Murphy Leads Goldeyes to Win Over Lincoln
Doug Greenwald • August 10, 2023
WINNIPEG, MB – If only Winnipeg Goldeyes (32-45) right fielder Max Murphy (22) could play every game against the Lincoln Saltdogs (37-39). Murphy belted a three-run homer, his league best 22nd, an RBI single and had four RBIs helping the Goldeyes to an 8-4 win on Wednesday night at Shaw Park. This season against Lincoln, Murphy has six homers and 20 RBIs. Overall, he has 68 RBIs which is second in the American Association.
Murphy's clout was set up in the fourth inning when third baseman Dayson Croes walked and shortstop Andy Armstrong singled. Murphy hit the first pitch from Lincoln starter David Holmberg (1-5) on a high arching drive to right field and that made it 3-0.
Lincoln got two runs back in the fifth but Winnipeg answered with a run after centre fielder Tra Holmes was hit by a pitch. He stole second and moved to third when Saltdogs catcher Luke Roskam threw the ball into centre field. Croes followed with a sacrifice fly to left.
The Goldeyes broke the game open in the sixth scoring four. Croes had a two-run bases loaded single, Armstrong followed with a safety squeeze along the first base grass, and Murphy delivered a single.
Winnipeg was up 8-2 going to the ninth. Samuel Adames in a non-save situation came in and walked leadoff man – pinch hitter – Zane Zurbrugg. The first five Saltdogs reached. This included an RBI infield single by third baseman Luis Roman, and a full-count bases loaded walk by left fielder Aaron Takacs. Two runs were in before anyone was retired and the tying run was at the plate with the Goldeyes up 8-4. Lincoln shortstop Drew Devine with one swing could have tied but instead he hit a ball back to Adames, who began a 1-2-3 double play. Second baseman Nate Samson made the last out of the game by grounding to shortstop.
RJ Martinez (5-3) earned the win--his first as a starter this year. The Goldeyes lefty went 5 2/3 innings, issued one hit, two runs (both earned). He walked six and fanned four. Holmberg lasted five innings (plus), allowed five hits, six runs (five earned) while walking three and striking out two.
The Goldeyes have won three-of-their last four and will try for the three-game sweep on Thursday. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Shaw Park. The probable for Lincoln is right-hander Zach Keenan (3-4) against Winnipeg left-hander Travis Seabrooke (5-5).
GOLDEYES SCALES
It was Murphy's ninth three-hit game this season. Max has three games this year of at least four RBIs, all against Lincoln. His five-RBI game against the Saltdogs was in Lincoln on June 26th.
The six walks allowed by RJ Martinez match James Varela for most by a Goldeyes this season.
Croes string of five straight multi-hit games came to an end but he finished 1-3 with a single, walk, run scored and three RBIs. He's hit safely in his last six games (11-24, .458), and has hits in 15-of-his-last-16 (25-63, .397). His .350 mark is third best in the American Association. Wednesday was his third three-RBI game this season.
Reliever Josh Vincent made his third appearance back from a six-week stay on the injured list. It was his first game on the mound at Shaw Park since June 9th against Kansas City. He pitched two shutout innings.
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Photo Credit: Maddie LoRae/Chattanooga Lookouts WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced the signing Thursday of right-handed relief pitcher Arij Fransen . Fransen (full name pronounced Arr-EYE FRAWN-sen) spent 2025 with the Chattanooga Lookouts, the Class-AA affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. In 30 appearances, he posted a 4-4 record with a 6.34 earned run average in 55.1 innings. A native of Deventer, Netherlands, Fransen spent three seasons (2019-21) with Honkbalclub Allen Weerbaar in the Dutch Major League and made his North American professional debut in 2021 with the ACL Reds, the Rookie affiliate of the Reds. He reached as high as Class-AAA, appearing for the Louisville Bats in 2024. In 116 total games (34 starts) in the affiliated minor leagues, the 24-year-old has compiled a 16-24 record with a 5.62 ERA in 302.2 innings. "I’m really excited we have the opportunity to have Arij pitch for us this season," said Goldeyes skipper Logan Watkins . "He will be throwing for Team Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic in a few weeks, and it will be fun to get a chance to see him throw on a big stage. That alone tells us the calibre of pitcher we are getting. I think he will be a big factor for us this season and a great addition to our already strong pitching staff." Winnipeg now has 20 players under contract for the 2026 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 33 players during spring training, which begins May 3. 2026 Winnipeg Goldeyes Player Signings IF/OF Bryce Arnold RHP Luke Boyd RHP James Bradwell IF Ramón Bramasco RHP Derrick Cherry IF/OF Mason Dobie RHP Arij Fransen C Kevin García RHP Ben Kowalski LHP Mitchell Lambson LHP Weston Lombard IF Keshawn Lynch OF Noah Marcelo RHP Noah Millikan OF Max Murphy LHP Tasker Strobel RHP Willian Suárez OF Jiandido Tromp LHP Kevin Vaupel LHP Quinn Waterhouse The Goldeyes will begin the 2026 schedule Friday, May 15 against the Milwaukee Milkmen in Franklin, Wisconsin. The home opener at Blue Cross Park versus the Kane County Cougars is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. For information about 2026 Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Skysuites, and Group Packages, please complete and submit the form below.
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Photo Credit: Dunedin Blue Jays WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced the signing Monday of Canadian infielder Bryce Arnold. Arnold spent 2025 in the Toronto Blue Jays system, splitting time between the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays and the High-A Vancouver Canadians. In 80 total games, he hit .235 with home runs and 44 runs batted in. A native of Hamilton, Ontario, Arnold was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Blue Jays in 2023 and went on to reach the Class-AAA level with the Buffalo Bisons in 2024. In 209 total games across four levels, he has hit .219 with 20 home runs and 98 RBIs. The 24-year-old played three seasons (2021-23) with the Campbell University Fighting Camels (Buies Creek, NC) before making his professional debut. He hit .310 and compiled 28 home runs and 116 RBIs over 133 collegiate games. “We are really excited to announce the signing of another good young Canadian,” said Goldeyes field boss Logan Watkins. “Bryce is going to be a fan-favourite, not only because he’s Canadian, but because he’s someone who plays the game hard and with a lot of fire. He’s got some good affiliated experienc,e and he will bring a lot to our team this year.” In another transaction Monday, the contract of right-handed pitcher James Colyer was transferred to the Washington Nationals organization Winnipeg now has 19 players under contract for the 2026 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 33 players during spring training, which begins May 3. 2026 Winnipeg Goldeyes Player Signings IF/OF Bryce Arnold RHP Luke Boyd RHP James Bradwell IF Ramón Bramasco RHP Derrick Cherry IF/OF Mason Dobie C Kevin García RHP Ben Kowalski LHP Mitchell Lambson LHP Weston Lombard IF Keshawn Lynch OF Noah Marcelo RHP Noah Millikan OF Max Murphy LHP Tasker Strobel RHP Willian Suárez OF Jiandido Tromp LHP Kevin Vaupel LHP Quinn Waterhouse The Goldeyes will begin the 2026 schedule Friday, May 15 against the Milwaukee Milkmen in Franklin, Wisconsin. The home opener at Blue Cross Park versus the Kane County Cougars is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. For information about 2026 Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Skysuites, and Group Packages, please complete and submit the form below.
WINNIPEG, MB – “The Inside Pitch”, the official off-season radio show of the Winnipeg Goldeyes, returns Wednesday, January 28 on CJNU 93.7 FM. The program – hosted by Goldeyes broadcaster Trevor Curl – will air from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. Wednesday’s episode will feature Goldeyes field manager Logan Watkins and reliever Tasker Strobel. Watkins is entering his third year as manager in Winnipeg. In his first two seasons, the Goldeyes have compiled a 97-101 record, and he was named 2024 American Association Manager of the Year after piloting the club to a 56-43 record and a berth in the Miles Wolff Cup Finals. Named the fifth manager in franchise history November 1, 2023, the former Chicago Cubs infielder spent the previous two-plus seasons in the same role with the Cleburne Railroaders, where he managed a team that qualified for the post-season three times. Strobel – re-signed by the Goldeyes January 16 – compiled a 3-5 record with a 3.60 earned run average across 46 appearances in 2025. His performance earned him a spot on the 2025 West Division All-Star roster. The Inside Pitch can be heard live on CJNU 93.7 FM, as well as cjnu.ca, BellMTS TV channel 725, and through TuneIn or similar radio apps for smartphones and tablets. 2026 Inside Pitch Airdates Wednesday, January 28 Wednesday, February 11 Wednesday, February 25 Wednesday, March 11 Wednesday, March 25 Wednesday, April 8 Wednesday, April 22 Wednesday, April 29 The Goldeyes will begin the 2026 schedule Friday, May 15 against the Milwaukee Milkmen in Franklin, Wisconsin. The home opener at Blue Cross Park versus the Kane County Cougars is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. For information about 2026 Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Skysuites, and Group Packages, please complete and submit the form below.
Photo Credit: Abbie Schultz/Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced the signing Monday of left-handed pitcher Kevin Vaupel . Vaupel spent the 2025 season with the Jupiter Hammerheads, the Class-A level affiliate of the Miami Marlins. In 30 games (one start), he posted a 1-1 record with a 3.71 earned run average and 62 strikeouts over 53.1 innings. The 24-year-old made his professional debut in 2023 for the Florida Complex League Marlins and made one appearance. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native was chosen in the 16 th round of the 2023 MLB June Amateur Draft out of Seton Hall University (Greensburg, PA). In four college seasons (2020-23), Vaupel compiled a 13-5 record with a 3.76 ERA in 36 games (30 starts). “Kevin is another big signing for us,” said Goldeyes field manager Logan Watkins . “I came across him combing through the free agent list and liked what I saw statistically over the course of his career. Once we contacted him and acquired video, it was easy to see that he is a really good, young pitcher with a lot of upside. We already have some left-handed relievers signed, but Kevin was too good not to pursue. He fits what we look for from a pitching perspective: high strikeouts and low walks. I think he has a chance to be one of our better pitchers on the staff in 2026.” Winnipeg now has 19 players under contract for the 2026 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 33 players during spring training, which begins May 3. 2026 Winnipeg Goldeyes Player Signings RHP Luke Boyd RHP James Bradwell IF Ramón Bramasco RHP Derrick Cherry RHP James Colyer IF/OF Mason Dobie C Kevin García RHP Ben Kowalski LHP Mitchell Lambson LHP Weston Lombard IF Keshawn Lynch OF Noah Marcelo RHP Noah Millikan OF Max Murphy LHP Tasker Strobel RHP Willian Suárez OF Jiandido Tromp LHP Kevin Vaupel LHP Quinn Waterhouse The Goldeyes will begin the 2026 schedule Friday, May 15 against the Milwaukee Milkmen in Franklin, Wisconsin. The home opener at Blue Cross Park versus the Kane County Cougars is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. For information about 2026 Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Skysuites, and Group Packages, please complete and submit the form below.
WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced the signing Friday of veteran outfielder Jiandido Tromp. The native of Oranjestad, Aruba, most recently played for the Leones de León of the Nicaraguan Winter League, and hit .321 with seven home runs and 22 runs batted in over 40 games. He also helped the Netherlands win their 25th continental title at the 2025 European Baseball Championship in September, along with 2025 Goldeyes infielder Ray-Patrick Didder. His professional career has taken him all over the world, with previous stops in Canada, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, the Netherlands, and Italy. The 32-year-old made his professional debut in 2012 with the Gulf Coast League Phillies, the Rookie-level affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. He spent seven seasons between 2012 and 2018 in the Phillies organization, reaching the Class-AAA level on two occasions. In 641 minor-league games, Tromp hit .248 with 69 home runs and 269 RBIs. Defensively, he has spent the majority of his time in center field, with the flexibility to move to either left or right. “I’m excited to sign Jiandido and get him to Winnipeg,” said Goldeyes’ manager Logan Watkins . “He’s a veteran guy who has played a lot of baseball all over the world. I expect him to be one of our more consistent hitters and a great presence in the clubhouse.” Winnipeg now has 18 players under contract for the 2026 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 33 players during spring training, which begins May 3. 2026 Winnipeg Goldeyes Player Signings RHP Luke Boyd RHP James Bradwell IF Ramón Bramasco RHP Derrick Cherry RHP James Colyer IF/OF Mason Dobie C Kevin García RHP Ben Kowalski LHP Mitchell Lambson LHP Weston Lombard IF Keshawn Lynch OF Noah Marcelo RHP Noah Millikan OF Max Murphy LHP Tasker Strobel RHP Willian Suárez OF Jiandido Tromp LHP Quinn Waterhouse The Goldeyes will begin the 2026 schedule Friday, May 15 against the Milwaukee Milkmen in Franklin, Wisconsin. The home opener at Blue Cross Park versus the Kane County Cougars is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. For information about 2026 Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Skysuites, and Group Packages, please complete and submit the form below.
WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced the re-signing Wednesday of left-handed starting pitcher Mitchell Lambson , returning for his seventh season in Winnipeg. Lambson started 20 games in 2025, posting an 8-6 record with a 4.86 earned run average and 138 strikeouts. He was voted as last-man-in on the West Division roster in the 2025 American Association All-Star Game. The 35-year-old has become a staple in the Goldeyes’ record books, appearing among the franchise leaders in most pitching categories. He ranks second in wins (42), strikeouts (438), innings pitched (557), and complete games (12), and fourth in games started (75). Overall, the native of Montclair, California has made 114 appearances for Winnipeg between 2017 and 2025 and has compiled a 42-23 record with a 4.06 ERA. Lambson won an American Association championship with the Goldeyes in 2017 and was named the league’s Pitcher of the Year following the 2019 season, during which he went 13-4 with a 3.11 earned run average. Chosen by the Houston Astros in the 19th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft out of Arizona State University (Tempe, Arizona), Lambson also pitched in the Atlanta Braves’ and Milwaukee Brewers’ organizations, reaching the Class-AAA level on two occasions. “Mitch is another great veteran addition, said Goldeyes’ field boss Logan Watkins. “He battled through a little bit of arm trouble last year towards the end of the year, but made every start for us. In fact, for a big portion of the season, he was the only one of our original starting pitchers healthy in the rotation. He brings so much experience, and we know every time he takes the ball, we have a chance to win. He's never going to overpower anyone, but he's a dying breed of pitchers who know how to control the game by mixing up his pitches and relying on location. I know our fans will be happy to see him back.” In a separate transaction Wednesday, the Goldeyes traded the rights to outfielder Tanner O’Tremba to the Lincoln Saltdogs in exchange for future considerations. O’Tremba suited up in 69 games for the Goldeyes in 2025, hitting .215 with six home runs and 31 runs batted in. Winnipeg now has 17 players under contract for the 2026 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 33 players during spring training, which begins May 3. 2026 Winnipeg Goldeyes Player Signings RHP Luke Boyd RHP James Bradwell IF Ramón Bramasco RHP Derrick Cherry RHP James Colyer IF/OF Mason Dobie C Kevin García RHP Ben Kowalski LHP Mitchell Lambson LHP Weston Lombard IF Keshawn Lynch OF Noah Marcelo RHP Noah Millikan OF Max Murphy LHP Tasker Strobel RHP Willian Suárez LHP Quinn Waterhouse The Goldeyes will begin the 2026 schedule Friday, May 15 against the Milwaukee Milkmen in Franklin, Wisconsin. The home opener at Blue Cross Park versus the Kane County Cougars is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. For information about 2026 Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Skysuites, and Group Packages, please complete and submit the form below.
Early Bird Tickets: $49 GA / $115 VIP — While Supplies Last WINNIPEG, MB – The legendary Tacos & Tequila Festival is returning to Winnipeg August 22, 2026, transforming Blue Cross Park into the ultimate throwback day party — packed with bold flavours, high-energy entertainment, and all the nostalgic vibes fans have come to love. Early Bird tickets — just $49 GA and $115 VIP — are available for a limited time while supplies last. Headlined by T.I., this year’s lineup promises the ultimate throwback day party with performances from Too $hort, Frankie J, Murphy Lee, and festival favourite DJ Ashton Martin, spinning all the hits that defined an era. From chart-topping anthems like “What You Know” to the unmistakable energy of “Hustlin’” and “Blow the Whistle”, this is the soundtrack of the 2000s — live and louder than ever. LIMITED EARLY TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW Early ticket buyers can lock in General Admission for just $49 and VIP for $115, available only while supplies last. Once these tiers sell out, prices will increase. VIP tickets include early entry, access to elevated viewing areas, private bars, and exclusive drink inclusions. Bottle Service tables and group packages are also available by inquiry at TacosAndTequilaWinnipeg.com . THE COMPLETE ARTIST LINEUP T.I. – Atlanta rap icon behind “What You Know,” “Bring Em Out,” and “Whatever You Like.” Too $hort – West Coast rap icon with classics like “Blow the Whistle.” Frankie J – Smooth R&B vocalist with hits like “Obsession” and “Don’t Wanna Try.” Murphy Lee – St. Louis hitmaker of “Shake Ya Tailfeather” and Nelly’s St. Lunatics fame. DJ Ashton Martin – Festival favorite spinning the best throwback mixes from the golden era of hip-hop and R&B. FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS Beyond the stage, Tacos & Tequila Festival brings together Winnipeg’s top taco vendors, craft margaritas, tequila tastings, and high-energy entertainment including: The Area’s Best Tacos & Street Eats Craft Margaritas Lucha Libre Wrestling Matches Chihuahua Beauty Pageant Instagrammable Art Installations & Photo Ops
WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced the re-signing Monday of catcher and infielder Kevin García. García played in 61 games in 2025, hitting .248 with four home runs and 27 runs batted in. Defensively, he suited up in 48 games behind the plate and posted a .997 fielding percentage. He also saw time at third base, playing eight games at the hot corner. Entering what will now be his fifth season in Winnipeg, García has played 227 games for Winnipeg over the 2018, 2019, 2024, and 2025 seasons, combining for a .236 batting average with 32 doubles, 10 home runs, and 87 RBIs. Hailing from Calexico, California, García was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 30th round of the 2014 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft out of Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, California). He spent two seasons in the Blue Jays’ system before signing with the Minnesota Twins in 2016. In four seasons in the affiliated minors, García hit .250 with two home runs and 54 RBIs. In addition to catching, he has played all four infield positions in his career. “It’s good news for the organization that Kevin is back,” said Goldeyes skipper Logan Watkins. “It's important to have a strong veteran presence in the clubhouse, and he brings that along with a great work ethic. We have a lot of trust in him to control the game from the catching position, and last year, it was good to see him have a strong offensive season with added opportunities. He's been as excited as anyone to get back on the field in 2026 and is ready to get back to the playoffs.” Winnipeg now has 16 players under contract for the 2026 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 33 players during spring training, which begins May 3. 2026 Winnipeg Goldeyes Player Signings RHP Luke Boyd RHP James Bradwell IF Ramón Bramasco RHP Derrick Cherry RHP James Colyer IF/OF Mason Dobie C Kevin García RHP Ben Kowalski LHP Weston Lombard IF Keshawn Lynch OF Noah Marcelo RHP Noah Millikan OF Max Murphy LHP Tasker Strobel RHP Willian Suárez LHP Quinn Waterhouse The Goldeyes will begin the 2026 schedule Friday, May 15 against the Milwaukee Milkmen in Franklin, Wisconsin. The home opener at Blue Cross Park versus the Kane County Cougars is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. For information about 2026 Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Skysuites, and Group Packages, please complete and submit the form below.
WINNIPEG, MB – The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced the re-signing Friday of left-handed reliever Tasker Strobel . In his third season with the Goldeyes in 2025, Strobel appeared in 46 contests and compiled a 3-5 record with a 3.60 earned run average. His performance earned him a spot on the 2025 West Division All-Star roster. The Avon, Indiana native previously pitched for the Goldeyes in 2024 and in 2022 when he served as the team’s closer. Strobel made his professional debut in 2017 with the Joliet Slammers of the Frontier League after two seasons at St. Joseph’s College (Rensselaer, IN). Overall, Strobel has posted a 15-22 record with a 4.17 ERA and 32 saves in his professional career, spanning eight seasons and 235 games. “Another franchise all time great, Tasker is returning for us and we are extremely excited,” said Goldeyes’ field boss Logan Watkins . “He's one of our unquestioned clubhouse leaders, and he delivered for us time and time again when we needed him last year. The best part about him is that he's always willing to pitch if he feels good enough, regardless of if he pitched the night before. We are going to rely on him a lot again this year, and I know he is excited to be back in Winnipeg.” Winnipeg now has 15 players under contract for the 2026 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 33 players during spring training, which begins May 3. 2026 Winnipeg Goldeyes Player Signings RHP Luke Boyd RHP James Bradwell IF Ramón Bramasco RHP Derrick Cherry RHP James Colyer IF/OF Mason Dobie RHP Ben Kowalski LHP Weston Lombard IF Keshawn Lynch OF Noah Marcelo RHP Noah Millikan OF Max Murphy LHP Tasker Strobel RHP Willian Suárez LHP Quinn Waterhouse The Goldeyes will begin the 2026 schedule Friday, May 15 against the Milwaukee Milkmen in Franklin, Wisconsin. The home opener at Blue Cross Park versus the Kane County Cougars is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. For information about 2026 Season Tickets, Mini Packs, Skysuites, and Group Packages, please complete and submit the form below.
