Landen Bourassa didn’t need two months in Mexico to appreciate Manitoba. The Alberta product, who now lives here full-time, was already a big fan.
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Landen Bourassa didn’t need two months in Mexico to appreciate Manitoba. The Alberta product, who now lives here full-time, was already a big fan.
Landen Bourassa didn’t need two months in Mexico to appreciate Manitoba. The Alberta product, who now lives here full-time, was already a big fan.
But a “unique” experience this summer certainly didn’t hurt.
The veteran Winnipeg Goldeyes pitcher took a professional detour to pursue an intriguing opportunity. Now he’s back on familiar soil, ready to help the Fish make a run at an American Association championship.
Winnipeg Goldeyes pitcher Landen Bourassa got a big win Wednesday night in his return to the club from his stint in the Mexican league. Bourassa led the Fish to a 11-4 victory over the Sioux Falls Canaries at Blue Cross Park.
“It definitely was bittersweet to be leaving everybody here and leaving home, but you do things to be challenged. And that was a really good challenge,” Bourassa told the Free Press this week at Blue Cross Park.
“I’m just really fortunate they welcomed me back here and made sure there was a roster spot available.”
That was never in doubt. The 29-year-old righty is the ace of their staff and one of the top hurlers in the league, with 35 wins over the past six seasons. Just as losing him left a big hole on the roster, his return now provides a major boost.
Bourassa admits his time away didn’t go exactly as planned. He struggled to find a fit in the hitter-friendly Mexican League, with stat lines he’s not really accustomed to.
After signing with Puebla at the beginning of June, he made five appearances on the mound — four of them starts — and gave up 14 runs in 13 2/3 innings. That led to an unexpected trade to a team more than 1,500 kilometres away in Chihuahua.
“Definitely a first time for everything,” said Bourassa. “I definitely wasn’t the best pitcher on the team, so I understand the moves they wanted to make, especially since they were in the middle of a playoff push.”
His time in Chihuahua only went slightly better as he made two starts and three relief appearances, giving up nine earned runs over 12 2/3 innings.
Source: Read the original article on www.winnipegfreepress.com
