a campaign. Meanwhile, Fargo moves forward with momentum after sweeping Winnipeg in convincing fashion.
