26 Aug 2014

PHILLIPS NAMED MIDWEST LEAGUE POSTSEASON ALL-STAR

By Marco LaNave
River Bandits have MWL Postseason All-Star in three straight seasons for first time since 1988-92

DAVENPORT, Iowa (Aug. 25, 2014) - Brett Phillips, who played 103 games as an outfielder this season for the Quad Cities River Bandits, has been named a member of the 2014 Midwest League Postseason All-Star team. Phillips' selection marks the third straight season the River Bandits have had a Midwest League Postseason All-Star - a first for the franchise since it had at least one All-Star in each of five straight seasons 1988 to 1992.

Houston's sixth-round pick in 2012 out of Seminole (Fla.) High School, Phillips was promoted to Class-A Advanced Lancaster on August 4, but he still ranks first in the Midwest League in slugging percentage (.521), second in OPS (.883) and third in both batting average (.302) and triples (12). Among all-time Quad Cities single-season marks, his 12 triples place him in a tie for second while his .521 slugging percentage is ninth. Phillips' 14 outfield assists this season are the most in the Midwest League through Sunday.

Over 103 games with the River Bandits, Phillips led the team in hits (116), triples and slugging while ranking second in doubles (21), RBIs (58) and OPS, tied for second in home runs (the first 13 of his career) and third in walks (36) and stolen bases (18). Phillips became the first Quad Cities player since at least 1998 to homer in five straight games when he did so July 26-30.

The 20-year-old Seminole, Fla., native was a starting outfielder for the 2014 Midwest League All-Star Game June 17 in West Michigan and was the youngest position player selected for the Western Division roster. Ranked as the Houston Astros' No. 30 prospect before the season by Baseball America, Phillips also won Quad Cities Player of the Month in April, when he posted a .301 batting average with three triples, two home runs and a team-high 13 RBIs. Phillips had a .394 on-base percentage, .446 slugging percentage, and .840 OPS in 23 games.

The River Bandits have had four postseason all-stars the past three seasons, as outfielder Anthony Garcia and designated hitter Colin Walsh each earned the distinction in 2012, while shortstop Carlos Correa received the honor last year. The Quad Cities franchise has had five Midwest League Postseason All-Stars in eight seasons as a Houston Astros affiliate. Outfielder Richard Hidalgo (1994), left-handed pitcher Tony Mounce (1995) and designated hitter Jim Thomas (1998) were each postseason all-stars.

Phillips is batting .367 with eight doubles, two triples, two homers and seven RBIs in 20 games with Lancaster. He has posted a .427 OBP while slugging .595 for a 1.022 OPS.

UP NEXT: Fan Appreciation Week continues with Illinios Fan Appreciation Night, when Illinois residents can get $1 bleacher or berm tickets by showing a valid driver's license at the box office. Regular bleacher and berm tickets are just $2, as are hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, nachos, soda, and beer on a Markdown Monday presented by 97X. An all-you-can-ride amusements pass is just $10 on Monday. On Tuesday, Iowa residents can get $1 tickets, and Thursday is Modern Woodmen Half-Price Night, when all regular tickets are half-price. Regular tickets for the homestand through Aug. 29 are available at www.riverbandits.com.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership recently made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop-N-Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. Last season, the team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

 

*****

25 Aug 2014

MODERN WOODMEN PARK TO OPEN FOR SEPT. 1 LABOR DAY RED, WHITE & BOOM FIREWORKS

By Marco LaNave
Free admission to ballpark begins at 4 p.m.; evening includes amusements and a free movie
DAVENPORT, Iowa. (August 25, 2014) - This Labor Day, the Quad Cities community will have the chance to enjoy the Red, White and Boom Fireworks show from Modern Woodmen Park along the Mississippi River on Monday, Sept. 1, when the venue voted the Best Minor League Ballpark in America in a nationwide vote at 10Best.com and USA TODAY will be open for a full evening of fun.
The gates of Modern Woodmen Park will open at 4 p.m. on Sept. 1. Admission is free, but attendees are welcome to make a free-will  donation, which will be split between the Bandit Scholars Program and the Genesis Foundation. The bounce houses in the Bounce QC Kids Zone will be open for free. Beginning at 6 p.m., there will also be free family activities. Event attendees may purchase concessions (no outside food and beverage) at the ballpark, as well as rides on the ballpark's amusements, including the Ferris wheel, Drop'N Twist, Space Camp and the newly expanded zip line.
"The Red, White and Boom Fireworks show is an annual summer highlight in the Quad Cities, and we are thrilled to welcome the Quad Cities community to watch the fireworks for free at Modern Woodmen Park," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "A full day of fun and celebration of the Quad Cities will conclude a great holiday weekend at the ballpark."
The River Bandits play their final regular season home game at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29. Amusements will be open for rides Saturday, Aug. 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., as well as Sunday, Aug. 31, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The festivities on Sept. 1 will also include the family favorite movie, "The Sandlot," which will play on the video board at Modern Woodmen Park. The Red, White and Boom Fireworks show will begin at 8:30 p.m. over the Mississippi River with a show choreographed to a custom-made soundtrack on 96.9-FM 97X, which will be played through the public address system at Modern Woodmen Park.
While regular admission is free, luxury suites at Modern Woodmen Park can be reserved with a tax-deductible $200 donation, which will be split between the Bandit Scholars Program and Genesis Foundation. More information is available by calling the River Bandits at 563-324-3000.
More details about the Red, White and Boom Fireworks events are available at www.redwhiteboom.org.
UP NEXT: Fan Appreciation Week continues Monday with Illinios Fan Appreciation Night, when Illinois residents can get $1 bleacher or berm tickets by showing a valid driver's license at the box office. Regular bleacher and berm tickets are just $2, as are hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, nachos, soda, and beer on a Markdown Monday presented by 97X. An all-you-can-ride amusements pass is just $10 on Monday. On Tuesday, Iowa residents can get $1 tickets, and Thursday is Modern Woodmen Half-Price Night, when all regular tickets are half-price. Regular tickets for the homestand through Aug. 29 are available at www.riverbandits.com
25 Aug 2014

LINDAUER, DAVIS LEAD COMEBACK OVER KERNELS

By Marco LaNave
Quad Cities briefly postponed a playoff berth for Cedar Rapids, which clinched after Peoria's loss

DAVENPORT, Iowa (August 24, 2014) - Quad Cities shortstop Thomas Lindauer cut into the Cedar Rapids Kernels' 4-0 lead with a three-run home run in the fifth inning Sunday, and third baseman J.D. Davis broke a 5-5 tie with an eighth-inning, three-run home run to lift the River Bandits to their second win when trailing by four runs this season in an 8-6 final in front of 3,598 at Modern Woodmen Park.

The second straight win for the River Bandits (30-32 second half, 65-66 overall) kept the Kernels (39-23, 70-63) from clinching a second-half playoff berth, until Peoria (30-32) lost, 4-3, in Clinton on Sunday afternoon, making Cedar Rapids the first team in the Midwest League to clinch a postseason berth in the second half. Wisconsin, before hosting Beloit Sunday night, led Quad Cities and Peoria by two-and-a-half games for the only remaining Western Division playoff spot. After Sunday, eight games remain in the regular season.

The Kernels took their first lead in the third inning against River Bandits left-hander Blaine Sims. Right fielder Zack Larson hit a one-out single, and third baseman Jonatan Hinojosa drew a two-out walk. Shortstop Engelb Vielma struck out, but a passed ball by catcher Brett Booth allowed Vielma to reach first base and load the bases. First baseman Chad Christensen hit the next pitch to the bottom of the left-center field wall for a 3-0 Kernels lead. In the fourth inning, left fielder J.D. Williams doubled down the third-base line and went to third base on an error by left fielder Jose Fernandez. Larson's groundout scored Williams for a 4-0 Kernels lead. Sims retired nine of the final 10 batters he faced to pitch six innings, allowing four unearned runs, four hits, three walks, and matching a career high with seven strikeouts.

Kernels left-hander Mat Batts kept the River Bandits scoreless until the fifth inning, when designated hitter A.J. Reed hit a leadoff single to right field, and with two outs, right fielder James Ramsay singled to center field. Lindauer then took Batts deep to the Modern Woodmen Berm in left field. Lindauer's fifth home run - and the first Batts allowed in the Midwest League - cut the deficit to 4-3. Center fielder Bobby Boyd and pinch hitter Ryan Bottger hit consecutive singles to end Batts' outing, but left-hander Brandon Bixler struck out second baseman Marc Wik to keep the one-run lead. Bixler retired the first six batters he faced until Lindauer hit a seventh-inning, two-out double to left field, and Boyd grounded a 3-2 pitch into center field for a game-tying single for the only run Bixler allowed in 2 1/3 innings.

In a 4-4 tie, River Bandits right-hander Raul Rivera began his second relief inning in his Midwest League debut, and allowed three straight one-out singles to center fielder Max Murphy, Williams and designated Logan Wade, whose RBI gave Cedar Rapids a 5-4 lead. Rivera was relieved after allowing one earned run on four hits in 1 1/3 innings, and right-hander Frederick Tiburcio (4-3) entered to get Wade to ground into an inning-ending double play and went on to win his third straight relief outing despite allowing a run in the ninth inning.

With a 5-4 lead, Kernels right-hander Hudson Boyd began the eighth inning by walking Wik. First baseman Chase McDonald reached when Hinojosa misplayed a ground ball at third, and Reed doubled to right field to score the tying run. With runners at second and third bases, Davis launched his fourth Midwest League home run to left-center field for his team's first lead at 8-5. Quad Cities overcame a four-run deficit and won for the first time since a 9-8 win over Clinton after trailing, 7-3, in Game 2 of an April 30 home doubleheader.

Quad Cities continues its series with Cedar Rapids and final homestand at 7:00 p.m. Monday, when River Bandits right-hander Troy Scribner (0-2) is scheduled to face Kernels left-hander Stephen Gonsalves (2-2).

UP NEXT: Fan Appreciation Week continues with Illinios Fan Appreciation Night, when Illinois residents can get $1 bleacher or berm tickets by showing a valid driver's license at the box office. Regular bleacher and berm tickets are just $2, as are hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, nachos, soda, and beer on a Markdown Monday presented by 97X. An all-you-can-ride amusements pass is just $10 on Monday. On Tuesday, Iowa residents can get $1 tickets, and Thursday is Modern Woodmen Half-Price Night, when all regular tickets are half-price. Regular tickets for the homestand through Aug. 29 are available at www.riverbandits.com.

22 Aug 2014

BANDITS HOMER TWICE TO WIN 2ND STRAIGHT

By Marco LaNave
J.D. Davis and James Ramsay each go deep to bring Quad Cities within three games of last playoff spot

DAVENPORT, Iowa (August 21, 2014) - Quad Cities third baseman J.D. Davis hit a two-run, fifth-inning home run, and right fielder James Ramsay had a sixth-inning, go-ahead RBI single and a ninth-inning solo home run in a 5-2 River Bandits win over the Beloit Snappers at Pohlman Field Thursday night.

Quad Cities (28-31 second half, 63-65 overall) did not have a baserunner through the first four innings and was outhit, 11-8, but won its fourth straight game at Pohlman Field and for the 13th time in 17 games against Beloit (20-38, 50-78), which committed three errors.

While Snappers right-hander Hunter Adkins set down the first 12 batters of the game, River Bandits right-hander Michael Feliz kept the home team scoreless until the third inning. Snappers catcher Josh Ludy led off the third inning with a double to right-center field, and center fielder B.J. Boyd hit a two-out RBI double to give his team a 1-0 lead.

In the fourth inning, Feliz allowed a leadoff single by left fielder Ryan Mathews. Designated hitter Phil Pohl hit a one-out double down the third-base line to put runners at second and third bases. Right fielder Justin Higley tapped a ground ball in front of home plate and reached first base on an infield single to load the bases. Ludy then hit a fly ball toward the right-field, where Ramsay caught it and made a one-hop throw to catcher Brian Holberton, who tagged out Mathews for an inning-ending double play. Ramsay's third outfield assist in two games kept the deficit to 1-0, although Feliz yielded six hits in the first four innings.

Adkins' perfect string snapped when River Bandits first baseman A.J. Reed led off the fifth inning with a ground-ball single to right field. Davis hit the next pitch over the left-center field fence for a 2-1 lead. With two outs, shortstop Dayne Parker reached on a fielding error by shortstop Branden Cogswell, and Ramsay drew the first walk against Adkins, who was removed from the game after 4 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on two hits with three strikeouts. Right-hander Sam Roberts (0-4) got the inning's final out.

With his only lead of the game, Feliz allowed a fifth-inning, leadoff single by Cogswell and a walk to second baseman Melvin Mercedes. Boyd put a bunt along the third-base line, but Feliz bobbled the ball, allowing Boyd to reach and load the bases with no outs. Snappers third baseman Matt Chapman grounded to Parker, who began a double play for the first two outs while the tying run scored. Feliz struck out Mathews to finish five innings, allowing two runs - one earned - on seven hits and one walk with five strikeouts. After Feliz, right-hander Frederick Tiburcio (3-3) worked around two hits and an error for 2 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out four batters without a walk.

In the sixth inning, River Bandits designated hitter Ryan Bottger reached on an error by Mercedes and went to second base on a sacrifice by catcher Brian Holberton. Parker's bunt single put runners at the first and third bases. Ramsay then lined the go-ahead single to left field, and after a groundout and walk loaded the bases, second baseman Marc Wik hit a high chopper against right-hander Joel Seddon behind the pitchers' mound for an infield RBI single to give Quad Cities a 4-2 lead. Both runs were unearned against Roberts. Seddon worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings, before right-hander Tyler Vail yielded Ramsay's second home run of the season - both in the last 13 days against Beloit - in the ninth inning. River Bandits left-hander Chris Cotton worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings for his third Midwest League save.

Now three games behind Wisconsin and one behind Peoria for the Western Division's final playoff spot, Quad Cities continues its series in Beloit at 7 p.m. Friday. River Bandits right-hander Kevin Comer (1-4) is scheduled to face Snappers right-hander Kyle Finnegan (6-8).

UP NEXT: The season's final homestand opens with MidAmerican Energy Day and Family Sunday presented by KWQC and B100 at 1:15 p.m. Aug. 24. Pregame autographs are at 12:30 p.m., Bark in the Park means dogs are welcome to the Modern Woodmen Berm, and Kids Run the Bases after the game. The River Bandits are then home through Aug. 29. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com.

21 Aug 2014

RIVER BANDITS ANNOUNCE FAN APPRECIATION WEEK

By Marco LaNave
Final homestand will feature $1 tickets for Illinois residents Monday, Iowa residents Tuesday

DAVENPORT, Iowa. (August 20, 2014) - With only six home games left to thank fans for a memorable season at Modern Woodmen Park, the Quad Cities River Bandits are offering incredible savings and a spectacular promotional lineup for a full Fan Appreciation Week.

Among the highlights are back-to-back days of $1 ticket specials. Monday is Illinois Fan Appreciation Day, when anyone who shows a valid Illinois driver's license at the box office can pay just $1 for a bleacher or berm ticket. Tuesday is Iowa Fan Appreciation Day, when anyone who shows a valid Iowa driver's license at the box office can pay just $1 for a bleacher or berm ticket.

"Despite the challenges wrought by cold weather and floods, the people of the Quad Cities continue to overwhelm us with their support, and we are using the entire week to show our appreciation," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "We hope to welcome all of our fans across the region to Modern Woodmen Park next week to celebrate another memorable season, and our $1 tickets are just one of the ways we plan to say thank you."

The River Bandits, the Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, host the Cedar Rapids Kernels, Class-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, for three games Sunday, Aug. 24, through Tuesday, Aug. 26, and the Clinton LumberKings, Class-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, for three games Wednesday, Aug. 27, through Friday, Aug. 29. Below are the highlights of promotions and events for the homestand.

Rascal's Deal of the Day (through the entire homestand)

For a Super Mega Fan Appreciation Palooza in the team store, all fans receive 15% off their team store purchase - excluding customized shirts and photos.

Sunday, August 24, 1:15 p.m. (Gates open at noon) Sponsors: MidAmerican Energy, KWQC, B100
- MidAmerican Energy Day - Louie the Lightning Bug, the mascot of MidAmerican Energy, will throw out a first pitch at the game, and throughout the game, fans will learn interesting facts about energy efficiency.

- Family Sunday presented by KWQC & B100 - The River Bandits will be on the field 12:30-12:45 p.m. for autographs. Fans can also bring their dogs for Bark in the Park. Following the game, Kids Run the Bases.

- Organization of the Day: Greg's Mission - The postgame Zeglin's Charity Ball Toss will benefit Greg's Mission (gregsmission.org).

Monday, August 25, 7:00 p.m. (Gates open 5:30 p.m.) Sponsor: 97X

- Illinois Fan Appreciation Night - Anyone who shows a valid Illinois driver's license at the box office can pay just $1 for a bleacher or berm ticket.

- Markdown Monday presented by 97X - The River Bandits offer bleacher and berm tickets, hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, nachos, soda and beer for just $2 each.

- $10 All-you-Can-Ride Amusements Special - A pass for unlimited rides on the amusements at Modern Woodmen Park is just $10.

- '90s Night - With promotions and music, the ballpark atmosphere will take fans back to the 1990s.

Tuesday, August 26, 7:00 p.m. (Gates open 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: R.I.A. Federal Credit Union, Pepsi, WOC & Q-106.5

- Iowa Fan Appreciation Night - Anyone who shows a valid Iowa driver's license at the box office can pay just $1 for a bleacher or berm ticket.

- Honor Flight Night presented by R.I.A. Federal Credit Union - Honor Flight guests and a color guard will be in attendance. The postgame Zeglin's Charity Ball Toss will benefit Honor Flight of the Quad Cities (www.honorflightqc.com).

- Buy-One-Get-One Free Tickets - All regular individual tickets are buy-one-get-one free.

- Kids Eat Free - Kids 12 and under receive a voucher for a free meal at the ballpark.

- Dew for Twosday presented by Pepsi, WOC & Q106.5 - Fans can bring in old Mountain Dew cans and exchange them for a voucher for a free 16-ounce Mountain Dew.

Wednesday, August 27, 7:00 p.m. (Gates open 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf, U.S. Bank, Mix 96

- Isle Casino Night presented by the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf - In-game contests will have a Casino Night theme.

- Pay Your Bill Wednesday presented by U.S. Bank & Mix 96 - Fans can bring copies of their unpaid bills to Modern Woodmen Park and enter them in a drawing to be paid up to $100 by the River Bandits. The team will randomly select two to be paid.

- Organization of the Night: Rock Island Fire and Police to benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City - The postgame Zeglin's Charity Ball Toss will benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City (rmhc-eiwi.org).

Thursday, August 28, 7:00 p.m. (Gates open 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Modern Woodmen, IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union & the River Cities' Reader

- Modern Woodmen Half-Price Night - All regular individual tickets are half-price, courtesy of Modern Woodmen of America.

- Modern Woodmen River Bandits Hat Giveaway - The first 1,500 fans to the ballpark will receive a free River Bandits hat.

- Thirst-day Thursday presented by the River Cities' Reader - Fans can enjoy $2 drink specials throughout the game.

- Buy One-Get-One Free tickets presented by IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union - All Thursday tickets for IHMVCU members are buy-one, get-one free. Fans must show membership at the box office to receive the ticket special.

Friday, August 29, 7:00 p.m. (Gates open 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Bridgeway Auto Parts, Great Clips, Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WQAD, & WLLR
- Fan Appreciation Night presented by Bridgeway Auto Parts - The last home game will be packed with prizes given away by the River Bandits.

- Great Clips Charity Cuts - Great Clips will be giving free haircuts in the Sport Lounge, and accepting donations to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa.

- Friday Fireworks Show presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WQAD & WLLR - All fans will be treated to a free postgame fireworks show.

- Organization of the Night: Humility of Mary Shelter - The postgame Zeglin's Charity Ball Toss will benefit Humility of Mary Shelter (humilityofmaryshelter.com).

 

Tickets are available by calling 563-324-3000 or visiting riverbandits.com.

 

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership recently made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop-N-Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. Last season, the team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

*****

19 Aug 2014

BEES COME BACK TO WIN SERIES OVER BANDITS

By Marco LaNave

Burlington designated hitter Kody Eaves has a game-high three hits and scores deciding run

DAVENPORT, Iowa (August 17, 2014) - Quad Cities River Bandits third baseman J.D. Davis gave his team a 4-2 lead with a two-run home run in the third inning, but the Burlington Bees tallied single runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings of a 5-4 win in the rubber match of a three-game series in front of 3,684 at Modern Woodmen Park Sunday afternoon.

For the third straight game, Burlington (26-29 second half, 64-60 overall) scored first, each team held the lead, and the final was a one-run game. The Bees took a second-inning lead against River Bandits right-hander Adrian Houser. First baseman Eric Aguilera hit a leadoff line drive through the right side of the infield that rolled to the right-field wall for a double. An error by shortstop Dayne Parker moved Aguilera to third base, and he later scored on catcher Stephen McGee's RBI groundout to second baseman Jose Fernandez.

The River Bandits tied the game in the next half-inning against left-hander Sean Newcomb. Left fielder Marc Wik singled through the left side of the infield, and Fernandez lined a base hit to center field. Both runners stole a base while catcher Brett Booth was batting, and right fielder James Ramsay hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score Wik. Burlington retook the lead in the third, as center fielder Bo Way hit a one-out single to left field, went to third base on a single by designated hitter Kody Eaves and scored on shortstop Zach Houchins' groundout.

With a 2-1 lead, Newcomb began the third inning by walking River Bandits center fielder Bobby Boyd, who stole second base. A groundout by designated hitter Ryan Bottger sent Boyd to third base, and first baseman Chase McDonald drove a game-tying double to left-center field. Davis then hit his second Midwest League home run - and second at home against Burlington - to the Built Ford Tough Deck. Newcomb was removed after 2 2/3 innings, allowing four earned runs on five hits and two walks with one strikeout.

Following Newcomb, right-hander Ryan Etsell (5-3) pitched 3 1/3 shutout innings and allowed three hits and a walk with five strikeouts. In the fifth inning, two hits and a walk loaded the bases, but Etsell got Fernandez to fly out and struck out Booth to strand all three runners. With a 4-2 lead, Houser worked a perfect fourth inning, but in the fifth, second baseman Erick Salcedo hit a one-out double to left-center field and scored on Eaves' RBI single. Houser allowed three earned runs on five hits and one walk with five strikeouts in five innings.

Right-hander Kevin Comer (1-4) retired the first two batters of the sixth inning before right fielder Brandon Bayardi doubled down the third-base line. Comer hit McGee with a pitch, and third baseman Ryan Dalton hit a game-tying bloop single to right field. In the seventh inning, Eaves hit a leadoff double, went to third base on a groundout, and scored the go-ahead run on Aguilera's sacrifice fly. Comer allowed three earned runs on four hits and a walk with a strikeout in three innings. Left-hander Jordan Mills pitched a scoreless ninth inning, but the Bees finished the three-game series by scoring at least one run in 13 of their 27 innings on offense.

After Etsell, Bees right-hander Brian Loconsole worked around Fernandez's eighth-inning, one-out double for two scoreless innings. Right-hander Ben Carlson walked Boyd with one out in the ninth inning, but with Boyd running from first base, Way caught Bottger's deep fly ball in right-center field and threw to first base for the game-ending double play. Carlson earned his 12th save.

Quad Cities has lost 13 of its last 18 games but has 15 regular season games remaining. The River Bandits begin a six-game road stretch at 6:35 p.m. Monday in Cedar Rapids. River Bandits right-hander Andrew Thurman (5-8) is scheduled to face Kernels right-hander Chih-Wei Hu (5-1) in the opener of a three-game series at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

UP NEXT: The season's final homestand opens with MidAmerican Energy Day and Family Sunday presented by KWQC and B100 at 1:15 p.m. Aug. 24. Pregame autographs are at 12:30 p.m., Bark in the Park means dogs are welcome to the Modern Woodmen Berm, and Kids Run the Bases after the game. The River Bandits are then home through Aug. 29. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com.
19 Aug 2014

MCDONALD HELPS BANDITS AWAKEN BATS IN WIN

By Marco LaNave
Fourth crowd of at least 7,000 this season sees Quad Cities snap four-game losing streak
DAVENPORT, Iowa (August 16, 2014) - Quad Cities first baseman Chase McDonald had a career-high four hits Saturday night, and the River Bandits combined for 12 hits - their best total in a game this month - in a 7-6 victory over the Burlington Bees that snapped a four-game losing streak in front of 7,089 at Modern Woodmen Park.
In a rematch of right-handers who crafted a 4-0 pitchers' duel on the same field 11 days earlier, Quad Cities' Michael Feliz and Burlington's Victor Alcantara each gave up early runs and lasted five innings without factoring into the decisions. After the starters and their reliever counterparts combined for 27 strikeouts without a single walk Aug. 5, the teams combined for nine walks and 14 strikeouts Saturday.
The Bees (25-29 second half, 63-60 overall) took the lead in the first inning against Feliz. After going 13 innings over his last two starts without allowing a walk, Feliz began the game with four straight balls to Bees center fielder Bo Way. Bees second baseman Kody Eaves singled before a fielder's choice put runners at first and third bases with one out. First baseman Eric Aguilera flied to center field to score Way - the first run off Feliz in the last 12 1/3 innings he had pitched against Burlington. Feliz walked Bees catcher Stephen McGee to open the second inning, and he scored after a bunt single by designated hitter Ismael Dionicio, fielder's choice and wild pitch for a 2-0 Bees lead.
Quad Cities (26-28, 61-62) fought back against Alcantara in the second inning. Third baseman J.D. Davis hit a leadoff single to right field, and went to second base on right fielder Marc Wik's sacrifice. A passed ball and infield single by left fielder Ryan Bottger scored Davis. Catcher Brian Holberton walked, and shortstop Dayne Parker bounced a game-tying single to right field. After center fielder Bobby Boyd reached on a fielder's choice and stole second base, right fielder James Ramsay walked to load the bases. McDonald lined a go-ahead RBI single to left field, and designated hitter A.J. Reed hit an RBI single to make it 4-2, but Ramsay was thrown out at home, ending the inning.
Feliz kept the two-run lead until a fourth-inning, two-out single, walk and RBI single by shortstop Erick Salcedo to cut the lead to 4-3. He retired the next four batters to finish five innings, allowing three earned runs on four hits and three walks with two strikeouts. Alcantara scattered a walk and hit in the rest of his five innings, allowing four earned runs on seven hits and three walks with two strikeouts.
Right-hander Frederick Tiburcio (2-3) began the sixth inning with a 4-3 lead but walked McGee with one out and allowed a double by left fielder Trevor Gretzky that put the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position. Dionicio hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game, 4-4. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Bees right-hander Ronnie Muck walked Holberton, who went to second base on Parker's groundout. Boyd walked, and Ramsay reached when Eaves mishandled a grounder, allowing the go-ahead run to score. McDonald added an RBI single to left field, and Davis hit a two-out double to the right-field corner to extend the 7-4 lead.
Tiburcio allowed consecutive hits to start the seventh inning and threw a wild pitch to put two runners in scoring position.
Left-hander Chris Cotton allowed a groundout and single to score the runs but struck out McGee with the tying run at second base. Cotton then retired all six batters in the eighth and ninth innings to earn his second Midwest League save with 2 1/3 scoreless innings.
Quad Cities plays the rubber match of its series against Burlington at 1:15 p.m. Sunday. River Bandits right-hander Adrian Houser (5-5) is scheduled to face Bees left-hander Sean Newcomb (0-0), the Los Angeles Angels' first-round pick in this June's First-Year Player Draft.
UP NEXT: Sunday's 1:15 p.m. game is a Celebration and Appreciation of Senator Tom Harkin for 40 years of service with a bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,000 fans when gates open at noon. It's also Pirates and Princesses Day, and a Family Sunday presented by KWQC and B100 with pregame autographs, Bark in the Park and Kids Run the Bases. Sunday, Aug. 24, kicks off the final six-game homesetand of the season. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership recently made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, and Space Camp opened June 20; the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line has also reopened. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. Last season, the team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.
*****
15 Aug 2014

MARTIN HOMERS COUGARS TO SWEEP OF BANDITS

By Marco LaNave

Troy Scribner tosses shutout for a career-high 7 1/3 innings before yielding three-run homer

GENEVA, Ill. (August 14, 2014) - Quad Cities River Bandits right-hander Troy Scribner had a team season high 10 strikeouts and 1-0 lead through seven innings Thursday, but he allowed three hits - including a three-run home run by center fielder Trey Martin - in Kane County's four-run eighth inning that lifted the Cougars to a 4-1 victory and third straight comeback win at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark.

In his second Midwest League start, Scribner (0-2) retired the first 14 batters of the game - including seven on strikeouts - before Cougars third baseman Chesny Young singled to center field with two outs in the fifth inning. Scribner also allowed a two-out triple by left fielder Shawon Dunston Jr. in the sixth inning, but kept Kane County (32-20 second half, 77-45 overall) without a run through the first seven innings. Scribner became the first River Bandit pitcher with 10 strikeouts since Mike Hauschild struck out 10 Clinton batters June 30, 2013.

Cougars right-hander Duane Underwood matched Scribner for the first five innings, allowing three hits and four walks with four strikeouts. In the second inning, Quad Cities (25-27, 60-61) got a leadoff single by first baseman A.J. Reed, who went to third base after a walk and groundout. He was thrown out at home on a fielder's choice.

In the third inning, right fielder James Ramsay extended his season-high eight-game hitting streak with a single to right field and stole second base with center fielder Bobby Boyd batting. Boyd walked, and Ramsay and Boyd stole third and second base, respectively, with designated hitter Chase McDonald at the plate. Ramsay's two stolen bases made him the first Quad Cities player with 28 in a season since Matt Lemanczyk stole 48 bases in 2005.

After McDonald walked, Underwood struck out Reed and third baseman J.D. Davis to end the inning. Underwood allowed a leadoff single by left fielder Ryan Bottger in the fourth inning, but Bottger was caught stealing, and Underwood induced a double play to end the inning.

Right-hander Zak Hermans relieved Underwood to start the sixth inning in a scoreless game. Reed drew a one-out walk and went to third base on a wild pitch, before Davis hit an RBI single to right field to extend his seven-game hitting streak and give Quad Cities a 1-0 lead. A throwing error allowed Davis to reach third base, but Hermans escaped the inning and worked around a hit in the seventh inning as well.

In the pivotal bottom of the eighth inning, Young placed a leadoff double down the right-field line. After right fielder Jeffrey Baez lined out to first base, shortstop Carlos Penalver grounded an infield single behind second base to put runners at first and third bases. Martin then hit an 0-1 pitch out to left field for his second home run of the season and a 3-1 Cougars lead. Scribner was removed after a career-high 7 1/3 innings, in which he allowed three earned runs on five hits without a walk. Left-hander Jordan Mills then entered for his Midwest League debut and allowed a walk by Dunston and two-out RBI double by catcher Victor Caratini. In each of the three games of the series, the Cougars took the lead for good with a four-run inning. Kane County won the final seven games of the two teams' regular season series.

Cougars right-hander Jasvir Rakkar (1-0) worked a scoreless eighth inning around a walk and ninth inning around a single to earn the win.

Quad Cities opens a three-game home series against Burlington at 7 p.m. Friday at Modern Woodmen Park. River Bandits left-hander Blaine Sims (3-4) is scheduled to face Bees right-hander Alex Blackford (1-3).

UP NEXT: A Fireworks Friday kicks off the next homestand, with a 7 p.m. game on City of Davenport Night and Global Cultural Night presented by Tyson Fresh Meats. When gates open at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, the first 1,500 fans receive a Trevor Rosenthal Bobblehead courtesy of DHCU and FOX18. Sunday's 1:15 p.m. game is a Celebration and Appreciation of Senator Tom Harkin for 40 years of service with a bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,000 fans when gates open at noon. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com.

14 Aug 2014

BANDITS FALL SILENT TO END LOSS TO COUGARS

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities has one hit among its final 20 batters to lose second straight game at Kane County

GENEVA, Ill. (August 14, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits took a 3-2 lead Wednesday night on a third-inning single by third baseman J.D. Davis, but they had just one baserunner for the rest of the game, and the Kane County Cougars scored four runs in the bottom of the third inning to take a 6-3 lead that remained until the end of a second straight win at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark.

Kane County (31-20 second half, 76-45 overall) won its sixth straight game against Quad Cities (25-26, 60-60) after the Western Division rivals split their first 10 games. In a rematch of the Opening Day pitching matchup at Modern Woodmen Park April 3, Cougars right-hander Paul Blackburn and River Bandits right-hander Andrew Thurman (5-8) combined to allow all the game's runs. After the third inning, pitchers for both teams combined to allow four singles without a walk or runner in scoring position with 12 strikeouts.

Blackburn allowed a leadoff single to center fielder James Ramsay, who matched a season high with a hit in his seventh straight game and was the only River Bandit with two hits Wednesday. Ramsay stole second base, but Blackburn retired three straight to end the inning.

In the bottom of the first inning, Cougars second baseman Daniel Lockhart hit a one-out triple to right-center field, and catcher Ben Carhart hit Thurman's next pitch down the right-field line for an opposite-field, two-run home run - his fifth of the season - and a 2-0 Cougars lead.

Quad Cities scored its three runs and had all but two of its hits in the third inning. Catcher Brett Booth hit Blackburn's first pitch of the inning over the left-center field fence for his fifth home run. Ramsay hit a one-out single and stole second base for the second time and his 26th steal of the season - the most by a Quad Cities player since Dan Nelson's 27 in 2006. First baseaman Chase McDonald drew a two-out walk, and designated hitter A.J. Reed hit a game-tying single to right field that sent McDonald to third base. Davis' single extended his own six-game hitting streak, sent Reed to third base and scored McDonald for a 3-2 Quad Cities lead. Blackburn got left fielder Ryan Bottger on a groundout and retired four straight batters to finish four innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits with a walk and two strikeouts. It was Blackburn's shortest outing since June 4.

With his team's only lead of the game, Thurman began the bottom of the third inning by walking center fielder Trey Martin, striking out left fielder Shawon Dunston Jr., walking Carhart and striking out Carhart. With two outs, designated hitter Victor Caratini lined a game-tying single to right field. Thurman went to a 3-2 count before walking first baseman Jacob Rogers, and also went to 3-2 against third baseman Jeimer Candelario before a walk that forced home the go-ahead run. Right-hander Keegan Yuhl entered to allow a two-run bloop single to right field by right fielder Jeffrey Baez to make it 6-3. Thurman was charged with six earned runs on three hits and four walks - matching a season high - with four strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings - his shortest outing since May 1.

After allowing Baez's hit, Yuhl retired the next nine batters and 10 of 11 to finish a career-high 3 1/3 innings, allowing two singles with three strikeouts. Left-hander Chris Cotton allowed one single with two strikeouts in two scoreless innings. Meanwhile, Cougars left-hander Michael Heesch (3-1) worked three perfect innings, and right-hander Francisco Carrillo went two scoreless innings for his second save.

Quad Cities concludes its series against Kane County at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. River Bandits right-hander Troy Scribner (0-1) is scheduled to face Cougars right-hander Duane Underwood (5-4).

UP NEXT: A Fireworks Friday kicks off the next homestand, with a 7 p.m. game on City of Davenport Night and Global Cultural Night presented by Tyson Fresh Meats. When gates open at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, the first 1,500 fans receive a Trevor Rosenthal Bobblehead courtesy of DHCU and FOX18. Sunday's 1:15 p.m. game is a Celebration and Appreciation of Senator Tom Harkin for 40 years of service with a bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,000 fans when gates open at noon. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership recently made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, and Space Camp opened June 20; the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line has also reopened. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. Last season, the team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

13 Aug 2014

BANDITS COLLAPSE AS COUGARS WIN WITH 4-RUN 9TH

By Marco LaNave
Quad Cities falls four games behind Cedar Rapids, stays three behind Wisconsin in second-half race

GENEVA, Ill. (August 12, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits held a 3-0 lead entering the bottom of the ninth inning, but two errors, a home run, an infield popup, wild pitch, two walks and ultimately a walk-off single to left-center field by Kane County Cougars shortstop Daniel Lockhart led to the home team's four-run ninth inning and 4-3 win at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark Tuesday night.

After River Bandits right-handers Kevin Comer and Adrian Houser each pitched four shutout innings, right-hander Frederick Tiburcio started the ninth inning with a 3-0 lead. Cougars catcher Victor Caratini led off by grounding a ball to first baseman Chase McDonald, who threw to Tiburcio covering first base, but the pitcher dropped the ball for an error. Tiburcio fell to a 3-1 count against first baseman Jacob Rogers, who drove a two-run home run to right field - his Kane County-leading 14th home run - to cut Quad Cities' lead to 3-2.

With no outs, the bases empty and a one-run lead, Tiburcio got designated hitter Cael Brockmeyer to hit a popup near second base, but the ball dropped behind second baseman Marc Wik for a base hit that put the tying run at first base. After Carlos Penalver pinch ran for Brockmeyer, third baseman Jeimer Candelario lofted a fly ball to right-center field, where center fielder James Ramsay and right fielder Ryan Bottger converged, and Bottger was charged with the inning's second error when the ball dropped, placing runners at first and second bases. Second baseman Chesny Young then sacrificed the tying and winning runs into scoring position with a bunt that rolled up the first-base line to Wik with his foot on first base to record the inning's first out.

Tiburcio threw a wild pitch on his first pitch to right fielder Jeffrey Baez that got past catcher Brian Holberton to the backstop, allowing Penalver to score the tying run and Candelario to reach third base. In a 3-3 tie, Tiburcio intentionally walked Baez and center fielder Trey Martin to load the bases. With the infield in, Tiburcio struck out left fielder Shawon Dunston Jr. In a 1-1 count, Lockhart hit a fly ball toward left-center field that dropped between Ramsay and left fielder Bobby Boyd, scoring Candelario for a 4-3 Cougars win. It was Quad Cities' fifth walk-off loss of the season and first since June 2 at Wisconsin.

Cougars right-hander Jen-Ho Tseng retired the first eight River Bandits and did not allow a hit through 4 1/3 innings. Bottger's fifth-inning single was his team's first hit, but he was thrown out at second base trying to advance on a pitch in the dirt. In the sixth inning, shortstop Thomas Lindauer hit a leadoff single to left field, advanced to second base on Boyd's sacrifice, to third base on a wild pitch and scored the game's first run on Wik's sacrifice fly. Ramsay hit a two-out double down the first-base line and Tseng loaded the bases with walks to McDonald and designated hitter A.J. Reed. Right-hander Michael Wagner walked third baseman J.D. Davis to bring in the second run. Tseng allowed two earned runs on three hits and three walks with five strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. Wagner also allowed a run in the eighth inning, when he issued a two-out walk to McDonald, and Reed and Davis each singled for a 3-0 lead.

Comer scattered a hit in each of the first four innings, twice stranding a runner at third base and matching Tseng for the first four innings. Houser began the fifth inning in a scoreless game and allowed lone hits in the fifth and seventh innings to toss four shutout innings. He retired 11 of the final 12 batters he faced. Kane County did not have a hit with a runner in scoring position until Lockhart's walk-off single.

Quad Cities (25-25 second half, 60-59 overall) continues its series against Kane County (30-20, 75-45) at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. River Bandits right-hander Andrew Thurman (5-7) is scheduled to face Cougars right-hander Paul Blackburn (9-4).

UP NEXT: A Fireworks Friday kicks off the next homestand, with a 7 p.m. game on City of Davenport Night and Global Cultural Night presented by Tyson Fresh Meats. When gates open at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, the first 1,500 fans receive a Trevor Rosenthal Bobblehead courtesy of DHCU and FOX18. Sunday's 1:15 p.m. game is a Celebration and Appreciation of Senator Tom Harkin for 40 years of service with a bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,000 fans when gates open at noon. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com.

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