Rusch’s gem beats Pheasants

WINNIPEG, Manitoba. – The Winnipeg Goldeyes used a five-run second inning and a complete-game performance from the league’s top pitcher en route to an 8-2 defeat of the Sioux Falls Pheasants on Tuesday night at Winnipeg’s Shaw Park.

Goldeyes starter Matthew Rusch (8-2) earned his first complete-game victory of the year, holding the Pheasants to just two runs and five hits. Rusch lowered his league-leading ERA to 2.37 and beat the Pheasants for the third time this season.

For the eighth time this year, Winnipeg scored five or more runs in an inning against Pheasants pitching. Pheasants starter Barry Fowler (1-1) was the latest victim in the second inning. Amos Ramon hit a two-run single to start the rally, and Jose Duran and Chris Roberson also had RBI hits.

The Pheasants only runs came from Jared Bolden’s two-run double in the third inning.

Winnipeg added singletons in the third, fourth and sixth innings.

Fowler gave up all eight runs, seven earned, on 13 hits in six innings pitched. He walked two and struck out two in the loss.

Kyle Mertins and Alan DeRatt each pitched a scoreless inning in relief of Fowler.

Cesar Nicolas had the only multi-hit performance of the night for the Pheasants. His team-best average is .344. Reggie Abercrombie went hitless for the first time since returning to Sioux Falls.

The Pheasants look to salvage of the three-game series at 7 p.m on Wednesday, August 8, in Winnipeg. The game will be broadcast on Sioux Falls Sports Radio 1230-AM KWSN and www.kwsn.com.