BANDITS TOSS FIRST SHUTOUT OF 2013: River Bandits right-hander Vincent Velasquez matched a career high with eight strikeouts in five shutout frames to extend his scoreless streak to 14 innings and win his third straight start in a 4-0 home victory over Lansing.

Left-hander Joe Bircher followed Velasquez with four scoreless innings to complete the first Quad Cities shutout since a 2-0 win Aug. 23 against Kane County.

Center fielder Teoscar Hernandez had two singles, two stolen bases, and two runs, and right fielder Terrell Joyce swatted his first Midwest League home run.

CARBONDALE - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will launch the opening ceremonies for the 2013 Special Olympics Spring Games in Carbondale on Friday. More than 500 athletes will compete in track and field events with an additional 600-plus family members and volunteers cheering on the participants.

Athletes who win a gold medal at the area-level Games qualify to compete in the Special Olympics State Summer Games at Illinois State University in June. More than 3,500 athletes are expected to compete in the Summer Games. 

"These athletes have put forth a great deal of time and energy to prepare for the Spring Games, and I look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and cheering them on with their family and friends," Simon said. 

DATE: Friday, April 26

TIME: 9:15 a.m.

PLACE: Carbondale Community High School football field, 1301 E. Walnut, Carbondale

Team will treat Quad Cities residents to a free game at Modern Woodmen Park Monday, April 29

DAVENPORT, Iowa (APRIL 23, 2013) - In recognition and support of the entire Quad Cities community during the challenging flood along the Mississippi River, the Quad Cities River Bandits will host "Beat the Flood Day", by opening Modern Woodmen Park Monday, April 29, for a free baseball game, when the River Bandits hosts the Great Lakes Loons at 11 a.m.

The flood protection at the ballpark will allow the River Bandits to keep their entire six-game home stand at Modern Woodmen Park, beginning Thursday, April 25, at 7 p.m. On Monday, when the team is scheduled for an 11 a.m. start, the River Bandits will open the doors of Modern Woodmen Park at 9:30 a.m., and admission is free for all in attendance.

"The Quad Cities community goes through so much to 'Beat the Flood' and the outstanding work by the City of Davenport is the reason the River Bandits can still play baseball at Modern Woodmen Park, so we want to show our appreciation by treating everyone to a free game," said team owner Dave Heller. "As an organization deeply committed to this community, the River Bandits' 'Beat the Flood Day' recognizes and rewards the people of the Quad Cities for their courageous efforts and their unsinkable spirit."

Modern Woodmen Park is flood-protected by walls put in place by the City of Davenport. Fans should check www.riverbandits.com for updates about accessing the ballpark. Parking is available in the Florian Keen parking lot north of the ballpark, which is accessible via Western Avenue.

"With the flood protection of Modern Woodmen Park, the Quad Cities community has ensured baseball will continue, and we are so grateful to be able to play," said River Bandits General Manager Harold Craw. "With 'Beat the Flood Day' on Monday, the River Bandits will share baseball for free with the community that has made it possible."

The River Bandits are scheduled for 7 p.m. home games Thursday, April 25, through Saturday, April 27, and Tuesday, April 30. Sunday's game has a 2 p.m. start time, and Monday's is at 11 a.m. Gates will open 90 minutes before first pitch each day. Further information is available by calling 563-324-3000 or at www.riverbandits.com.

UP NEXT: The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park for a six-game home stand beginning Thursday, April 25, with Manti Te'o Night and a Thirst-Day with $2 drink specials presented by Rock 104-9, the Quad Cities' CW, and the River Cities' Reader. 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 began the season with a great start, and they sit in second place in the Midwest League's Western Division. Meanwhile, the team's 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 the ballpark, along with a new dual zip line, a carousel, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans will see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. The Astros will also make the very first selection in the major league draft on June 6 and could have another top pick end up in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, this season will be one every fan will not want to miss!

*****

Quad Cities scores five runs to break 2-2, 11th-inning tie and win second straight at Wisconsin

GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (APRIL 22, 2013) - With the bases empty and two outs in the top of the 11th inning, the Quad Cities River Bandits drew three straight walks, left fielder Jordan Scott hit a bases-loaded single to break a 2-2 tie with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, and center fielder Teoscar Hernandez followed with a three-run triple to lift the visitors to a 7-2 victory Monday night at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

Solid defense and pitching dominated the first 10 innings of play between Quad Cities (11-5) and Wisconsin (5-9). River Bandits right-hander Daniel Minor turned in his best outing of the season, allowing one hit and one earned run in five innings. He allowed a leadoff single in the first inning by center fielder Tyrone Taylor, who stole second base, reached third on a fly ball and scored on a groundout by right fielder Mitch Haniger for a 1-0 Timber Rattlers lead. Minor allowed just two walks after that and finished with two strikeouts.

The River Bandits tied the game in the fourth inning, as shortstop Carlos Correa and second baseman Austin Elkins hit consecutive singles. Correa was thrown out trying to score on a ground ball by first baseman Jesse Wierzbicki, but third baseman Rio Ruiz brought home Elkins with a single to left field, tying the game 1-1 against left-hander Brent Suter.

Quad Cities took its first lead in the sixth inning, when Elkins reached on an infield single, went to second on a wild pitch and third on a groundout. Designated hitter Terrell Joyce then hit a roller back to Suter, who flipped to catcher Clint Coulter, but Coulter dropped the throw as Elkins slid home safely. Coulter was called for interfering with Joyce, who reached first base without a throw. The interference was nullified since Quad Cities took the resulting play in live action.

Right-hander Lance McCullers started the sixth inning with a 2-1 lead, but he walked Taylor and allowed a two-out, game-tying double by left fielder Victor Roache. McCullers also ran into trouble in the eighth, loading the bases with a double by shortstop Orlando Arcia and two walks with one out. But he induced a ground-ball double play off the bat of first baseman Adam Giacalone to keep the 2-2 tie. McCullers finished four innings, allowing three hits and one earned run while walking three and striking out five.

Wisconsin threatened in the 10th inning against right-hander John Neely (1-1), as Taylor singled and reached second on a groundout. Haniger then bounced a ball to the grass in shallow center field that Correa fielded, and when Taylor headed for the plate, Correa fired a one-hop throw to catcher Jobduan Morales, who put down an inning-ending and game-saving tag on Taylor. Neely worked around two singles in the 11th inning to finish out the victory - the fourth in extra innings for Quad Cities this season.

With the River Bandits victories Sunday and Monday, The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Tuesday, April 23. 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 Tuesday, April 23. Quad Cities plays the series finale and six-game road trip finale at Wisconsin at 12:05 p.m. Wednesday. Right-hander Mike Hauschild (1-0) and left-hander Colton Cain (0-0) are scheduled to face Wisconsin right-hander Ryan Gibbard (0-0).

UP NEXT: The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park for a six-game home stand beginning Thursday, April 25, with Manti Te'o Night and a Thirst-Day with $2 drink specials presented by Rock 104-9, the Quad Cities' CW, and the River Cities' Reader. 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.