08/18/2006 10:57 PM - WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Goldeyes (42-39, 15-18) scored four times in the bottom of the third inning to erase a three-run deficit and got the outs they needed down the stretch to make a one-run lead stand in a 6-4 victory over the Kansas City T-Bones (39-43, 17-17) Friday evening at CanWest Global Park.

Winnipeg grabbed the early lead on Jimmy Hurst’s 16th home run of the season- a two-run shot off Buddy Blair in the bottom of the first inning. But the T-Bones responded in a big way the following inning, as Robbie Knapp belted his first professional home run- a grand slam off Goldeyes’ right-hander Tony Evans to give Kansas City a 4-2 lead.

Kansas City added another run in the third when Darryl Lawhorn doubled and scored on Pat Magness’ sacrifice fly to center field.

But the Goldeyes took advantage of three walks in the bottom of the third to seize control of the contest. Fehlandt Lentini sandwiched a single between walks to Max Poulin and Hurst to load the bases before Blair (4-8) issued yet another walk, this time to David Gates to force home a run. Will Smith then delivered what would prove to be the biggest blow of the game when he doubled to right-center field to clear the bases and give the Goldeyes a 6-5 advantage.

Howard Pence (7-4) tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief to earn the victory, and Josh Kite held the T-Bones in check over the final 1 1/3 to earn his sixth save of the season.

The T-Bones and Goldeyes will square off again Saturday evening in the second game of their three-game set. RHP Larry Robles (4-4, 3.68) will oppose Winnipeg RHP Josh Beshears (8-4, 3.43) in a 7:05 p.m. start at CanWest Global Park. Be sure to catch all the action live on “The Light” 1030 AM, or on the Internet at tbonesbaseball.com.