31 Jul 2014

Simon announces 2014 State Fair schedule

By Ken Lowe

Lt. Governor's tent highlights Illinois Reads authors

 

SPRINGFIELD - July 31, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today announced plans for the 2014 Illinois State Fair, which include a Back-to-School Book Drive, a book giveaway and readings by Illinois Reads authors, including Newbery award-winning author Joan Bauer. Simon also will present the annual Agriculture Day awards and make her fourth annual appearance with her band, Loose Gravel.

"The Illinois State Fair is a much-loved tradition, and it is one that my family and I have enjoyed for many years," said Simon. "This year I am excited to showcase Illinois authors, including a recipient of the Newbery Award, in my tent. I encourage families to stop by and promote a love of reading for all generations of fairgoers."

As an ambassador to Illinois Reads, Simon is partnering with the Illinois Reading Council to showcase live readings, a book giveaway and a book drive at her tent during the 10-day fair. Visitors may drop off new or gently used children's books to be donated to Springfield schools, and also register to win the 35 books selected for Illinois Reads 2014, a literacy project aimed at children and adults.

Illinois authors selected for Illinois Reads 2014 and 2013 will appear in Lt. Governor Simon's tent, including Joan Bauer, a New York Times bestselling author, whose awards include the Newbery Honor Medal and the Chicago Tribune Young Adult Literary Prize. She will read from her youth novel "Rules of the Road," named one of the top young adult books of the quarter century by the American Library Association. Bauer is originally from River Forest (see complete reading list below).

On Governor's Day, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon and Loose Gravel will perform from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Shed. The Carbondale-based blues band debuted at the state fair three years ago and is the only group fronted by a constitutional officer to perform.

On Ag Day, Simon will celebrate Illinois' rich agricultural heritage by presenting the Ag Day Awards to families who have farmed in the state for at least 100 years. A resident of southern Illinois, Simon is chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council and advocates for agriculture education. Simon's husband, Perry Knop, comes from a family that has farmed over a century near Steeleville.

Lt. Governor Simon's tent is located at the intersection of Main Street and Brian Raney Avenue, across from the Emmerson Building and will be open Friday, Aug. 8 to Sunday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information about Illinois Reads, please visit www.IllinoisReads.org.


LT. GOVERNOR SIMON'S STATE FAIR EVENTS


EVENT: Ag Day Awards
DATE: Tuesday, Aug. 12
TIME: 12:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Director's Lawn, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Avenue, Springfield

EVENT: Loose Gravel performance
DATE: Wednesday, Aug. 13
TIME: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
LOCATION: The Shed, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Avenue, Springfield

 

AUTHOR APPEARANCES AT THE LT. GOVERNOR'S TENT

 

Friday, Aug. 8

 

EVENT: "Hollywood on Lake Michigan" by Michael Corcoran

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A retrospective on a century of Chicago's relationship with the movies. Author Michael Corcoran is a certified Chicago tour guide and lecturer. Recommended for students in grades nine through12.

 

EVENT: "The Fourth Stall" by Chris Rylander

TIME: 1 to 3 p.m.

A humorous tale of crime, betrayal and school. Author Chris Rylander lives in Chicago. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.

 

EVENT: "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat" by Edward Kelsey Moore

TIME: 3 to 5 p.m.

The New York Times bestseller tells the tale of three small-town Indiana women as they stick together through 40 years of life, love, and the blues. Author Edward Kelsey Moore was born in Indiana and lives in Chicago. Recommended for adults.

 

Saturday, Aug. 9

 

EVENT: "Rules of the Road" by Joan Bauer

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Awkward, 16 year-old Jenna learns life lessons as she drives her crusty old employer cross country in a bid to save the family business in this New York Times bestselling novel. Newbery Award-winner Joan Bauer is originally from River Forest. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.

 

EVENT: "Winnie Finn, Worm Farmer" by Carol Brendler

TIME: 1 to 3 p.m.

Winnie Finn is determined to win a prize at the county fair for her worms, even though there's no worm prize... Carol Brendler has lived in Palatine, Oak Park and Mokena. Recommended for students in kindergarten through second grade.

 

Sunday, Aug. 10

 

EVENT: "The Journal of Best Practices" by David Finch

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The New York Times bestselling story of the author's journey of self-improvement after he and his wife learn he has Asperger Syndrome. David Finch lives in Northern Illinois. Recommended for adults.

 

EVENT: "Peep!" by Kevin Luthardt

TIME: 1 to 3 p.m.

A young boy makes a new friend when a baby duckling hatches and starts following him around. Author, muralist and University of Illinois graduate Kevin Luthardt lives in Illinois. Recommended for children up to age 4.

 

Wednesday, Aug. 13

 

EVENT: "Charlie Collier, Snoop for Hire: The Homemade Stuffing Caper" by John V. Madormo

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Twelve-year-old private eye Charlie Collier is on the trail of a lost parrot in this puzzle-filled first installment of an ongoing series. Author John Madormo, lives in Naperville. Recommended for students in grades three through five.

 

Saturday, Aug. 16

 

EVENT: "1 Zany Zoo" by Lori Degman

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Foxes who steal keys, beavers who cook chili and hyenas who play the blues are some of the things you might see before the gates open at this zany zoo. Author, mother and special education teacher Lori Degman lives in Vernon Hills. Recommended for children up to age 4.

 

EVENT: "The Bully Book" by Eric Kahn Gale

TIME: 1 to 3 p.m.

Eric Haskins must find the mysterious Bully Book to figure out how he has been turned into the school's punching bag. Born in suburban Michigan, Eric Kahn Gale lives in Chicago. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.

 

EVENT: "Dark Life" by Kat Falls

TIME: 3 to 5 p.m.

Set in a world where the oceans have risen and humanity lives partially undersea, a young ocean floor farmer must defend his home from outlaws. Kat Falls teaches at Northwestern University and lives in Evanston. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.

 

Sunday, Aug. 17

 

EVENT: "Dark Life" by Kat Falls

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Set in a world where the oceans have risen and humanity lives partially undersea, a young ocean floor farmer must defend his home from outlaws. Kat Falls teaches at Northwestern University and lives in Evanston. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.

 

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31 Jul 2014

LUMBERKINGS OVERCOME BANDITS' BIG SWINGS

By Marco LaNave

Brett Phillips has five of Quad Cities' 10 home runs in the last five games for a team total of 29 in July

DAVENPORT, Iowa (July 30, 2014) - Brett Phillips became the first Quad Cities player in at least 16 seasons to homer in five straight games, and A.J. Reed homered for the second time in three Midwest League games, but the Clinton LumberKings overcame a 4-0 deficit and scored the deciding run in the ninth inning of a 6-5 win for the visitors in front of 2,977 at Modern Woodmen Park Wednesday night.

Quad Cities (21-17 second half, 56-51 overall) and Clinton (14-24, 44-62) were scoreless until the fourth inning. River Bandits left-hander Chris Lee struck out five in his first four innings, while LumberKings right-hander Seon-Gi Kim struck out the game's first four batters and recorded the first six outs on strikeouts. Kim had retired 10 of the first 11 batters when first baseman Chase McDonald hit a one-out single in the fourth inning for his team's first hit. Reed hit the next pitch from Kim over the right-field for his second hit - and second home run - in the Midwest League. Lee kept the 2-0 lead by getting his third ground-ball double play of the night in a scoreless top of the fifth inning.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, River Bandits third baseman Marc Wik hit a double down the left-field line, and two batters later, with shortstop Thomas Lindauer at the plate and one out, an opossum came onto the field and delayed the game briefly. Once it was removed from the field, Kim fanned Lindauer for his season-high eight strikeout, but Phillips followed with a home run to right-center field.

Phillips' home run was his 12th of the season and his career and gave Quad Cities a 4-0 lead. His home runs in five straight games is a feat unmatched by a Quad Cities player since at least the 1998 season. In July, Phillips has eight home runs - the most in a single month by a Quad Cities player since Tyler Greene hit nine in July 2006. The River Bandits' 29 home runs in 27 July games are their most in a single month since hitting 30 in 31 games in May 2012.

Once Lee started the sixth inning, the lead did not last until the first out. A walk by center fielder Aaron Barbosa and single by shortstop Jack Reinheimer preceded a two-run triple by left fielder Chantz Mack, who scored on designated hitter Justin Seager's RBI single to chase Lee after five-plus innings, in which he allowed four earned runs on seven hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Left-hander Chris Cotton came in and allowed a game-tying triple by catcher Marcus Littlewood and a go-ahead single by first baseman Jeff Zimmerman for a 5-4 Clinton lead. Cotton got the next three outs and did not allow a run in the rest of his 2 2/3 innings.

After Kim allowed four earned runs on four hits and two walks in five innings, left-hander Paul Fry inherited a 5-4 lead to start the sixth inning. Catcher Brian Holberton singled to left field and went to second on an error by Mack, went to third base on a single by left fielder Ryan Bottger and scored on Wik's sacrifice fly. Quad Cities would get only one hit in its final 11 at-bats and was out-hit by Clinton, 12-7.

The 5-5 tie remained until the ninth inning, when right-hander Andrew Walter allowed singles by third baseman Martin Peguero and second baseman Luis Caballero. A fielder's choice on a bunt, a wild pitch and a walk loaded the bases with one out. Mack hit popup that Lindauer caught sliding in foul territory behind third base, on which Caballero scored the go-ahead run. In the bottom of the inning, right-hander Kevin McCoy allowed a leadoff single to Bottger but stranded the tying run at second base to end his team's six-game losing streak.

Quad Cities plays the rubber match of its three-game series with Clinton at 7 p.m. Thursday. River Bandits right-hander Michael Feliz (6-3) is scheduled to face LumberKings left-hander Blake Holovach (5-4).

UP NEXT: "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase will appear at Modern Woodmen Park for Pro Wrestling Night on Thursday. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for a Thirst-Day with $2 drink specials presented by the River Cities' Reader. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the River Bandits 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

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. Soon to come is another new ride, this one called a "Drop and Twist." 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.

*****
30 Jul 2014

BANDITS BOP LUMBERKINGS 7-5 FOR FOURTH IN A ROW

By Scott Kornberg

Phillips and McDonald each homer again while Thurman matches career-high with seven innings

DAVENPORT, Iowa. (July 29, 2014) - Brett Phillips and Chase McDonald each homered while Andrew Thurman overcame a rough first inning to match a career-high with seven frames as the Quad Cities River Bandits won their fourth in a row and ninth of 10 by bopping the Clinton LumberKings 7-5 in front of 3,270 at Modern Woodmen Park.

Each of the first four LumberKings (13-24 second half, 43-62 overall) to come to the plate in the first all singled off Thurman (5-6), with Justin Seager's base hit bringing in two runs to give Clinton an early 2-0 advantage. After Thurman induced a 4-6-3 double play, Christian Carmichael doubled in Chantz Mack to make it 3-0. Thurman would give up four runs on seven hits in his seven frames, walking two and striking out seven.

The Bandits (21-16, 56-50), though, responded immediately when Phillips rocketed the second pitch from Clinton starter Edwin Diaz (3-7) way over the right-center field wall for his 11th home run of the season and seventh during the month of July. It marked the fourth straight game with a roundtripper for the right fielder, who went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored.

Quad Cities would take the 4-3 lead in the bottom of the second when Chase McDonald, who was 3-for-4 with three RBIs, laced a two-run single off Diaz to bring home Brett Booth and Thomas Lindauer. After Diaz got A.J. Reed to foul out to the catcher Carmichael, Clinton went to the bullpen to bring in Aaron Brooks. Diaz lasted a season-low 1.2 innings, giving up four runs, three earned, on three hits with two walks and a strikeout to take the loss, Clinton's sixth in a row.

McDonald was not be finished. With one out and the score 6-3 River Bandits in the fourth, he crushed a fastball from Brooks over the center field wall for his 11th homer of the year and sixth of July, giving the River Bandits two players with at least six home runs in a month since Rainel Rosario and Matt Adams completed the feat in August of 2010. Quad Cities has bopped 27 home runs in the month of July; the team's most since hitting 30 in May of 2012.

Frederick Tiburcio pitched a scoreless ninth for his sixth save of the season. The victory gave manager Omar Lopez his 137th victory with the Quad Cities, the 10th-most in team history, and pushed the Bandits six games above .500 for the first time this season.

Quad Cities is scheduled to send Chris Lee (6-5, 3.74 ERA) to the mound tomorrow night against Clinton's Seon-Gi Kim (0-2, 2.16).

UP NEXT: Gates open for Wednesday's 7 p.m. game at 5:30 p.m. for the annual Used Car Giveaway presented by Reynolds Ford! The first 1,000 fans will also receive a Team Photo Giveaway on Star Wars Night. It's also a Pay Your Bill Wednesday, which means fans can enter their unpaid bills in a drawing for the chance to have them paid up to $100 by the River Bandits!.Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the River Bandits 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

30 Jul 2014

Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center debuts at the 2014 Iowa State Fair

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/29/2014)(readMedia)-- The completed three-phase renovation of the Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center will debut at the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. Improvements to the building include new exhibit space, improved traffic flow, additional public restrooms and air conditioning.

For the first time in several years, the building's third floor will be open to the public. The fully renovated floor will host new exhibit space for the Fair's popular fine art and photography displays as well as daily programming on the new artists' demonstration stage. In recognition of the Photography Salon's 75th year, it will feature only black and white entries, including submissions in this year's theme class saluting Ansel Adams.

The three-phase building renovations also include a focus on improved accessibility with expanded walkways, new ADA compliant family restroom facilities, two working elevators and air conditioning. Additional improvements include enhancements to the courtyard, including a paved plaza and a new exhibit by the Greater Des Moines Public Arts Foundation.

The Cultural Center will showcase Bill Woolston's 1975 photo essay Iowa's Fair in the atrium as well as the state's largest art show with exhibits in the areas of fine arts, photography, creative arts, wood projects and doll house and miniature room. More than 2,500 exhibits will be on display.

Fairgoers can let their creative flags fly and try their hands at making art. Make and Take projects available in the Cultural Center include magnets, wire jewelry and name bracelets. Young fairgoers can also participate in fun hands-on activities at Art Attack in the Cultural Center courtyard.

Eleven days of live demonstrations and working exhibits also offer Fairgoers the opportunity to see art in action, with artists demonstrating such art forms as wheel thrown pottery, glass fusing, china painting and more.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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29 Jul 2014

Volunteers Still Needed for NAFA Tournaments

By QCCVB

We are still looking for announcers/scorekeepers for the upcoming NAFA tournaments -- as an incentive we will be drawing for (2) $50 gift cards for each tournament to anyone signing up as a scorekeeper or announcer (one entry for every game volunteered -- winners will be drawn each weekend before the championship game, need not be present to win).

Upcoming NAFA tournaments:
  • August 7-10 - Majors World Series
  • August 14-17 - Division A and Under 19 and Under 23
  • September 5-7 - Masters
Click the REGISTER button to sign-up to volunteer.

Volunteer slots are located at either Green Valley Park in Moline or Campbell Park in Rock Island.

Benefits of volunteering:

  • FREE Volunteer T-Shirt
  • FREE Tournament Entry
  • Lunch voucher
  • Involvement in a fastpitch tournament with elite players from around the world

If you have questions, please contact Ryan Merritt at (309) 736-6825.

Thank you in advance for your help!

29 Jul 2014

RIVER BANDITS HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS JULY 29-31

By Marco LaNave

Bagwell Bobblehead, Used Car Giveaway, Team Photo, Star Wars Night, "The Million Dollar Man"

DAVENPORT, Iowa. (July 28, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits, Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, battle the Clinton LumberKings, Class-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, in a three-game series from Tuesday, July 29, through Thursday, July 31, at Modern Woodmen Park. Tickets are still available on riverbandits.com or by calling the box office at (563) 324-3000. Below are the highlights of promotions and events for the homestand.

Tuesday, July 29, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Hebrew National, CBS4, Pepsi, WOC & Q-106.5

- Jeff Bagwell Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Hebrew National & CBS4 WHBF - The first 700 fans will receive a bobblehead of Jeff Bagwell, who accumulated 449 home runs, the 1994 National League Most Valuable Player award, the 1991 NL Rookie of the Year award, four All-Star Game selections and three Silver Slugger awards in a 15-year career with the Houston Astros.

- Buy-One-Get-One Free Tickets - All regular individual tickets are buy-one-get-one free on Tuesdays the rest of the regular season.

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

- Dew for Twosday - Fans can bring in old Mountain Dew cans and exchange them for a voucher for a free 16-ounce Mountain Dew.

Wednesday, July 30, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Reynolds Ford, Burlington Trailways, U.S. Bank & Mix 96

- Used Car Giveaway presented by Reynolds Ford - Fans will be able to enter to win a used car.

- Team Photo Giveaway presented by Burlington Trailways - The first 1,000 fans will receive a 2014 River Bandits team photo.

- Star Wars Night - All fans who wear a Star Wars T-shirt will receive $1 off the regular ticket price. Fans who dress in a Star Wars costume will receive $2 off the regular ticket price.

- 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: American Fire Safety - Proceeds from the postgame Zeglin's Charity Ball Toss will benefit American Fire Safety (http://www.americanfiresafety.org/).

Thursday, July 31, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Quad-City Times & the River Cities' Reader

- Pro Wrestling Night - "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase will be available to sign autographs in the ESPN Radio Quad Cities Sports Lounge.

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

- Organization of the Night: Women in Defense - Proceeds from the postgame Zeglin's Charity Ball Toss will benefit Women in Defense (http://widiic.org/).
- MC22 Telecast - Mediacom Connections (MC22) will record a television game broadcast to be re-aired on MC22.

UP NEXT: Gates open for the next River Bandits homestand at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, and the first 700 fans will receive a Jeff Bagwell Bobblehead courtesy of Hebrew National and CBS4 WHBF. Kids Eat Free and regular tickets are Buy-1-Get-1 Free for the 7 p.m. game. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the River Bandits 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

29 Jul 2014

BANDITS' BIG FLIES CARRY SWEEP OF HOT RODS

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities starter Adrian Houser earns first win since June 2; Kevin Comer saves first win since May 6

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (July 28, 2014) - Brett Phillips hit the first pitch of Monday's game for a home run, A.J. Reed homered for his first Midwest League hit and Chase McDonald hit the deciding home run Monday afternoon to lift the Quad Cities River Bandits to a 4-3 win and three-game series sweep of the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Bowling Green Ballpark.

The River Bandits (20-16 second half, 55-50 overall) completed their first sweep ever of Bowling Green (14-22, 46-59) to finish 5-1 on their six-game road trip to Eastern Division ballparks. Quad Cities won eight of its last nine games to finish with an inter-division record of 13-11 - the River Bandits' first winning inter-division record since 2011.

Phillips gave Quad Cities a 1-0 lead with his 10th home run of the season on the first pitch by Hot Rods left-hander Bruedlin Suero (2-3). It was Phillips' second career leadoff home run and first since April 27 in Peoria. It was Phillips' team-high sixth home run in July.

The Hot Rods took their only lead in the second inning against right-hander Adrian Houser (5-4). With one out. Hot Rods first baseman Alexander Simon singled to left field, left fielder Julian Ridings put a bunt single down the third-base line, and right fielder Darryl George hit a game-tying double to left field. Center fielder Spencer Edwards added a go-ahead RBI single to left field for a 2-1 lead.

Suero kept the 2-1 lead by retiring nine of 10 batters before allowing a one-out single to McDonald in the fourth inning. Reed then drove a 1-1 offering over the right-center field fence for a home run in the second at-bat of his Midwest League debut, giving his team a 3-2 lead.

The Hot Rods tied the game in the next half-inning, as George hit a two-out single and stole second base. Consecutive walks to Edwards and Smedley loaded the bases, and a wild pitch by Houser brought in the tying run. Houser then retired the next four hitters to complete five innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits with two walks and two strikeouts.

In a 3-3 tie in the top of the sixth inning, McDonald hit a leadoff home run to right-center field off Suero for a 4-3 River Bandits advantage. It was McDonald's fifth home run in his last 13 games, and the River Bandits' sixth in the three-game series. Quad Cities has hit 25 July home runs - the most for the club since hitting 30 in 31 games in May 2012. Suero finished seven innings and was charged with four earned runs on eight hits with one walk and five strikeouts. Left-hander Stone Speer worked around a walk and hits by McDonald and third baseman J.D. Davis - who both had three hits - in two shutout innings.

River Bandits right-hander Kevin Comer began the sixth inning and worked around a double and walk in the sixth inning. The Hot Rods' best scoring threat came in the eighth inning, when Simon and Ridings hit consecutive one-out singles. On a wild pitch, Ridings broke from first base but was caught in a rundown by catcher Brian Holberton. When Simon broke for third base, Ridings reached second base, and Simon eluded a tag, but then broke for home plate with no player covering, until Ronnie Mitchell came in from left field to make the tag along the third-base line to cap a 2-3-5-4-1-7 scoring play for the second out. Comer then set down four in a row to earn his third save.

Quad Cities opens a three-game home series with Clinton (13-23, 43-61) at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Modern Woodmen Park. River Bandits right-hander Andrew Thurman (4-6) is scheduled to face LumberKings right-hander Edwin Diaz (3-6).

UP NEXT: Gates open for the next River Bandits homestand at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, and the first 700 fans will receive a Jeff Bagwell Bobblehead courtesy of Hebrew National and CBS4 WHBF. Kids Eat Free and regular tickets are Buy-1-Get-1 Free for the 7 p.m. game. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the River Bandits 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.
28 Jul 2014

DART Park & Ride Buses Offer Convenience and Savings to Iowa State Fairgoers

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/28/2014)(readMedia)-- DART is offering Iowa State Fairgoers half-price savings and convenient service at three Park & Ride locations around the metro during this year's Fair, set August 7-17.

Show your advance admission ticket at one of DART's three State Fair Park & Ride locations and receive half off the roundtrip fare. Parking is free at all locations. Discounted roundtrip fares with advanced admission tickets are $1 for adults and 50 cents for the seniors (ages 65+), disabled persons, Medicare card holders and children (ages 6-10). Children ages 5 and younger ride for free. Regular roundtrip fares are $2 for adults and $1 for seniors (ages 65+), disabled persons, Medicare card holders and children (ages 6-10). All buses are wheelchair-accessible. Cash fare only.

DART offers three convenient Park & Ride locations where Fairgoers can park for free:

• Center Street Park & Ride (7th and Center St., enter on 7th St.)

• Southeast Polk Schools (N.E. 80th St. and Highway 163)

• State Capitol (East 12th St. near the State Capitol bell)

The hours are 8:30 a.m. to Midnight every day of the Fair at all Park & Ride locations with extended hours on Opening Day, August 7, starting at 6 a.m. Call DART at 515/283-8100 for more details.

Buses from Southeast Polk Schools will drop off and pick up Fairgoers on Dean Avenue south of the Swine Barn near Gate 8. Buses from the Center Street and State Capitol Park & Ride stops will continue to drop off and pick up Fairgoers near Gate 10.

Three parking lots are available for motorcycle or vehicle parking at $10 per vehicle. Bicycle parking is available inside Gate 10 for $2.

Fair advance admission tickets are on sale through August 6 while supplies last at participating Hy-Vee, Hy-Vee Drugstores, Dahl's Food, Fareway stores and the State Fair Ticket Office, located on the Fairgrounds. Or, purchase your tickets online at iowastatefair.org and print them at home, fee-free.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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28 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Proclaims "Frank Thomas Day" in Illinois

By Rick Martin

Honors "The Big Hurt" and the Class of 2014 Hall of Famers

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today proclaimed July 27, 2014 as "Frank Thomas Day" across Illinois in recognition of the "Big Hurt's" formal induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Thomas is one of six Hall of Fame inductees in the Class of 2014 that also includes Bobby Cox, Tom Glavine, Tony La Russa, Greg Maddux and Joe Torre.

"Every time Frank Thomas stepped into the box you knew something special might happen," Governor Quinn said. "He was one of the greatest hitters around and now the 'Big Hurt' will be entering Baseball's prestigious Hall of Fame as a member of the Chicago White Sox. In honor of Frank and his contributions to the sport of baseball, I proclaim today 'Frank Thomas Day' across Illinois."

Born in Columbus, Georgia in 1968, Thomas was the seventh overall pick by the White Sox in 1989. He made his Major League debut as an August call-up in 1990, hitting .330 over 60 games. For the next 15 years, he was a White Sox, earning the nickname "The Big Hurt" for the damage he inflicted on pitchers. Thomas' offensive contributions with the White Sox, including 448 home runs, 1,465 RBIs and .995 on base plus slugging percentage are all club records.

Thomas had a career batting average over .300, hit 521 homers and knocked in 1,704 RBIs over the course of 19 seasons in the Major Leagues. He was a five-time All-Star, two-time American League MVP and one-time American League batting champion. He is also the first Hall of Famer to have played a majority of his games as a designated hitter.

Being inducted along with Thomas is former White Sox manager Tony La Russa, who led the White Sox to a division championship and playoff appearance in 1983, the first such achievement by a Chicago baseball team since 1959. Throughout his career, his 2,728 victories ranks third in the history of our national pastime. He is also only the second manager to win the World Series in both the American and National leagues after having led the St. Louis Cardinals to two World Series championships.

Also inducted to the Hall of Fame on Sunday is longtime Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Greg Maddox. Maddox is one of only 10 pitchers ever to achieve both 300 wins and 3,000 strikeouts, and is the only pitcher to record over 300 wins, over 3,000 strikeouts and fewer than 1,000 walks.

Thomas, Maddox, La Russa, Glavine, Cox and Torre will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame today at a special ceremony in Cooperstown, New York.

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28 Jul 2014

River Bandits Win A Pair of Games

By Marco LaNave

HOT-HITTING BANDITS ROUT HOT RODS AGAIN, 9-2; Edison Frias becomes team's first seven-game winner, while Brett Phillips hits his fifth home run in July

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (July 27, 2014) - Third baseman J.D. Davis had his first career four-hit game, center fielder Brett Phillips homered for a second straight day, and right-hander Edison Frias pitched a season-high seven innings in the Quad Cities River Bandits' second straight 9-2 win over the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Bowling Green Ballpark Sunday afternoon.

Davis drove in the game's first run in the second inning on a double down the right-field line that scored River Bandits designated hitter Brian Holberton following the latter's leadoff single. Hot Rods right-hander Jake Faria (6-6) walked right fielder Ronnie Mitchell, and second baseman Dayne Parker sacrificed two runners into scoring position. Catcher Brett Booth singled to right field to score Davis, and when Booth was caught in a rundown on his way to second base, Mitchell scored to put the River Bandits up 3-0.

Frias (7-5) became the first seven-game winner of the season for Quad Cities (19-16 second half, 54-50 overall). But his first two pitches of the game were hit for singles by Hot Rods shortstop Juniel Querecuto and second baseman Kean Wong. Frias escaped trouble by getting a flyout, popup and groundout to begin a stretch in which he retired 12 of 13 batters.

In the top of the third inning, first baseman Chase McDonald hit a two-out double down the left-field line and scored when second baseman Kean Wong mishandled a ground ball by Holberton that got into center field. Davis then hit an infield single to third baseman Ty Young, and Mitchell hit an RBI single to center field for a 5-0 lead. Faria finished the inning but was charged with five runs - three earned - on six hits and a walk with two strikeouts in a season-low three innings.

Bowling Green (14-21, 46-58) reached the scoreboard in the fifth inning. Center fielder Julian Ridings led off with a single to right field, first baseman Alexander Simon doubled to center field, and Querecuto hit a one-out, two-run single to center field. Frias then retired the next eight batters - five on strikeouts - to last seven innings for the first time since Aug. 15, 2012. His eight strikeouts were a season high.

Following Faria, the Hot Rods used right-hander William Gabay for three scoreless innings. Right-hander Luis Cabrera entered with the 5-2 deficit and pitched a scoreless seventh inning. In the eighth, Cabrera allowed consecutive singles by Davis, Mitchell and Parker, who picked up his sixth RBI on the road trip. With two outs, Phillips smashed his ninth home run of the season to right field, bringing in three runs and extending the lead to 9-2. Cabrera was charged with four earned runs on six hits and two walks with one strikeout in three innings.

River Bandits left-hander Albert Minnis began the eighth inning with a groundout and allowed two hits in the final two innings but recorded the last five outs on strikeouts to post a new career high. Frias and Minnis combined to strike out 13 batters without a walk.

Back-to-back 9-2 scores gave Quad Cities consecutive wins by the same score for the first time since winning 5-2 Aug. 2, 2013, at home against Peoria, and Aug. 3, 2013, in Cedar Rapids. The River Bandits last had consecutive scores against the same opponent in a pair of 4-3 home losses to Bowling Green July 11-12, 2013. Quad Cities last won consecutive games by the same score against the same opponent Aug. 19-20, 2006, at home and then on the road against Burlington. The 2006 team also won consecutive 5-4 games in Clinton June 26-27.

Quad Cities has won seven of eight games and seeks its first-ever sweep in Bowling Green at 12:05 p.m. Monday. River Bandits right-hander Adrian Houser (4-4) is scheduled to face Hot Rods left-hander Bruedlin Suero (2-2).

BANDITS BLAST HOT RODS TO WIN 9-2 SERIES OPENER; Quad Cities has four-run fifth and sixth innings to pick up sixth win in last seven games

DAYTON, Ohio (July 26, 2014) - Designated hitter Ronnie Mitchell and center fielder Brett Phillips each hit two-run home runs in the Quad Cities River Bandits' go-ahead, four-run fifth inning, and left-hander Blaine Sims held the Bowling Green Hot Rods to two runs in a six-inning start for a 9-2 win at Bowling Green Ballpark Saturday night.

Phillips, Mitchell, and shortstop Thomas Lindauer each drove in two runs, and seven River Bandits contributed a hit and a run to a 13-hit showing and the team's highest scoring effort since July 11. Dayne Parker had a game-high three hits for the first time with Quad Cities.

Sims (2-2) had his longest Midwest League start and overcame seven walks - matching his career high and setting a season high by a pitcher for Quad Cities (18-16 second half, 53-50 overall). He allowed two runs - one earned - on five hits with three strikeouts. In the first inning, his two-out walk to Hot Rods catcher Oscar Hernandez led to a run after a passed ball, wild pitch and single by third baseman Ty Young. Sims picked Young off first base to end the inning and got a ground-ball double play to end a bases-loaded jam in the second.

The Hot Rods (14-20, 46-57) nearly added to the 1-0 lead in the fourth inning, as left fielder Darryl George hit a one-out double to center field, and center fielder Julian Ridings singled to center field. But Phillips threw to catcher Brian Holberton to get George at home plate for his 13th outfield assist of the season - a mark tied for best in the Midwest League.

Hot Rods right-hander D.J. Slaton (0-1) got ground-ball double plays in each of the first two innings to face one batter over the minimum through the first four innings. In the top of the fifth inning, third baseman J.D. Davis hit a leadoff double down the left-field line, and Mitchell drove the next Slaton pitch to the left of the scoreboard in right-center field for his team-high 13th home run and a 2-1 lead. With two outs, Lindauer reached on a fielding error by third baseman Ty Young, and Phillips followed with his eighth home run to almost the exact same spot as Mitchell's home run.

With a 4-1 lead, Sims walked three batters in the bottom of the fifth inning but only allowed one run on a sacrifice fly by catcher Oscar Hernandez. With Sims on the mound, Bowling Green left seven runners on base, including five in scoring position.

In the sixth inning, Slaton began with a 4-2 deficit and began by allowing first baseman Chase McDonald's double to left-center field, Holberton's single to right field and Davis' RBI single to center field. Slaton was lifted with no outs for right-hander Josh Kimborowicz, who got Mitchell to hit into a fielder's choice before second baseman Dayne Parker hit an RBI single, and Lindauer dropped a two-run single in front of George in left field for an 8-2 lead. Slaton was charged with seven runs - five earned - on eight hits and one walk with three strikeouts in five innings. Kimborowicz gave up four hits and one earned run with three strikeouts in three relief innings.

Following Sims, right-hander Andrew Walter pitched three scoreless innings, allowing two hits and one walk with three strikeouts to earn his team-high ninth save. Quad Cities added a ninth-inning run when Phillips doubled, reached third base on an error and scored on a groundout by left fielder Marc Wik.

Quad Cities has won six of seven games and continues its series in Bowling Green at 2:05 p.m. Sunday. River Bandits right-hander Edison Frias (6-5) is scheduled to face Hot Rods right-hander Jake Faria (6-5).

UP NEXT: The River Bandits are in the running for the 2014 Quad-City Times Readers' Choice Awards in the categories of "Best Entertainment Venue," "Best Family Entertainment," "Best Place for a Kid's Birthday Party," and "Best Place to Take Out of Town Guest". Game tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the River Bandits 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

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