26 Aug 2013

DEVENSKI, RIVER BANDITS KNOCK OFF KERNELS, 7-1

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities moves within 5 ½ games of Cedar Rapids and reduces playoff magic number to 5

 

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 22, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits right-hander Chris Devenski pitched a season-high seven innings of nine-hit, one-run ball, and his teammates broke a 1-1 tie with a four-run fifth inning in a 7-1 win that snapped the Cedar Rapids Kernels' eight-game winning streak in front of 3,882 at Modern Woodmen Park Thursday night.

 

The River Bandits (34-24 second half, 72-55 overall) moved within 5 ½ games of the first-place Kernels (40-18, 80-46) in the Midwest League Western Division second-half standings. With a loss by the Peoria Chiefs Thursday, Quad Cities' magic number to clinch a second-half playoff berth is five. Any combination of Peoria losses and Quad Cities wins adding to five clinches the latter a playoff spot.

 

Devenski (3-3) worked around a pair of singles in the first inning and lone singles in the second and third. In the fourth, he allowed a leadoff double by Kernels right fielder Adam Brett Walker, and designated hitter Bo Altobelli hit a one-out RBI single that made it 1-0. Altobelli tried scoring from second base on a two-out single by catcher Michael Quesada, but center fielder Teoscar Hernandez threw him out at the plate to end the inning.

 

In the bottom of the fourth, Hernandez hit a leadoff single for the first hit against right-hander Jose Berrios (7-6). Hernandez then stole second base, went to third on a groundout and scored on a sacrifice fly by left fielder Danry Vasquez. In a 1-1, fifth-inning tie, designated hitter Austin Elkins drew a one-out walk, and catcher Roberto Pena singled to put runners at first and third bases. Right fielder Jordan Scott then put a bunt single up the first-base line that brought in Elkins for the go-ahead run. Second baseman Tony Kemp grounded an RBI single to right field, and shortstop Carlos Correa later smacked a two-run double to left-center field off right-hander Christian Powell. All five runs were charged to Berrios, who allowed four hits and three walks while striking out four batters in 4 2/3 innings.

 

Devenski retired six straight batters in the fifth and sixth innings, and after two straight singles opened the seventh, he struck out the next three hitters to finish with a season-high eight. It was the first seven-inning start for Quad Cities since Joe Bircher's seven innings Aug. 3. Right-hander Zach Morton followed with two scoreless innings to finish the win.


Quad Cities added a pair of runs off Powell in the seventh, with two Kernels errors and two walks adding to a Hernandez single.

 

The River Bandits' scoring of at least seven runs activates the "Lucky Seven Run" promotion, as American TV & Appliance at 4800 Elmore Avenue in Davenport will offer a 40% discount on select furniture Friday, Aug. 23. Thursday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount Friday, Aug. 23. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Friday, Aug. 23.

 

The River Bandits and Kernels meet for their final regular-season game at 7 p.m. Friday. Quad Cities left-hander Joe Bircher (3-3) will start against Cedar Rapids right-hander Hudson Boyd (4-4).


UP NEXT: Fireworks will follow the final game of the River Bandits' home stand Friday night. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. game, and the first 1,500 fans receive a free Bier Stube beanie. It's also City of Davenport Night and John Deere United Way of Caring. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

 

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

 

*****

23 Aug 2013

RED-HOT KERNELS COOL RIVER BANDITS' BATS, 6-1

By Marco LaNave

Cedar Rapids wins series opener in match-up of top two Midwest League Western Division teams

 

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 21, 2013) - Three Cedar Rapids Kernels pitchers combined to hold the Quad Cities River Bandits to one unearned run on eight hits, and Joel Licon hit a two-run home run to be one of three Kernels with multi-RBI games in the visitors' eighth straight win, a 6-1 victory in front of 2,019 at Modern Woodmen Park Wednesday night.

 

The River Bandits (33-24 second half, 71-55 overall) had their three-game winning streak snapped by the first-place Kernels (40-18, 80-46), who have won 13 of 14 games since Quad Cities won three of four games in Cedar Rapids took take a half-game lead in the Midwest League Western Division second-half standings Aug. 6. The Kernels now lead the River Bandits by 6 ½ games with 12 to play.

 

Kernels left-hander Miguel Sulbaran (7-4) struck out the first four batters of the game and scattered four hits and a walk while preventing a runner from reaching third base through the first four innings. In the fifth inning, he allowed a one-out bunt single by River Bandits right fielder Jordan Scott, who stole second base and reached third base and home plate on a pair of passed balls by catcher Michael Quesada. In addition to the unearned run, Sulbaran allowed five hits and one walk while striking out six batters in five innings.

 

The Kernels reached the scoreboard in the third inning against River Bandits right-hander Daniel Minor (7-3), making his first start since June 15. Shortstop Niko Goodrum drew a two-out walk, and first baseman Mike Gonzales drove an RBI double to right-center field.

 

In the fourth inning, third baseman Travis Harrison drew a leadoff walk, and Licon drove the next pitch for his second home run of the season down the left-field line, extending the lead to 3-0. After Minor allowed another single and walk, he was removed for right-hander Juan Minaya after having completed 3 2/3 innings with five hits, three earned runs, three walks and two strikeouts.

 

After recording the final out in the fourth, Minaya gave up consecutive fifth-inning singles by Gonzales and right fielder Adam Brett Walker. After Licon drew a walk, designated hitter Bo Altobelli appeared to clear the bases with a three-run double, but on an appeal to third base, Licon was called out for missing the base. Minaya also allowed a run in the sixth, as center fielder Jonathan Murphy singled, reached third base on a Goodrum sacrifice, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Gonzales. Minaya worked 2 1/3 innings, allowing four hits, three earned runs, two walks and one strikeout. Right-hander Richard Rodriguez followed with five strikeouts in three scoreless innings.

 

The River Bandits offense was led by two-hit games from third baseman Rio Ruiz and Jobduan Morales, who pinch hit in the seventh inning and played the last two innings at catcher.

 

The River Bandits continue their series with Cedar Rapids at 7 p.m. Thursday. Quad Cities right-hander Chris Devenski (2-3) will start.

21 Aug 2013

BANDITS BREAK OUT BATS TO WIN SERIES OVER BEES

By Marco LaNave

Largest offensive showing in more than three weeks helps Josh Hader win home debut


DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 20, 2013) - The Quad Cities River Bandits tossed aside a 2-1, fifth-inning by scoring eight runs on 11 hits in the fifth through seventh innings to help left-hander Josh Hader win his five-inning, Quad Cities home debut and carry the team to its third straight victory with a 9-2 triumph over the Burlington Bees in front of 2,277 at Modern Woodmen Park Tuesday night.


Second baseman Austin Elkins and first baseman Bobby Borchering each homered for the River Bandits (33-23 second half, 71-54 overall) to win the four-game series over Burlington (23-34, 49-73). Quad Cities' nine runs on 14 hits were its highest totals since a 9-1 win with 15 hits in Beloit July 28, and the three-game winning streak is the longest since a season-high seven-game run July 28-Aug. 3.


Designated hitter Tony Kemp, center fielder Teoscar Hernandez and first baseman Bobby Borchering each had three hits, and Elkins had a game-high three RBIs. Quad Cities took the lead in the second inning, as Borchering doubled and scored on Elkins' sacrifice fly.


Hader stranded six baserunners in the first four innings, but in the fifth, he hit Bees third baseman Sherman Johnson before a single down the third-base line by second baseman Garrett Cannizaro, who was put out by shortstop Carlos Correa throwing to Elkins at second base. Bees designated hitter Exicardo Cayones hit a game-tying triple to center field and scored on a groundout by first baseman Wade Hinkle for the Bees' only lead at 2-1. Hader allowed five hits and two earned runs while walking two batters, hitting three and striking out two.

 

Elkins led off the bottom of the fifth with his first right-handed home run to left field that tied the game, 2-2. Catcher Roberto Pena doubled and moved to third base on a sacrifice by right fielder Jordan Scott. With Kemp batting and DeLoach's back to third base, Pena ran for the plate as Kemp put down a suicide squeeze bunt that went as an infield single and go-ahead RBI. Hernandez singled to end DeLoach's night after 4 1/3 innings, and Correa slapped a two-run single through the drawn-in infield for a 5-2 lead.

 

In the sixth, Elkins drew a leadoff walk against right-hander Jake Boyd and scored on Kemp's triple to right-center field, and Hernandez followed with an RBI triple to nearly the same spot - giving Quad Cities its first multi-triple game of the year. Borchering hit a seventh-inning, one-out home run to left field off left-hander Eswarlin Jimenez, who yielded an Elkins RBI double that made it 9-2. River Bandits right-hander Jamaine Cotton went three innings, and right-hander Patrick Christensen tossed the final inning of a shutout bullpen effort.

 

The River Bandits' scoring of at least seven runs activates the "Lucky Seven Run" promotion, as American TV & Appliance at 4800 Elmore Avenue in Davenport will offer a 40% discount on select furniture Wednesday, Aug. 21. Tuesday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Wednesday, Aug. 21. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Wednesday, Aug. 21. The River Bandits open a three-game series with first-place Cedar Rapids (39-18, 79-46) at 7 p.m. Wednesday, when right-hander Daniel Minor (7-3) is scheduled to face Kernels left-hander Miguel Sulbaran (6-4).

 

UP NEXT: All tickets are half price for Wednesday's game, and the first 1,000 fans receive a free River Bandits hat courtesy of Modern Woodmen of America. The River Bandits homestand continues through Friday, Aug. 23. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

 

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

 

*****

 

20 Aug 2013

APPEL STARTS BANDITS' STRONG PITCHING IN WIN

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities remains 5 ½ games behind Cedar Rapids in the Western Division second-half race

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 19, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits right-hander Mark Appel struck out a career-high six batters in five innings, combining with left-hander Mitchell Lambson and right-hander Andrew Walter to limit the Burlington Bees to three hits in a 6-1 win in front of 3,529 at Modern Woodmen Park Monday night.

Four players had multi-hit games for Quad Cities (32-23 second half, 70-54 overall), which had 10 hits - all singles - and won consecutive games for the first time since Aug. 8-9. The River Bandits remained 5 ½ games behind first-place Cedar Rapids (38-18, 77-46) and 3 ½ games ahead of third-place Clinton (29-27, 62-63) in the Midwest League Western Division second-half standings.

In his seventh Midwest League start, Appel (2-1) retired the first seven batters of the game before a third-inning, one-out single by Bees right fielder Riley Good. Bees shortstop Angel Rosa led off the fourth inning with a double to left field, and after left fielder Exicardo Cayones put down a sacrifice, Appel struck out designated hitter Matt Scioscia before a two-out wild pitch got away from catcher Jobduan Morales and allowed Rosa to score the game's first run. It was the only run allowed by Appel, who matched a career high with five innings and yielded two hits and no walks. He struck out four of the last five batters he faced.

In the bottom of the fourth, River Bandits first baseman Bobby Borchering was hit by a pitch, and third baseman Rio Ruiz drew a walk from right-hander Pat Lowery (4-8), who walked four batters in three-plus innings. Second baseman Austin Elkins loaded the bases by reaching on a bunt, and Morales drew a walk that forced home the tying run. With Lowery out of the game, right-hander Daniel Hurtado struck out right fielder Jordan Scott, before designated hitter Tony Kemp lined a two-run single into center field for a 3-1 lead.

Quad Cities added on in the sixth inning, as Scott pushed a one-out bunt past the mound for a single, and Kemp and center fielder Teoscar Hernandez drew consecutive walks against right-hander Austin Adams. Right-hander Joseph Krehbiel came in to get a fielder's choice groundout with the bases loaded, but left fielder Danry Vasquez hit a grounder that skipped past first baseman Garrett Cannizaro for a two-run single. Borchering added an RBI single to extend the lead to 6-1.

Lambson started the seventh inning and retired all six batters he faced, including three on strikeouts. Walter allowed an eighth-inning, two-out single by Good that broke a string of 14 batters retired in order, but he pitched two scoreless innings to finish the win.

Monday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Tuesday, Aug. 20. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Tuesday, Aug. 20.

The River Bandits play the final game of the series against Burlington (23-33, 49-72) at 7 p.m. Tuesday. River Bandits left-hander Josh Hader (1-0) is scheduled to face Bees left-hander Tyler DeLoach (5-3).

UP NEXT: Kids eat free, and all tickets are buy-one-get-one free for the Mega Astros Fantacular Giveaway at the River Bandits' 7 p.m. home game Tuesday. The River Bandits' home stand continues through Friday, Aug. 23. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

*****

19 Aug 2013

RUIZ HITS WALK-OFF HOMER, SNAPS LOSING STREAK

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities remains 5 ½ games behind Cedar Rapids in the Western Division second-half race

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 18, 2013) - Third baseman Rio Ruiz led off the bottom of the ninth inning with the Quad Cities River Bandits' first walk-off home run this season for a 3-2 victory over the Burlington Bees that snapped the home team's five-game losing streak in front of 3,351 at Modern Woodmen Park Sunday night.

Quad Cities (31-23 second half, 69-54 overall) had a 2-1 lead going into the ninth inning, but right-hander Juan Minaya (2-6) allowed a leadoff single by Bees center fielder Chevy Clarke and a one-out single by right fielder Riley Good to put runners at first and third bases. Bees second baseman Wendell Soto then hit a grounder off Minaya's leg that allowed the tying run to score and the potential go-ahead run to reach third base. After Minaya walked third baseman Sherman Johnson to load the bases with one out, shortstop Angel Rosa flied to shallow right field, and Minaya fanned left fielder Exicardo Cayones to preserve the 2-2 tie.

Bees right-hander Alex Blackford (0-2) retired the first three hitters he faced before entering the ninth inning. Ruiz worked a 1-1 count before launching the next pitch to the Built Ford Tough Deck in right field for his 10th home run of the season. It was the first walk-off home run by a River Bandit since Virgil Hill's two-run walk-off home run against Wisconsin June 17, 2012.

Left-hander Brian Holmes gave the River Bandits their best start in a week, as he limited the Bees (23-32, 49-71) to one unearned run on seven hits through the first 5 1/3 innings. He walked three batters and struck out six. His wild pickoff attempt in the fourth inning after a walk led to a run scoring on Good's infield single.

Quad Cities twice took one-run leads in the game against left-hander Chris O'Grady. Center fielder Teoscar Hernandez drew a leadoff walk in the third inning and was picked off of first base but reached second base because shortstop Angel Rosa dropped a throw, allowing Hernandez to reach second base. A fly ball by second baseman Tony Kemp and groundout by shortstop Carlos Correa brought in the game's first run. After the Bees tied the game, 1-1, in the fourth inning, catcher Jobduan Morales hit a two-out home run to put his team ahead, 2-1. The lead remained until the ninth inning, thanks to right-hander Zach Morton coming on to retire all eight batters he faced after taking over from Holmes with a one-run lead and two runners on base with one out in the sixth inning.

Sunday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Monday, Aug. 19. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Monday, Aug. 19.

The River Bandits play the third game of the series against Burlington at 7 p.m. Monday. River Bandits right-hander Mark Appel (1-1) is scheduled to face Bees right-hander Pat Lowery (4-7).

UP NEXT: The River Bandits will celebrate Modern Woodmen Park's distinction as the country's No. 1 park with $1 night Monday. That means $1 general admission tickets with $1 upgrades, as well as $1 drinks. Plus, 2013 No. 1 overall pick Mark Appel starts on the mound for Quad Cities. The River Bandits' home stand continues through Friday, Aug. 23. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

 

*****

19 Aug 2013

BEES' HOT HITTING KEEPS BANDITS ON LOSING SKID

By Marco LaNave

Carlos Correa has team-best 15th three-hit game for Quad Cities to raise average to .332

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 17, 2013) - Burlington Bees third baseman Sherman Johnson came within a home run of the cycle , and catcher Zach Wright added three singles for his team's 12 hits, and the visitors used a four-run fifth inning to break a 1-1 tie and send the Quad Cities River Bandits to a fifth straight loss with a 6-4 final Saturday night in front of 5,581 at Modern Woodmen Park.

Johnson led off the game against left-hander Joe Bircher (3-3) with a triple down the left-field line, and Bees shortstop Angel Rosa had the first of his game-high three RBIs on a sacrifice fly that gave Burlington (23-31 second half, 49-70 overall) a 1-0 lead.

The River Bandits (30-23, 68-54) came back to tie it in the bottom of the second inning against left-hander Brandon Love (4-6). Third baseman Rio Ruiz hit a leadoff double to right-center field, and catcher Roberto Pena brought him in with a one-out double to left field. But Love induced consecutive groundouts to keep Quad Cities from taking the lead. Love limited the home team to four hits and one earned run while walking three batters and striking out five in the first five innings.

Bircher got help from 6-4-3, inning-ending double plays each of the first three innings and worked a perfect fourth inning before the Bees' big fifth inning. In a 1-1 tie, second baseman Wendell Soto singled to right field, before Johnson singled, and Rosa hit a two-run double to the left-field wall for a 3-1 Bees lead. After a bunt single by left fielder Exicardo Cayones, Bircher got a groundout and popup before Wright lifted a two-out, two-run single to shallow right field, making it 5-1. Bircher became the fifth straight Quad Cities starter to allow at least four runs, and he yielded 10 hits and one walk in five innings.

The River Bandits rallied against left-hander Eswarlin Jimenez in the seventh inning, as Pena reached on an error by Rosa, and designated hitter Brian Blasik singled to right field. Center fielder Teoscar Hernandez grounded out to drive in one run, and shortstop Carlos Correa had his third hit of the night to knock in another and raise his average to .332, which ranks second in the Midwest League. Left fielder Danry Vasquez hit a fly ball to right field that eluded right fielder Julio Concepcion and brought in Correa for a 5-4 deficit, but Jimenez fanned first baseman Bobby Borchering to close the inning.

Burlington added an eighth-inning run against right-hander Jamaine Cotton, when Wright singled and eventually scored on Johnson's sacrifice fly that grew the lead to 6-4. Bees right-hander Jake Boyd got the final six outs for his first save.

The River Bandits play the second game of the series against Burlington at 5 p.m. Sunday. River Bandits left-hander Brian Holmes (4-3) is scheduled to face Bees left-hander Chris O'Grady (1-1).

UP NEXT: Three lucky fans will win new flat screen TVs on Flat Screen Family Sunday presented by KWQC and B100. The 5 p.m. game is Happy's Joe's Night, as well as Pirates and Princesses Night with Storybook Princesses at the ballpark. On Faith and Fellowship Night presented by Chick-fil-A and Moody Radio, $2 of each ticket can go to a church or faith community, and River Bandits players will share about their faith after the game. The River Bandits' home stand continues through Friday, Aug. 23. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

 

*****

19 Aug 2013

LUMBERKINGS USE 6-RUN 6TH TO SWEEP BANDITS

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities loses lead for third straight game to suffer first road sweep in the second half

CLINTON, Iowa (AUG. 16, 2013) - Clinton LumberKings right-hander David Holman allowed just one run in 7 2/3 innings Friday night, and after being held to one hit throught he first five innings, his teammates scored six runs on six hits in the sixth inning for a 6-1 win over the Quad Cities River Bandits at Ashford University Field.

The River Bandits (30-22 second half, 68-53 overall) were swept in a road series for the first time in the second half and lost their fourth straight game in their longest losing streak since four consecutive losses July 10-13. Quad Cities trails Cedar Rapids by 4 ½ games in the Midwest League Western Division second-half standings. The LumberKings (27-26, 60-62) outscored their opponent 21-13 in the series and won their fifth game in a row to remain tied with Peoria for third place in the division.

Quad Cities took a lead for a third consecutive night. In the second inning, left fielder Danry Vasquez and first baseman Bobby Borchering each singled and ended up at third base and first base, respectively. Third baseman Rio Ruiz then tapped a ground ball along the edge of the grass along the third-base line for an infield hit that allowed Vasquez to score the go-ahead run. But Holman (3-6) got right fielder Jordan Scott to bunt into a fielder's choice and catcher Roberto Pena to fly out, before LumberKings catcher Tyler Marlette threw out Ruiz at third base when he tried to advance on a pitch in the dirt.

After allowing four hits in the first two innings, Holman only allowed one more runner to reach scoring position and set down 12 batters in a row during one stretch. By the time River Banidts second baseman Austin Elkins broke the string with an eighth-inning single, Holman had recorded six strikeouts while walking one batter. Right-hander Oliver Garcia pitched the final 1 1/3 innings for Clinton.

Quad Cities right-hander Chris Devenski (2-3) made it a pitcher's duel by shutting out Clinton for the first five innings. He allowed one hit, four total baserunners and only one runner in scoring position through the first five innings.

In the sixth inning, however, LumberKings right fielder Gaby Guerrero hit a leadoff double to left field, and when shortstop Martin Peguero put down a bunt toward Devenski, the pitcher threw the ball down the left-field line, allowing the tying run to score and Peguero to reach second base. After a sacrifice by shortstop Brock Hebert, second baseman Tim Lopes lined a double down the third-base line for the go-ahead tally. Left fielder Dario Pizzano followed with an RBI double, and Marlette added an RBI single to end Devenski's night after 5 1/3 innings. Left-hander Mitchell Lambson came in and allowed a walk before two more singles grew the lead to 6-1. Devenski was charged with five runs on five hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. Lambson worked 2 2/3 innings in relief and recorded a season-high six strikeouts.

The River Bandits open a seven-game homestand at 7 p.m. Saturday against the Burlington Bees. River Bandits left-hander Joe Bircher (3-2) is scheduled to face Bees left-hander Brandon Love (3-6, 3.99).

UP NEXT: The first 2,000 fans to Modern Woodmen Park Saturday night will receive a bobblehead of Minnesota Twins first baseman and former River Bandit Justin Morneau, courtesy of Mediacom and the Dispatch-Argus. The 7 p.m. game kicks off a seven-game home stand through Friday, Aug. 23. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

*****

16 Aug 2013

LUMBERKINGS WALK OFF RIVER BANDITS, 6-5

By Marco LaNave

Bobby Borchering homers and hits a two-run single for a season-high four RBIs

CLINTON, Iowa (AUG. 15, 2013) - The Clinton LumberKings used three straight two-out, ninth-inning singles by catcher Tyler Marlette, third baseman Jordy Lara and first baseman Taylor for a 6-5, walk-off win over the Quad Cities River Bandits at Ashford University Field Thursday night.

The River Bandits (30-21 second half, 68-52 overall) rallied from a 5-2 deficit but suffered their third walk-off loss of the season and third straight defeat overall Quad Cities fell 3 ½ games behind first-place Cedar Rapids in the Midwest League Western Division second-half standings, while Clinton (26-26, 59-62) won its fourth straight game to tie Peoria for third place in the division.

Quad Cities took a first-inning lead, as shortstop Carlos Correa hit a two-out single, and first baseman Bobby Borchering hit the first pitch from left-hander Scott DeCecco over the left-center field fence for his fourth Quad Cities home run and a 2-0 lead.

Right-hander Lance McCullers kept the LumberKings scoreless until the third inning, when a single and two walks loaded the bases before Lara drove a three-run double off the left-field wall to put his team ahead, 3-2. After McCullers allowed a walk and double by second baseman Tim Lopes to start the fourth inning, shortstop Martin Peguero hit a two-run single to extend the lead to 5-2. Peguero and Lara each had three of Clinton's 11 total hits. McCullers allowed five hits and five earned runs with four walks in his four innings.

The River Bandits started to come back against DeCecco in the fifth inning, as center fielder Tony Kemp singled, and right fielder Teoscar Hernandez doubled down the left-field line to put two runners in scoring position. Two batters later, Borchering slapped a one-hopper past Lara for a two-run single to cut the deficit to 5-4. Borchering set a new season high by driving in all four runs against DeCecco, who allowed seven hits in six innings while walking two batters and striking out five.

LumberKings right-hander George Mieses started the seventh inning, and with one out, he hit Hernandez with a pitch. After three wild pitches, Hernandez came across with the tying run for a 5-5 game. However, Mieses prevented the River Bandis from taking the lead after third baseman Rio Ruiz singled and reached third base with one out in the eighth inning. Jochi Ogando (1-3) pitched the ninth.

After the Quad Cities bullpen worked 7 1/3 innings Wednesday, right-hander Andrew Walter made his Midwest League debut in the fifth inning to follow McCullers. Walter gave up three hits and a walk in three scoreless innings to keep the game tied. Right-hander Juan Minaya (1-6) walked the first batter of the eighth inning before getting the next three batters to strand the go-ahead run at third. But in the ninth, he allowed Marlette's two-out bases empty single, and Lara moved Marlette to third with his hit. After defensive indifference allowed Lara to take second, Ard hit a 3-2 pitch to right-center field for the game-winner.

The River Bandits, who are 11-5 against Clinton this season, conclude their season series with the LumberKings in Clinton at 7 p.m. Friday. River Bandits right-hander Chris Devenski (2-2) is scheduled to face LumberKings right-hander David Holman (2-6).

UP NEXT: The first 2,000 fans to Modern Woodmen Park Saturday night will receive a bobblehead of Minnesota Twins first baseman and former River Bandit Justin Morneau, courtesy of Mediacom and the Dispatch-Argus. The 7 p.m. game kicks off a seven-game home stand through Friday, Aug. 23. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

*****

16 Aug 2013

LUMBERKINGS OUTLAST BANDITS IN 9-7 SLUGFEST

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities loses consecutive games for first time since July 21, sits 2 1/2 games behind Cedar Rapids

CLINTON, Iowa (AUG. 14, 2013) - The Quad Cities River Bandits overcame a 4-0, first-inning deficit Wednesday night, but they later lost leads of 5-4 and 7-6 and did not score after the fourth inning, as the Clinton LumberKings rallied for a 9-7 victory at Ashford University Field.

Quad Cities (30-20 second half, 68-51 overall) played its highest scoring game - 16 runs - since July 7 and has lost consecutive games for the first time since July 21. The loss pushed the River Bandits 2 ½ games behind first-place Cedar Rapids in the Midwest League Western Division standings. Clinton (25-26, 58-62) won its third straight game.

In the first inning, River Bandits left-hander Josh Hader allowed consecutive doubles by LumberKings shortstop Brock Hebert and second baseman Tim Lopes for a 1-0 deficit. Hader walked the next three batters, and a wild pitch scored a run before a strikeout. A bases-loaded hit batter, strikeout and fourth walk in the inning made it 4-0, before right-hander Daniel Minor took over for the final out.

River Bandits third baseman Rio Ruiz homered to lead off the second inning against right-hander Rigoberto Garcia. In the third inning, right fielder Teoscar Hernandez, shortstop Carlos Correa, left fielder Danry Vasquez and first baseman Bobby Borchering hit four consecutive singles. With two outs, designated hitter Terrell Joyce hit a two-run double to left-center field for a 5-4 Quad Cities lead.

The LumberKings retook the lead in the bottom of the third, as catcher Marcus Littlewood and first baseman Taylor Ard hit consecutive doubles, and second baseman Tim Lopes hit a go-ahead, two-out single for a 6-5 Clinton lead.

In the Quad Cities fourth inning, second baseman Austin Elkins walked, and center fielder Tony Kemp hit a single, before both advanced on Hernandez's sacrifice. Correa then hit a single through the middle to bring in both runners for a 7-6 River Bandits advantage.

After Minor completed 3 1/3 innings with two runs allowed, right-hander Patrick Christensen pitched a scoreless fifth but allowed the tying run in the sixth, as a walk and hit batter put the tying run in scoring position, and Elkins' error allowed the tying run to score.

In the seventh inning, River Bandits right-hander Zach Morton allowed three straight hits, including a go-ahead single by center fielder Alfredo Morales. The LumberKings added a run in the eighth when Ard hit an RBI single.

Right-hander Richard Vargas got the final two outs of the eighth inning with the tying run in scoring position and earned his second save.

The River Bandits continue the series in Clinton at 7 p.m. Thursday. River Bandits right-hander Lance McCullers (6-5) is scheduled to face LumberKings left-hander Scott DeCecco (9-8).

UP NEXT: The first 2,000 fans to Modern Woodmen Park Saturday night will receive a bobblehead of Minnesota Twins first baseman and former River Bandit Justin Morneau, courtesy of Mediacom and the Dispatch-Argus. The 7 p.m. game kicks off a seven-game home stand through Friday, Aug. 23. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

*****

14 Aug 2013

MODERN WOODMEN PARK VOTED BEST MINOR LEAGUE BALLPARK

By Marco LaNave

Nationwide voting for 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Award places Quad Cities venue first

DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 14, 2013) - After four weeks of nationwide voting by fans and readers of 10Best.com and USA TODAY, Modern Woodmen Park, the home of the Quad Cities River Bandits, is the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the 2013 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards. USA TODAY and 10Best.com announced the Top 10 ballparks Wednesday.

Modern Woodmen Park received the most votes from readers, fans and the general public nationwide among 20 nominated ballparks. The nominees were chosen by a panel of experts from USA TODAY, 10Best.com, and other contributors and sources for other Gannett properties. Throughout the competition, Quad Cities residents, visitors, fans, media and public leaders supported the campaign for a venue that has been frequently recognized nationwide as a unique destination for Minor League Baseball and family entertainment.

"This is a great honor that belongs to the City of Davenport, the mayors and city leaders from all of the Quad Cities, and people all throughout this great region," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "Their constant and enthusiastic support of this club and this great ballpark continues to overwhelm and gratify us. But we will never rest on any laurels - we will continue to work to constantly improve and make even better this baseball diamond that has become the crown jewel of the Midwest and the nation."

"This designation affirms what we in the Quad Cities have known all along, that Modern Woodman Park, 'A jewel along the Mississippi,' is the most beautiful minor league park in the world," said Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba. "This national recognition serves as one more sign that our Rivervision plan, to make Davenport's Riverfront the most spectacular and magnificent between New Orleans and Minneapolis/St. Paul, is coming to fruition."

The River Bandits will host a special recognition for the Quad Cities community prior to the team's next home game at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. At every River Bandits game through the end of the 2013 season, fans can sign a banner naming Modern Woodmen Park the "Best Minor League Ballpark". The banner will be permanently hung inside Modern Woodmen Park.

In addition, the River Bandits will celebrate the ballpark's No. 1 ranking by offering $1 general admission tickets to the 7 p.m. game Monday, Aug. 19, with upgrades available for $1 more.

Modern Woodmen Park, which opened in 1931 as Davenport Municipal Stadium and was previously known as John O'Donnell Stadium, is the oldest stadium used continuously by a current Minor League Baseball team for more than 50 years. The current Midwest League franchise has played in it continuously since 1960, and more than seven million fans have passed through its gates in that time.

As the River Bandits ownership, Main Street Baseball has brought the stadium several improvements - including the Sky Deck, Pepsi Loge Boxes, the DHCU On-Deck, the Crop Production Services Corn Field, a new high-definition video board and LED ribbon board. Earlier this season, Main Street Amusements opened a FlyWireTM dual zip line by Extreme Engineering, and a Mediacom Frog Hopper by S&S Worldwide, as part of a growing amusement lineup, including a new 112-foot tall Ferris wheel and carousel, that will continue arriving through next season.

UP NEXT: The first 2,000 fans to Modern Woodmen Park Saturday night will receive a bobblehead of Minnesota Twins first baseman and former River Bandit Justin Morneau, courtesy of Mediacom and the Dispatch-Argus. The 7 p.m. game kicks off a seven-game home stand through Friday, Aug. 23. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

*****

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