06 May 2014

PHILLIPS, SANUDO WIN ASTROS' APRIL HONORS

By Rick Martin

Outfielder earns first career honor, right-hander recognized for second time in his career

DAVENPORT, Iowa. (May 5, 2014) - Outfielder Brett Phillips is the Quad Cities River Bandits Player of the Month for April, and right-handed pitcher Gonzalo Sanudo is the team's Pitcher of the Month, the Houston Astros announced on Monday.

The Houston Astros Player Development Department named a Pitcher and Player of the Month at each of their four in-season minor league affiliates. These awards are chosen every month by the field staff of each team. Former River Bandits infielders Jon Singleton and Tony Kemp were also named Players of the Month at Triple-A Oklahoma City and Class-A Advanced Lancaster, respectively.

Houston's sixth-round pick in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft and the youngest player on the Quad Cities roster, Phillips posted a .301 batting average with three triples, two home runs and a team-high 13 RBIs in April. The 19-year-old Seminole, Fla., native had a .394 on-base percentage, .446 slugging percentage, and .840 on-base-plus-slugging (OPS) in 23 games. Phillips did not commit an error in April.

Sanudo won his second Pitcher of the Month award in the Houston minor league system since being acquired in a trade with Minnesota March 25, 2013. Also the August 2013 Pitcher of the Month for short-season Class-A Tri-City, Sanudo went 3-0 with a 0.50 ERA in the month of April, allowing just one earned run in 18 innings. The Tabasco, Mexico, native gave up his first run of the season April 27 at Peoria, which snapped a streak of 40 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings dating back to July 9 of last season. Sanudo fanned 14 in 18 innings over five games, including two starts.

UP NEXT: The Book Buddies program will be recognized Tuesday at the 11 a.m. River Bandits game presented by Pepsi, WOC and Q106.5. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the 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 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 110 feet over the playing field, is opening in May, along with a carousel, a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded 300-foot long zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just 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.

****

06 May 2014

KERNELS' THREE-RUN EIGHTH DOWNS BANDITS

By Marco LaNave
Held to four hits by Cedar Rapids, Quad Cities suffers its third straight loss

DAVENPORT, Iowa (May 5, 2014) - Cedar Rapids Kernels designated hitter B.K. Santy drove a bases-loaded two-run double to the right-field wall to break a 2-2, eighth-inning tie, leading his team to a 5-2 Monday night win over the Quad Cities River Bandits in front of 1,343 at Modern Woodmen Park.

River Bandits right-hander Andrew Thurman kept Cedar Rapids (18-12) scoreless the first two innings. He struck out three batters and stranded runners at first and second base in the second. But in the top of the third, Kernels shortstop Engelb Vielma hit a leadoff single, and second baseman Logan Wade added a one-out double to put runners at second and third bases. With two outs, Thurman walked catcher Mitch Garver to load the bases. Right fielder Zack Larson lined 3-2 pitch for a two-run single to right field and went to second base on a missed-catch error by catcher Brian Holberton at home plate.

After facing eight batters in the third inning, Thurman kept the Kernels off the board for the rest of his five-inning outing. He set down seven of the final eight he faced to complete five innings, allowing two earned runs on six hits and two walks with four strikeouts.

The River Bandits (12-18) began their comeback against right-hander Ethan Mildren with two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning, as designated hitter Chase McDonald clobbered his first home run of the season off the center field batter's eye to cut the lead to 2-1. Right fielder Brett Phillips then started the sixth inning by reaching on an errant throw by Wade from second base. After second baseman Chan-Jong Moon's sacrifice and a single by third baseman Tyler White, first baseman Conrad Gregor grounded into a fielder's choice that brought home Phillips when Gregor beat the relay throw to first base.

River Bandits left-hander Chris Lee (0-1) worked around walks in the sixth and seventh innings to keep the 2-2 tie. With one out in the eighth, however, Larson beat out a high chopper to shortstop for an infield single, and Lee walked left fielder Ivory Thomas. Third baseman Bryan Haar then bounced a ball high to the third-base side of the pitcher's mound for the second infield single of the inning. With the bases loaded and one out, Santy smacked his only hit to the opposite field, scoring both Larson and Thomas. The next batter, Vielma, lifted a sacrifice fly to right field to extend the 5-2 lead.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Kernels left-hander Brandon Bixler (2-1) allowed consecutive one-out walks by Moon and White before retiring Gregor on a groundout and striking out shortstop Jack Mayfield. Bixler tossed two hitless innings with three walks and one strikeout, before right-hander Hudson Boyd entered to complete a perfect ninth inning.

Quad Cities will seek to snap a three-game losing streak when it hosts Cedar Rapids at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Modern Woodmen Park. River Bandits right-hander Jandel Gustave is scheduled to face Kernels left-hander Josue Montanez (0-0).

05 May 2014

RIVER BANDITS HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS MAY 5-10

By Marco LaNave
Cinco de Mayo, Book Buddies, Irish Heritage, Fireworks, Sport Bottle & Winter Blanket Giveaways
DAVENPORT, Iowa. (May 5, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits host the Cedar Rapids Kernels in a three-game series before battling the Beloit Snappers in another three-game set from Monday, May 5, through Saturday, May 10, at Modern Woodmen Park. Below are the highlights of promotions and events for the home stand.
Monday, May 5, 7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.) Sponsor: 97X
- Cinco de Bandits Party - Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Modern Woodmen Park with $3 prices on 12-oz. Corona, Straw-ber-rita, Lime-a-rita, and Mang-o-rita, as well as a $5 Yard Margarita. At the Nachoville stand, three tacos are just $3! There will also be a pinata-breaking for the kids.
- Markdown Monday presented by 97X - Bleacher tickets are $2 each, as are beers, sodas, hot dogs, peanuts, nachos and popcorn.
Tuesday, May 6, 11:00 a.m. (Gates 9:30 a.m.) Sponsors: Pepsi, WOC and Q-106.5
- Book Buddies Game - The River Bandits host the graduates of the Book Buddies program. The students who completed the program get to participate in a pregame parade on the field 45 minutes before first pitch.
Wednesday, May 7, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: U.S. Bank, CBS4 and Mix 96
- Irish Heritage/Go Green Night- Get your Irish on for Irish Heritage and Go Green Night! The person who shows up in the most green items will win an awesome prize!
- Pay Your Bill Wednesday presented by U.S. Bank, CBS4 and 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.
- Buy-One-Get-One Kids Ticket Free presented by IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union - IHMVCU members can buy one regular ticket and get a free kids ticket every Wednesday. Fans must show membership at the box office to receive the ticket special.
Thursday, May 8, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Rock 104-9 and River Cities' Reader
- Thirst-day Thursday presented by Rock 104-9 and River Cities' Reader - Fans can enjoy $2 drink specials throughout the game.
- Buy-One-Get-One-Free Tickets 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: United Neighbors, Inc. - Proceeds from the Zeglin's Charity Ball Toss will benefit United Neighobrs, Inc. (unitedneighbors.com).
Friday, May 9, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WQAD, WLLR, Total Turf & Landscape
- Friday Fireworks presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WQAD & WLLR - All fans will be treated to a free postgame fireworks show.
- AUSA Military Appreciation Night - Six veterans from six different wars will throw out a first pitch during the pregame AUSA Military Appreciation ceremony. AUSA will also present the Color Guard for the evening.
- Sport Bottle Giveaway presented by Total Turf & Landscape - The first 500 fans will receive a sport bottle.
- Book Buddies Game - The River Bandits host the graduates of the Book Buddies program. The students who completed the program get to participate in a pregame parade on the field 30 minutes before first pitch.
- Organization of the Night: Yoga G - Proceeds from the Zeglin's Charity Ball Toss will benefit Yoga G (yogag.org).
Saturday, May 10, 6:00 p.m. (Gates 4:30 p.m.) Sponsors: 103.1 KISS-FM and Clarion Hotel
- Fleece Winter Blanket Giveaway presented by Clarion Hotel - The first 1,000 fans will receive a River Bandits fleece blanket.
- Fan Appreciation Saturday presented by 101.3 KISS-FM - There will be $2 drink specials on beer and soda. A table for a balloon artist and a face painter will both be on the concourse.
- Mother's Day Celebration - The River Bandits will celebrate mothers at the ballpark. Kids can make cards for their moms in the Bounce QC Kids Zone. There will be manicures available on the concourse. Special Mother's Day prize packages will also be awarded.
- Organization of the Night: Susan G. Komen Quad Cities - Proceeds from the Zeglin's Charity Ball Toss will benefit Susan G. Komen Quad Cities (komenquadcities.org).
- MC22 Telecast - Mediacom Connections (MC22) will record a television game broadcast to be re-aired on MC22.
UP NEXT: Cinco de Mayo and Markdown Monday presented by 97X kick off a six-game River Bandits homestand May 5. Bleacher tickets for the 7 p.m. game are just $2 each, with $2 specials for hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, nachos, beer and soda as well. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the 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 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 110 feet over the playing field, is opening in May, along with a carousel, a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded 300-foot long zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just 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.
*****
05 May 2014

JOIN MALLARDS FOR YEAR-END PARTY TONIGHT (MONDAY) AT T.G.I. FRIDAY'S

By Jim Kersten

Join Mallards players and coach Ruskowski at T.G.I. Friday's in Moline this evening (Monday) from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for an end of year party!

The 2013-14 Mallards tonight meet their fans one more time after giving us a season to remember.
Friday's is located at 1425 River Drive, adjacent to the iWireless Center.  We look forward to seeing you tonight!

05 May 2014

SNAPPERS HOMER TWICE TO BEAT BANDITS, 5-3

By Marco LaNave
Tanner Mathis hits three doubles for Quad Cities in road loss

BELOIT, Wis. (May 3, 2014) - Beloit third baseman B.A. Vollmuth broke a 1-1, fourth-inning tie with a two-run home run and designated hitter Ryan Mathews added a solo shot two batters later in a 5-3 Snappers victory over the Quad Cities River Bandits at Pohlman Field Saturday afternoon.

Quad Cities right-hander Edison Frias (0-1) allowed both home runs in his Midwest League debut and allowed Beloit (10-18) to take a lead in the first inning. Frias walked the game's first batter, center fielder Boog Powell, and allowed a single to left fielder B.J. Boyd that put runners at first base and third base. When right fielder Jaycob Brugman grounded into a double play, Powell scored the game's first run.

The River Bandits (12-16) came back to tie the game in the third inning. Left fielder Tanner Mathis led off with the first of his career-high three doubles Saturday. Center fielder Brett Phillips put down a sacrifice, and designated hitter James Ramsay lifted a game-tying sacrifice fly to center field. It was the only run against right-hander Kyle Finnegan (2-1), who allowed three hits and four walks with three strikeouts in five innigns. The right-hander stranded a Quad Cities baserunner in each of the first five innings.

The 1-1 tie remained until the foruth inning, when Brugman hit a leadoff single against Frias, and Vollmuth followed with his fourth home run of the season on a 3-2 Frias pitch that Vollmuth put over the left-field fence. With one out, Mathews drove a 2-2 pitch from Frias over the left-center field wall to extend the Snappers' lead to 4-1. Frias gave up two home runs in 57 2/3 innings in 2013. On Saturday, he allowed four earned runs on five hits and one walk with no strikeouts in a four-inning start.

Finnegan and left-hander Brent Powers kept the 4-1 lead until the top of the seventh inning, when Powers allowed a leadoff single by catcher Jobduan Morales, who went to third on a one-out double by Mathis. Phillips hit a sacrifice fly to center field that scored Morales, but Ramsay flied out to right field to keep the score 4-2.

Snappers right-hander Andres Avila took over in the top of the eighth inning. River Bandits first baseman Conrad Gregor reached on an error by second baseman Sam Roberts, went to second base when third baseman Tyler White was hit by a pitch, and scored when shortstop Luis Baez made a wild throw to first base on a double-play attempt.

With the Snappers' lead cut to 4-3, River Bandits right-hander Zach Morton began the bottom of the eighth inning by allowing a single to catcher Jose Chavez before a sacrifice by Powell that was the final batter in Morton's 3 1/3 innings. Left-hander Albert Minnis entered to allow two singles, including Brugman's RBI single that extended the lead to 5-3.

In the ninth inning, Avila worked around a one-out double by Mathis, who was left at second base after a Phillips flyout and Ramsay groundout to end the game. The loss was Quad Cities' 12th by two runs or fewer this season.

Quad Cities and Beloit meet for the series rubber match at 2 p.m. Sunday. River Bandits right-hander Adrian Houser (0-0) is scheduled to face Snappers right-hander Junior Mendez (0-2).

UP NEXT: Cinco de Mayo and Markdown Monday presented by 97X kick off a six-game River Bandits homestand May 5. Bleacher tickets for the 7 p.m. game are just $2 each, with $2 specials for hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, nachos, beer and soda, in addition to $3 . Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the 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.

02 May 2014

LUMBERKINGS OUTLAST BANDITS, SWEEP TWIN BILL

By Marco LaNave
Clinton hangs on for 5-4 Game 1 win, and Burt Reynolds' seventh-inning home run carries 3-1 Game 2 triumph

DAVENPORT, Iowa (May 2, 2014) - Playing their second doubleheader in as many days against the Clinton LumberKings, the Quad Cities River Bandits fell short in a late comeback to drop Game 1, 5-4, and lost a 1-0 lead within two outs of victory to drop Game 2, 3-1, at Modern Woodmen Park and suffer their first sweep loss in five doubleheaders this season.

In Game 1, Quad Cities right-hander Andrew Thurman (2-2) walked the first two batters of the game, allowed an RBI single to LumberKings catcher Marcus Littlewood, and issued a third walk before recording an out. Third baseman Joe DeCarlo drove an RBI double to right field to give Clinton (12-13) a 2-0 lead. In the second inning, Thurman gave up a single by shortstop Lonnie Kauppila, and after a fielder's choice and another walk, Littlewood added his second RBI single for a 3-0 lead. Thurman was done after two innings, allowing three earned runs on four hits and four walks with two strikeouts.

River Bandits catcher Brian Holberton helped spur the comeback effort by leading off the second inning with a line-drive home run to right field off right-hander Carlos Misell (4-1). Holberton also led of the fourth inning with a double and the sixth with a single to collect his first career three-hit game and extend his team-season-high hitting streak to nine games.

Clinton added two more runs in the third inning against left-hander Chris Cotton. First baseman Jeff Zimmerman hit an RBI double and scored on a wild pitch. Cotton would complete three innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits with two walks and a strikeout.

Trailing 5-1, Quad Cities (11-15) chased Misell after Holberton singled, right fielder James Ramsay hit an RBI double, and left fielder Tanner Mathis singled to start the sixth inning. Third baseman Alex Gonzalez rolled an RBI single into right field off right-hander Rafael Pineda to make it 5-3, with runners at first and second bases and no outs. But shortstop Thomas Lindauer bunted into a fielder's choice, and when center fielder Brett Phillips doubled home Gonzalez, Lindauer was thrown out at home trying to score the tying run. Pineda got a groundout to strand Phillips at third base with the tying run and worked around two walks for a scoreless seventh and his second save.

In Game 2, River Bandits left-hander Chris Lee kept the LumberKings hitless the first four innings, despite allowing six walks with three strikeouts. Phillips hit a third-inning leadoff double, moved to third base on a sacrifice and scored on third baseman Tyler White's sacrifice fly for a 1-0 Quad Cities lead against right-hander Jose Flores. River Bandits right-hander Andrew Walter allowed a fifth-inning, two-out single by center fielder Burt Reynolds for the first Clinton hit, but Walter and right-hander Tyler Brunnemann each tossed scoreless innings to carry the 1-0 lead through the sixth.

Out of pitchers at the end of a fourth game in two days, Quad Cities brought Gonzalez (0-1) to the mound in the seventh. He allowed one-out singles by first baseman Justin Seager and catcher Christian Carmichael, before Reynolds slammed his third home run of the season and second in the series off the center field batter's eye for a 3-1 lead. Left-hander Paul Fry (1-0) pitched the final three innings for the win.

Quad Cities begins a three-game series in Beloit, Wis., at 6:30 p.m. Friday. River Bandits left-hander Evan Grills (0-0) will face Snappers right-hander Lou Trivino (1-2) in the teams' first meeting since Quad Cities defeated Beloit in the 2013 Western Division final.

UP NEXT: Cinco de Mayo and Markdown Monday presented by 97X kick off a six-game River Bandits homestand May 5. Bleacher tickets for the 7 p.m. game are just $2 each, with $2 specials for hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, nachos, beer and soda as well. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the 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.

01 May 2014

MALLARDS FALL TO AMERICANS IN GAME SEVEN 3-2

By Brian Lavelle

ALLEN, Texas (April 30, 2014) - Bryan Pitton made 30 saves and Spencer Asuchak's power play goal early in the third period proved decisive as the host Allen Americans defeated the Quad City Mallards 3-2 Wednesday night in the seventh and deciding game of the best-of-seven Central Hockey League semi-finals to end the Mallards' season and secure a berth in the CHL President's Cup finals.

Asuchak stretched what had been a one goal Allen advantage to 3-1 with a low drive from the right wing circle at 3:32 of the third.  The Mallards pulled back with in one just 48 seconds later when Matt Boyd tipped in Nick Grasso's one timer, but could not produce a third period equalizer- even after pulling goaltender Thomas Heemskerk (37 saves) in the final minute.

The Americans entered the final frame on top after Jonathan Lessard snapped a 1-1 tie on a breakaway at 8:27 of the second period.  Pitton was at his busiest in turning away all 16 second period shots he faced.

Allen first grabbed the lead while on the power play when Jonathan Zion tipped in the opening goal at 10:30 of the first period.  Jim McKenzie tied the score at one by rifling the puck in under the crossbar from the right wing circle at 14:20 of the first, but the next time the Americans grabbed the lead they would not relinquish it.

Tonight's loss brought the end of a memorable season that saw the Mallards win a playoff series and advance to the semi-finals for the first time in 11 years.  Season tickets for the Mallards' 2014-15 campaign are now on sale.  Ticket packages are available to meet almost any budget.  A limited edition season ticket holder Mallard jersey, 12 additional ticket vouchers per seat and free parking are among a host of exclusive benefits available to season ticket holders.  For more season ticket information fans can call the Mallards' business office at 309-277-1364.
01 May 2014

BANDITS' RALLY, WALK OFF TO SPLIT WITH CLINTON

By Marco LaNave
Quad Cities drops Game 1, 6-3, to Clinton, before rallying from 7-3 deficit for walk-off win in Game 2
DAVENPORT, Iowa (May 1, 2014) - Center fielder Brett Phillips hit a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh inning for a 9-8 Game 2 win for the Quad Cities River Bandits, who had rallied from a 7-3 deficit to earn a split with the Clinton LumberKings, who had taken Game 1 by a 6-3 final in a doubleheader Wednesday night at Modern Woodmen Park.
In Game 1, Clinton first baseman Jeff Zimmerman opened the scoring with a home run on the first pitch of the third inning by Quad Cities left-hander Kent Emanuel (0-2), who completed three innings, allowing two hits and one walk with four strikeouts.
With a 1-0 lead, the LumberKings (10-13) added two runs in the fourth inning and three in the fifth against left-hander Albert Minnis for a 6-0 lead. Minnis lasted 1 2/3 innings, before right-hander Tyler Brunnemann pitched the final 2 1/3 innings without allowing a run.
Trailing 6-0, Quad Cities (11-13) began a rally in the bottom of the fifth. Shortstop Thomas Lindauer, left fielder Tanner Mathis and second baseman Chan-Jong Moon each drew walks to start the inning against left-hander Eddie Campbell, and right fielder James Ramsay shot a two-runs ingle to right field. First baseman Chase McDonald added an RBI groundout, but the River Bandits came no closer than 6-3. Clinton right-handers Aaron Brooks (1-0) and Emilio Pagan finished the visitors' win, with the latter earning his fifth save.
In Game 2, Clinton jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a single by right fielder Austin Wilson against right-hander Jandel Gustave. But Quad Cities answered with a first-inning RBI double by first baseman Conrad Gregor and a second-inning home run by left fielder Jon Kemmer. The LumberKings retook the lead with Wilson's RBI triple in the third inning, and tacked on three more in the fourth inning for a 6-2 lead. Gustave allowed six runs - four earned - on five hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings. Right-hander Zach Morton followed with 2 1/3 innings, three hits, one walk and two strikeouts, but also allowed Clinton center fielder Burt Reynolds' fifth-inning leadoff home run.
With a 7-3 deficit, Quad Cities began a Game 2 comeback against left-hander Blake Holovach in the fifth inning. Moon singled, Greogr walked, and McDonald hit an RBI single. After Ramsay flied out, catcher Brian Holberton singled, and Kemmer drew a bases-loaded walk to chase Holovach. Left-hander Leoncio Munoz yielded a two-run, game-tying single to pinch hitter Tyler White before walking Lindauer and giving up a go-ahead sacrifice fly to Phillips, who reached when Reynolds dropped the fly ball.
With an 8-7 lead, River Bandits right-hander Andrew Walter allowed Wilson's game-tying home run leading off the seventh. But Kemmer began the bottom half with a single to right field, stole second base, went to third on Lindauer's one-out single to left field and scored on Phillips' second sacrifice fly at one minute before midnight. This season Quad Cities has four one-run wins, and all have been walk-offs.
The River Bandits have split each of their first four doubleheaders of the season, and they host the LumberKings for a doubleheader at 6 p.m. Thursday. In Game 1, Quad Cities right-hander Andrew Thurman (2-1) is scheduled to face Clinton right-hander Carlos Misell (3-1). In Game 2, Quad Cities left-hander Chris Lee (0-0) is scheduled to face Clinton right-hander Jose Flores.
UP NEXT: The first 1,000 fans to Thursday's 6 p.m. doubleheader receive a Miltary Camo Drawstring Backpack courtesy of Western Illinois University-Quad Cities. On College Night, students can show their college IDs at the box office for $2 bleacher tickets. Gates open at 5 p.m. for a Thirst-Day Thursday presented by Rock 104-9 and the River Cities' Reader with $2 drink specials. Tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the 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 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 110 feet over the playing field, is opening in May, along with a carousel, a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded 300-foot long zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just 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 Apr 2014

AMERICANS ROLL PAST MALLARDS, FORCE GAME SEVEN

By Brian Lavelle

MOLINE, Ill. (April 29, 2014) - Six different Allen Americans scored and 12 different players provided at least one point for the host Americans, who struck for three power play goals and got 32 saves from Bryan Pitton Tuesday night on the way to a 6-1 win over the Quad City Mallards that evens the best-of-seven Central Hockey League semi-finals at three games apiece and forces a seventh and deciding game tomorrow evening in Allen.

The Americans' Spencerk Asuchak wristed home the opening goal from the slot at 5:20 of the first period.  Allen was on the power play when Bruce Graham's tip-in doubled the Allen lead at 15:05 of the first.

The Americans tightened their grip by scoring twice in 11 seconds late in the in the second period.  Tyler Ludwig's power play blue line blast stretched the gap to 3-0 at the 18 minute mark of the second.  Moments later Jonathan Lessard's close range goal brought about the replacement of Mallard starting goaltender Thomas Heemskerk by Ty Rimmer.

It was the Mallards who were up a man when Mike Monfredo scored what proved to be the only Quad City goal from the top of the left wing circle at 4:28 of the third period.  The Americans would respond with two more goals later in the third.  Greger Hanson converted a 5-on-3 Allen advantage from the side of the net at 16:25.  Brian McMillan capped off the Americans' win by burying a rebound with just a minutes and 38 seconds remaining.

The winner of tomorrow night's game will advance to face the Denver Cutthroats in the CHL President's Cup finals.
29 Apr 2014

MALLARDS PLAYOFF WATCH PARTIES RETURN TONIGHT TO FRIDAY'S, LODGE

By Brian Lavelle

Friday's, Lodge to Host Watch Parties Wednesday Night

If Semi-Finals Go to Seventh Game


MOLINE, Ill. (April 28, 2014) - Quad City Mallards playoff watch parties return to T.G.I. Friday's in Moline and the Lodge in Bettendorf tonight at 7:05 p.m. when the Mallards travel to Texas to meet the Allen Americans in game six of the Central Hockey League semi-finals and, if a seventh and deciding game is necessary, Wednesday evening at 7:05 p.m.

Fans are invited to watch all the action of tonight's pivotal contest in the company of their fellow Mallards supporters at either watch party location. T.G.I. Friday's is located at 1425 River Drive in Moline, adjacent to the iWireless Center.  Fans who prefer to watch the Mallards in Iowa can enjoy the playoff action in the lounge of the Lodge Hotel and Conference Center, which is located at 900 Spruce Hills Drive in Bettendorf.  T.G.I. Friday's will offer half price appetizers to Mallards fans during the watch party.  Fans who flock to the Lodge can join the watch parties for just a $3 cover charge and enjoy $1.50 drafts and hot dogs.

The Mallards, who lead the best-of-seven series three games to two, are one win away from advancing to the CHL finals and a match-up with the Denver Cutthroats.  Should they overcome the Americans, the Mallards will play for a league championship for the first time since reaching the United Hockey League finals in 2003.

An Americans victory tonight would bring a seventh and deciding game in Allen and another chance for fans to take in all the action at either Friday's or the Lodge Wednesday evening.

For more information on the playoff watch parties, feel free to contact the Mallards at 309-277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com.

About the Quad City Mallards
A proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Quad City Mallards are in the midst of their seventeenth season their fourth in the Central Hockey League.  One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League in 2009-10.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  The iWireless Center provides a unique environment for hockey and features one-of-a-kind seating areas such as the Nest for groups and functions and the exclusive Drake Club.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.net.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -

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