WINNIPEG – The playoff clinching celebration is already over for the Winnipeg Goldeyes as they now turn their attention to their first round opponent, the St. Paul Saints.
“They have power, they have speed in their lineup, they defend the field well, so it’s not a surprise to me that they won a lot of games this year.” said Goldeyes manager Rick Forney.
But the Goldeyes still had plenty of success against the division champion Saints this year with nine wins in their 17 regular season match-ups. The Fish also won eight of their final 12 meetings of the season.
“We’ve done pretty well against them.” Forney said. “The first time we played them we were a little bit off the pace at the time and they beat us up pretty good. But the rest of the season has all been really good games and we’ve competed well against them. Last time they were here we beat them four out of five.”
RELATED: Winnipeg Goldeyes clinch playoff spot
“I feel like they did well against a lot of other teams, but I don’t feel like they did too well against us.” said Goldeyes starting pitcher Kevin McGovern. “I like the match-up a lot and I can’t wait to pitch in their stadium when I get my chance.”
McGovern is scheduled to get the start in Game 3 in St. Paul and the Goldeyes have had a lot of quality starts from their starting rotation as of late. McGovern hasn’t lost a decision in nearly a month.
“This is by far one of the best baseball I’ve been playing my whole career.” said McGovern. “I think a lot of it has to do with all the guys this year, cause I think I’m a completely different pitcher from the beginning of the year to right now.”
The first two games of the series will be played in Winnipeg at Shaw Park before the series shifts to St. Paul for the final three games if necessary. Mikey O’Brien will get the game one start on Wednesday night with Edwin Carl expected to get the ball for game two on Thursday.
WATCH: Goldeyes Clinch Playoff Spot