As a post-script to my previous post, the Goldeyes survived a 3 game road trip to Coors, against the Hammer Heads.
After the HammerHeads "annihilated" the Goldeyes 16-6 in game 1, going through the entire Goldeyes bullpen (never a good thing in game 1 of a series), the Goldeyes managed a split of the remaining 2 games, both one run games.
Griffin gave the bullpen a much needed break in game 2, going 7 innings, with Benoit picking up the "behind and late" 8th.
In game 3, Storey and Betancourt were brilliant in relief in a 10 inning game, pitching 4.2 scoreless relief innings. The Goldeyes battled back after a somewhat predictable shaky start by Weaver at Coors, and were tied at 5 after 9 innings.
Ruiz - perhaps tied with Votto for team MVP - hit a lead-off homerun to start the 10th inning. Betancourt finished the 10th to get the W and avert a 3 game sweep.
Ruiz has missed 14 games due to injury (probably slightly less than he might have, according to probabilities). But he's still 3rd in doubles, after Votto, in league stats. Ruiz is 2nd in batting average, at .351, and 3rd in OB, at .407. As I've acknowledged before, I took an injury risk for Ruiz and Votto, and so far I've been lucky, and they've both really helped an otherwise weak offense for the Goldeyes.
By the way, if anyone was ever wondering, the "Goldeye" is a relatively rare freshwater fish that enjoys the shallow but extensive Manitoba lakes. It's a delicacy in Manitoba. It's smoked and eaten cold with onions and cream cheese, as an appetizer - a summer treat.
There is a tradition of baseball teams in Winnipeg named "The Goldeyes". The current Goldeyes are part of independent baseball, playing in the American Association. They were the league champions in 2012. For many years, their manager was Hal Lanier, a MLB player from the early 70's, although he was fired about 7 years ago after a long run as manager. The Goldeyes are considered to be a very successful independent league franchise. I think they have led independent baseball in attendance in some years, averaging 6,000 or so per game.
http://www.goldeyes.com/news/news-relea ... once-againThe Goldeyes play in a beautiful ballpark called Shaw Park, in downtown Winnipeg. It was built by the owner of the team, and the current mayor, Sam Katz.
It's a great way to spend a summer afternoon, catching a daytime Goldeyes game at Shaw Park!
Just thought I'd share that with the group!