Brett Phillips collects three hits, and Quad Cities scores four unearned runs in 5-3 road win

LANSING, Mich. (April 10, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits broke 1-1 tie with three seventh-inning runs following Lansing Lugnuts center fielder D.J. Davis dropping a two-out fly ball, and the visitors' four unearned runs in the game led to a 5-3 comeback win that salvaged the series finale at Cooley Law School Stadium Thursday night.

Lansing (3-4) took a first-inning lead against left-hander Evan Grills. Second baseman Dickie Joe Thon hit a leadoff single, advanced on two groundouts and scored on a single by designated hitter Mitch Nay.

Trailing 1-0, Quad Cities (3-4) took advantage of the first Lugnuts error in the top of the second inning. River Bandits left fielder Jon Kemmer popped up down the left-field line, and with three fielders converging, left fielder Derrick Loveless was charged an error for failing to make the catch, and Kemmer reached third base. Austin "Catfish" Elkins grounded out to second base to bring in the tying run.

Grills kept the 1-1 tie through his five-inning start. He worked around a two-out single in the second inning, a two-out double in the third, and a leadoff single in the fifth. He struck out five batters in the longest outing by a Quad Cities starter this season. Opposite Grills, right-hander Jeremy Gabryszwski scattered three hits and two walks while striking out three batters in his five innings.

The bullpens inherited a 1-1 tie in the sixth inning. Lugnuts right-hander Brady Dragmire (1-2) stranded runners at second and third base to end the sixth inning. He almost stranded two more in the seventh, after walking River Bandits catcher Jobduan Morales and center fielder Brett Phillips to put runners at first and third with two outs. Third baseman Tyler White hit a fly ball toward right-center field, and Davis jogged into the gap, where he dropped the catch, allowing Morales and Phillips to score, and White to reach second base. First baseman Conrad Gregor lined a single to center field that scored White for a 4-1 lead.

In the bottom of the seventh, River Bandits right-hander Michael Feliz (1-0), who started his outing in the sixth inning, walked shortstop Jason Leblebijian. Catcher Santiago Nessy lined an RBI triple past diving right fielder James Ramsay, and third baseman Justin Atkinson hit an RBI infield single off Feliz's leg to cut the lead to 4-3. Feliz recovered to retire the next three hitters and finish his two-inning stint, allowing two earned runs on three hits with one walk and four strikeouts.

After River Bandits right-hander Patrick Christensen tossed a perfect eighth inning, Ramsay led off the ninth inning against right-hander Roberto Espinosa with a double to left-center field, and right fielder Brett Phillips placed a bunt single along the third-base line. Phillips had a team-high three hits. With runners at first and third, White grounded into a double play that scored Ramsay for a 5-3 lead.

Right-hander Andrew Walter came in for the bottom of the ninth inning and worked around a one-out walk for his first save of the season.

Quad Cities will open a three-game series against the Great Lakes Loons in Midland, Mich., at 5:05 p.m. Central Friday night. River Bandits right-hander Adrian Houser (0-0) is scheduled to face Loons right-hander James Campbell (0-0).

UP NEXT: The second annual River Bandits Race to Home 5K and Kids Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics is Saturday at 8 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Bandit Scholars Program.

To order any of the 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000 or download the order form at www.riverbandits.com. 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.

MOLINE, Ill. (April 9, 2014) - Thomas Frazee scored twice and added an assist as the host Quad City Mallards ripped off five unanswered goals on the way to a 5-1 win over the Rapid City Rush Wednesday night and a two games to one lead in the best-of-seven opening round of the Central Hockey League President's Cup playoffs.

The Mallards rebounded to take a 2-1 lead with a pair of first period goals after Rapid City's Sean Erickson opened the scoring from the right wing boards at 7:37 of the first.  Frazee's blast from the right wing circle deadlocked the contest at 15:28.  The Mallards moved in front with just 18 seconds left in the period when Jeff Lee jammed in a point blank power play goal.

After a scoreless second period, the Mallards pulled away with three goals in the third.  Mike Stinziani widened the gap to 3-1 on a breakaway at 11:18.  Frazee's empty net goal put the contest beyond the Rush's reach with just one minute and 15 seconds left.  Jordan Mayer capped off the victory by scoring another breakaway goal with only 38 seconds remaining.

The Mallards host game four Friday night at 7:05 p.m and game five Saturday evening at 7:05 p.m.  Should a sixth game be required, the series will shift back to Rapid City next Tuesday.  If the series goes to a seventh game, the Rush would host the deciding contest next Wednesday.

This Friday evening brings not only game four between the Mallards and Rush but also the return of the Mallards' popular $1 Dog/$1 Dollar Beer Night presented by 97X.  $1 beers will be available at iWireless Center concession stands from the time doors open at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  $1 hot dogs will be available throughout the game.

Tickets for Mallards home playoff games can be purchased in person at the iWireless Center box office, online at ticketmaster.com, at Ticketmaster outlets or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

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.

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All proceeds of second annual event will benefit Bandit Scholars Program

DAVENPORT, Iowa (April 9, 2014) - The second annual Bandits Race to Home 5K presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics, a one-of-a-kind run, walk and Fun Run event, is set for Saturday at 8 a.m. The Quad Cities River Bandits announced details Tuesday for the unique race and community gathering that gives all proceeds to the non-profit Bandit Scholars Program, which funds two college scholarships each year for Quad Cities youth and is administered by the Community Foundation.

The unique route of the five-kilometer run and walk will begin at Modern Woodmen Park at 8 a.m., cross the Centennial Bridge into Rock Island, Ill., and the Rock Island Arsenal Bridge back into Davenport before ending at home plate inside Modern Woodmen Park. A Fun Run for children 12 years and younger, with River Bandits mascot Rascal, will also take place at approximately 9:15 a.m. Every 5K registration includes a T-shirt, and every participant in the 5K and Fun Run will receive two free tickets to the River Bandits game of their choice during the month of April. Registration is available at www.riverbandits.com/5K, through Thursday, April 10.

"With outstanding participation last spring, the people of the Quad Cities made the first Bandits Race to Home 5K the perfect start to the River Bandits season and a fantastic event to benefit our non-profit Bandit Scholars Program," said team owner Dave Heller. "For the same affordable price in the 2014 race, Quad Cities runners and walkers will again enjoy a unique race experience and a free River Bandits game while supporting the Bandit Scholars Program that pays the entire cost of tuition for two Quad Cities area students to go to college."

The 5K registration fee of $27 includes a T-shirt and a ticket to a 2014 River Bandits game. Fun Run registration for children ages 12 and younger is $17, or $22 with a T-shirt. All proceeds benefit the non-profit Bandit Scholars Program, which annually awards the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship and the Bandit Scholarship. Each scholarship pays the entire first-year college tuition for two Quad Cities-area students.

Packet pick-up will be available at Modern Woodmen Park from on Thursday, April 10, and Friday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, as well as before the race Saturday, April 12, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Individual prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers, as well as to the top three males and females in each age group, each of the 13 age groups - 19 & under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59 and 60-plus.

A post-race party with results announcements and awards will include free adjustments from Palmer Chiropractic Clinics. Participants will receive two complimentary post-race beverages, as well as complimentary snacks. Non-participants may make a donation to the Bandit Scholars Program to enjoy the post-race snacks and beverages.

Any questions about the race can be directed to Alexandria Sheffler at alex@riverbandits.com.

UP NEXT: The second annual River Bandits Race to Home 5K and Kids Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics is Saturday at 8 a.m. Thursday is the last day to register using the link at www.riverbandits.com. All proceeds benefit the Bandit Scholars Program. To order any of the 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 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.

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Quad Cities loses early 2-0 lead and cannot complete comeback in road trip opener

LANSING, Mich. (April 8, 2014) - Lansing Lugnuts second baseman Dickie Joe Thon blooped a one-out RBI single to shallow right field in the bottom of the ninth inning to give his team a 5-4, walk-off win in its home opener over the Quad Cities River Bandits at Cooley Law School Stadium Tuesday night.

The game entered the ninth inning tied, 4-4, after Quad Cities (2-3) scored twice in the eighth inning. In the top of the ninth, River Bandits right fielder James Ramsay hit a leadoff single to right field against Lugnuts right-hander Jimmy Cordero (1-0) and advanced to second base on a sacrifice by center fielder Brett Phillips. But Cordero retired shortstop Jack Mayfield on a popup and first baseman Conrad Gregor on a groundout to end the inning. Quad Cities left nine runners on base and went 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position.

River Bandits right-hander Andrew Walter (0-1) started the ninth inning with back-to-back walks to right fielder Derrick Loveless and catcher Santiago Nessy. Left fielder Ian Parmley then sacrificed both runners before Thon blooped an 0-1 pitch for a game-winning RBI. It was the first run against Walter in his first 15 career innings in the Midwest League.

Quad Cities reached the scoreboard in the first inning, when Ramsay hit a leadoff single, stole second and third bases, and scored on Mayfield's RBI double against right-hander Tom Robson. In the third inning, Mayfield drew a walk, advanced on two wild pitches, and scored on a balk by left-hander Alonzo Gonzalez.

River Bandits starter Chris Lee preserved the 2-0 lead by allowing only one hit in the first four innings. But he allowed two hits and a one-out walk to load the bases in the fifth. Left-hander Chris Cotton relieved Lee and escaped the jam by inducing a groundout and lineout.

In the sixth inning, Lansing (2-3) broke through against right-hander Andrew Thurman. Center fielder D.J. Davis hit a leadoff home run down the right-field line to cut the lead to 2-1. Third baseman Mitch Nay walked, and shortstop Dawel Lugo and first baseman Matt Dean each hit singles, with the latter tying the game, 2-2. Thurman fanned Loveless but threw a wild pitch that moved two runners into scoring position, and Nessy grounded a two-run single down the third-base line to make it 4-2. Right-hander Tyler Brunnemann came on in relief and retired all seven batters he faced.

In the eighth inning, the River Bandits rallied against right-hander Roberto Espinosa. Mayfield drew a walk and moved to second base on a passed ball. Third baseman Tyler White then singled to center field to score Mayfield, and second baseman Austin Elkins later singled to extend his five-game hitting streak and chase Espinosa. Cordero entered to face catcher Jobduan Morales, who grounded a sharp single into right field that scored pinch runner Chan-Jong Moon for the tying run.

The inter-division series continues at 6:05 p.m. Central on Wednesday, when River Bandits right-hander Jandel Gustave (1-0) is scheduled to face Lugnuts right-hander Alberto Tirado (0-0).

UP NEXT: The second annual River Bandits Race to Home 5K and Kids Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics is Saturday at 8 a.m. Thursday is the last day to register using the link at www.riverbandits.com. All proceeds benefit the Bandit Scholars Program. To order any of the 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 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 this spring, 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.

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