Catcher Roberto Peña adds three hits and a home run to extend hot streak in opening series
GENEVA, Ill. (APRIL 6, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits shortstop Carlos Correa hit his first Midwest League home run in a 4-for-7, five-RBI day that left him a triple shy of the cycle, and his team rallied for three 11th-inning runs to break a 10-10 tie in a 13-10 victory Saturday afternoon at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark.
Correa's two-run home run to left field in the second inning off Jose Arias capped a six-run second inning that gave Quad Cities (3-0) a 7-0 lead. But the Cougars rallied to tie the game, 10-10, in the bottom of the ninth with three runs against Gerardo Sanchez (1-0). After a two-out RBI infield single by catcher Willson Contreras, Cougars right fielder Oliver Zapata hit a game-tying two run triple. But Sanchez stranded Zapata at third by retiring center fielder Trey Martin on a groundout.
The River Bandits' rally in the 11th inning started against right-hander Stephen Perakslis (0-1) when he issued a one-out walk to catcher Roberto Peña. After a 3-for-4 day with three runs scored and his first home run in the seventh inning, Peña came out for pinch runner Jordan Scott. With designated Ryan Dineen at the plate, Scott stole second, and when Dineen lined a single to center field, Scott came into score the go-ahead run. The RBI single capped a 3-for-6, two-run, two-RBI day for Dineen in his first Midwest League game.
With Dineen running from first base in the next at-bat, River Bandits second baseman Carlos Perdomo lined a single - his second hit of the game - to left-center field, and both runners advanced when Dineen forced a throw to third base. Center fielder Teoscar Hernandez - already 3-for-5 in the game - hit a sacrifice fly to center field to bring in Dineen. After Perdomo stole third base, Correa beat out an infield single to drive in Perdomo. Correa later stole second base - the third for the River Bandits in the inning and fourth in the game.
In the bottom of the 11th, right-hander Cameron Lamb, added to the roster before the game, entered as the fifth Quad Cities pitcher. He allowed a leadoff single by designated hitter Rock Shoulders for the 19th and final Cougars hit before getting three outs for the save.
The River Bandits amassed 17 hits but also committed their first three errors of the season. Kane County (0-3) committed one error and out-hit Quad Cities for a second straight game. Shoulders went 4-for-6 with two RBI, while Zapata was 3-for-6 with a two-run home run and five RBI. Contreras and first baseman Dan Vogelbach each had three hits, a double and an RBI. Seven Cougars had multi-hit games.
Before the Cougars' ninth-inning rally, River Bandits left-hander Colton Cain was in line for the win after allowing three earned runs on seven hits and leaving with an 8-3 lead after five innings. Right-hander Mike Hauschild allowed four runs on five hits in 1 1/3 innings, and left-hander Mitchell Lambson followed him with 1 2/3 scoreless innings of relief.
Already winners of their first series of the season, the River Bandits will attempt to sweep the Cougars at 1 p.m. Sunday, when left-hander Brian Holmes and right-hander Jordan Jankowski are scheduled to pitch against Kane County left-hander Michael Heesch.
Saturday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Sunday, April 7. 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 Sunday, April 7.
UP NEXT: The 2013 home opener at Modern Woodmen Park is Thursday, April 11.Tickets for the 2013 season are now on sale! Call 563-324-3000 or visit www.riverbandits.com. It's not too late lock in your season ticket plan for the 2013 season! Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today at 563-324-3000 to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits will make 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 scheduled to open in early June, along with two new zip lines, a carousel, a Frog Hopper, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans will see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. The Astros will also make the very first selection in the major league draft this June and could have another top pick end up in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, this season will be one every fan will not want to miss!
