BURLINGTON, IOWA (June 25, 2019) — The Burlington Bees scored eight runs in the bottom of the first inning to run away with a 9-0 victory over the Quad Cities River Bandits in a rain-shortened game on Tuesday night at Community Field. River Bandits starting-pitcher Matt Ruppenthal was chased from the game after facing seven batters without recording an out.
Burlington (2-3, 41-34) busted out of the gates against Ruppenthal in the first frame. Jordyn Adams started the game by drawing a walk and raced to third on a broken-bat single into center by Kevin Maitan. Francisco Del Valle opened the scoring by hooking a double into the right-field corner to make it 1-0 Bees. The lead grew to 3-0 on a two-RBI single by Nonie Williams before Ruppenthal walked the final three hitters he faced to force in another run. Layne Henderson made his River Bandits debut by coming out of the bullpen and, before the inning ended, he allowed a grand slam to Connor Fitzsimons that widened the gap to 8-0.
After another single by Williams in the second, he moved into scoring-position on a balk. Justin Jones followed by tacking on one more run with an RBI single up the middle.
Following the completion of the top of the fifth inning, the storm moved in and caused the game to enter a rain-delay. Due to a wind-advisory in the area, the tarp was never placed on the in-field, and after a 38-minute delay, the game was deemed final.
Henderson allowed two runs over 3.0 innings out of the pen. He struck out seven while scattering five hits. Ruppenthal was charged with the first seven runs on three hits and four walks. Austin Dennis registered two hits in his return to the Bandits roster after a two-game stint at Triple-A Round Rock.
The River Bandits (2-2, 45-25) will continue this series against the Bees in Burlington on Wednesday night at 6:30PM. Quad Cities has yet to name a starter while Burlington will have LHP Hector Yan (2-2, 3.07) on the hill.
Quad Cities (R-H-E): 0-4-0
Burlington (R-H-E): 9-8-1
Win: Tyler (3-0)
Loss: Ruppenthal (2-2)
Save:
HR: Quad Cities: None
HR: Burlington: Connor Fitzsimons (5, 1st inning, 3 on base)
All River Bandits games are broadcast on 1170 K-BOB and TuneIn Radio. Home games are also available with video on MiLB.TV.
