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!
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