FIRST VISIT TO SOUTH BEND SINCE 2011 KICKS OFF SIX-GAME EASTERN DIVISION TRIP: After taking two
of three games each from the Lansing Lugnuts and Great Lakes Loons at Modern Woodmen Park, the River Bandits head to South Bend for the first of a pair of series at Eastern Division ballparks. The Silver Hawks, the Class-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks since the major league franchise debuted in 1998, took two of three games in Davenport last season by sweeping a doubleheader May 1. Quad Cities lost two of three games in South Bend in 2011 and two of three in Davenport in 2010. The River Bandits last won a series in South Bend July 9-11, 2008 - also the last year Quad Cities won the season series, taking two of three at each team's ballpark.

BANDITS POUND LOONS TO TAKE SERIES: The River Bandits took the final two games of a three-game home series against the Great Lakes Loons to finish a 4-2 home stand. On Sunday, every Great Lakes Loons batter contributed at least one of the team's 18 hits in a 10-6 victory despite the first triple play by the Quad Cities franchise since 2007. On Monday, River Bandits left-hander Brian Holmes set a career high and a season high for a River Bandit with 10 strikeouts in five innings, and right-hander Jordan Jankowski struck out four more in four shutout innings of a 6-1 home win. The 14 strikeouts set a Quad Cities single-game season high. In the Tuesday rubber match, the River Bandits scored a season-high 17 runs, and catcher Jobduan Morales hit the team's first grand slam of the season as part of a team-high five RBIs in a 17-6 win.
LOONS BATTER BANDITS IN OPENER: Every Great Lakes Loons batter contributed at least one of the team's 18 hits in a 10-6 victory Sunday afternoon. Quad Cities left-hander Colton Cain allowed six straight hits to start the fourth inning and allowed the first four Loons runs. After the River Bandits closed within 4-3, the Loons scored three times in the eighth and three in the ninth to extend the lead to 10-3. Quad Cities scored three times in the ninth to fall 10-6. Every starter on each team had a hit, with the exception of River Bandits shortstop Carlos Correa, who reached on two hit-by-pitches and scored twice.

TRIPLE PLAY NOTES: The River Bandits turned their first triple play in six seasons in the second inning Sunday against Great Lakes. With no outs and runners at first and second base, Dashenko Ricardo hit a ground ball to third baseman Rio Ruiz, who stepped on third base, threw to second baseman Austin Elkins for a force out, and Elkins' relay to first baseman Miles Hamblin completed the 14th triple play in franchise history and first since June 16, 2007, when Quad Cities also turned a 5-4-3 triple play on a ground ball by Beloit's Danny Valencia, just 16 days after the Swing of the Quad Cities turned a triple play on a line drive against Clinton. The 14 triple plays are the most all-time in the Midwest League.
Hy-Vee Road Races offers $120,000 prize money and Luke looks to the future.

Des Moines - April 29, 2013

Learn more about the team, visit the web site Runablaze.com that includes the resume of the team athletes and past running highlights.  1300 of the best Iowa runners, race directors, coaches, volunteers & fans receive this e-mail.
____________________________________

Runablaze Iowa is sponsored by:

Iowa's best running specialty stores:
Fitness Sports - Des Moines
Runners Flat - Cedar Falls
Running Wild - Cedar Rapids, Coraville, Iowa City & West Burlington

Iowa's on-line registration leader:
GetMeRegistered.com - Bettendorf

Iowa's best races:
Red Flannel, Loop the Lake, Market to Market, Hy Vee road races, Dam to Dam, Marathon to Marathon, Clive Running Festival, Sturgis Falls, Fifth Season, Midnight Madness, Park to Park, Capital Pursuit, IMT Des Moines Marathon and Living History Farms.
____________________________________

And now for the "News" . . .
Phil Young was 2nd at the River Run 5K (Iowa City, Apr. 28) in 16:15.

Mason Frank was 9th at the Hy-Vee 6K in 19:27 (Des Moines, Apr. 28) in 19:27 (5:13 pace).  Ellen Ries was 21:56 (5:53) and Casey Owens 24:07 (6:29).  The 6K distance is rarely run (ever?) except for college women XC - so pace is included.  Randy Bill ran the Half-Marathon in 1:10:22.

Mason relates on his week at Drake.  I ran in the Grand Blue Mile - - I haven't done a speed workout for over three months now and have been pretty beat up from the Boston Marathon still.  I went out in a 2:11 and felt good but I guess the second half didn't go as well as I thought it did.  I ran in the Hyvee Road Races 6K - - I felt good through 3K then had a rough 4K and 5K but my 6th K was solid and finishing on the track was fun!
Fact checkers abound, the Blue Mile was warmer than the reported, "unseasonable 35 degree, cloudy and windy weather", apparently it was closer to a balmy 40.  The Relays weekend easily had the best weather of 2013, beautiful.
Hy-Vee Road Races gave out the largest checks in Iowa running history.  6K prize purse was $10,000 ($2,000 first), 10K had $30,000 ($5,000 first) and Half-Marathon had $70,000 open ($12,000 first) and $10,000 master ($2,000 first).  Wow, that's a lot of dough!
- - - - - - - - 

Luke Demmel juggles, plans and takes to the hills . . .
As far as my future goals - I am finishing up my last semester at ISU (Iowa State University). I will graduate with a Major in Construction Engineering and a Minor in Spanish. I am currently deciding where I want to go after college. I've found it very difficult to make such a huge decision at this point in my life. 2013 will definitely be a new experience for me.
I plan to running the Green Bay Half-Marathon on May 19th.  I want to improve my half marathon time at Green Bay.  I'm currently taking some time off after my last marathon, but I'm anxious to start back up again. As far as the future goes, I want to improve my road racing times and reach some goals I have set for myself.
Trail and Mountain running have had a huge impact on me and I want to pursue the goals I have for myself regarding off-road racing. Trail and Road racing are completely different beasts, so the decision I make after graduation will definitely have an impact on what I decide to chase. Beyond the summer, I plan to find a marathon in the fall and have another go at breaking into the 2:20's for the marathon. I have a lot of ideas and plans for my running future. But I know I have a ways to go before I can begin to talk about them.
Other top Runablaze Iowa athletes will be featured in this series in upcoming e-mails.

********************

About Runablaze Iowa
Runablaze Iowa athletes are based throughout Iowa.  Formed in 2006, the purpose of the team is to improve post-collegiate Iowa distance running. Major Iowa running specialty stores, Iowa races and Iowa runners at those races support Runablaze Iowa.

Contact:
Cal Murdock - Team Manager
515-274-5379
calmurdock@earthlink.net

BANDITS HOST THE LOONS FOR FIRST TIME IN TWO SEASONS: In their second series against an Eastern Division opponent, the River Bandits host the Great Lakes Loons at Modern Woodmen Park for the first time since 2011, when Quad Cities, as the Class-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals took two of three games June 10-12 against the Los Angeles Dodgers Calass-A affiliate. Great Lakes won two of three games as hosts of Quad Cities last season.

BANDITS TAKE TIGHT SERIES OVER LUGNUTS: The River Bandits won their first series against an Eastern Division team this season by winning the final two games against the Lansing Lugnuts.

In Thursday's opener, left-hander Brian Holmes allowed a go-ahead home run to Chris Hawkins to break a 1-1, seventh-inning tie, and he and right-hander Michael Dimock allowed four runs in the eighth inning of a 6-2 loss.

On Friday, 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.

On Saturday, right-hander Lance McCullers allowed a single unearned run in five innings, right-hander Daniel Minor pitched three shutout innings with six strikeouts, as Quad Cities took a 3-2 finale. The River Bandits pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts to set a season high. Right-hander John Neely  allowed a run with a 3-1 lead and loaded the bases before getting the final out of a 3-2 victory and earning his third save.

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.

RIVER BANDITS HOST LUGNUTS IN 2011 CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH: The River Bandits are welcoming the Lansing Lugnuts, the Class-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, back to Modern Woodmen Park for the first time since Quad Cities completed a sweep of the Lugnuts in the best-of-five 2011 Midwest League Championship Series. Current St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Trevor Rosenthal pitched six innings to win the clinching game, which earned the Quad Cities franchise its fifth Midwest League title. In a three-game series at Lansing last season, the Lugnuts took two of three games.

EASTERN DIVISION MATCHUPS: Quad Cities is playing the first of eight three-game series against Eastern Division opponents. Four Eastern Division teams will host the River Bandtis, and the other four will visit Modern Woodmen Park. Last season the River Bandits, as the affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, lost two of three games to seven of eight Eastern Division teams, with the exception a two-out-of-three home series win over the Lake County Captains.

QUAD CITIES WINS SERIES OVER DEFENDING CHAMPIONS: With a powerful offensive attack Sunday and Monday nights, the River Bandits took the first two games of a series against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, who rallied to win the Tuesday matinee and avoid a three-game sweep at home. On Sunday, shortstop Carlos Correa blasted a solo home run as the second batter of the game and added a second homer in the eighth inning, and first baseman Jesse Wierzbicki added his second home run of the season in a 12-5 road rout. On Monday night, with the bases empty and two outs in the top of the 11th inning, the River Bandits drew three straight walks against right-hander Martin Viramontes, and left fielder Jordan Scott hit a bases-loaded RBI single to break a 2-2 tie. Center fielder Teoscar Hernandez followed with a three-run triple to lift the visitors to a 7-2 victory. On Tuesday, Wisconsin scored five runs in the sixth inning and three in the eighth to break a 1-1 tie and win a 9-1 finale.

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

###
Kristy Harken wins Grand Blue Mile and Ellen takes on more training miles

Des Moines - April 25, 2013

Learn more about the team, visit the web site Runablaze.com that includes the resume of the team athletes and past running highlights.  1300 of the best Iowa runners, race directors, coaches, volunteers & fans receive this e-mail.
____________________________________

Runablaze Iowa is sponsored by:

Iowa's best running specialty stores:
Fitness Sports - Des Moines
Runners Flat - Cedar Falls
Running Wild - Cedar Rapids, Coraville, Iowa City & West Burlington

Iowa's on-line registration leader:
GetMeRegistered.com - Bettendorf

Iowa's best races:
Red Flannel, Loop the Lake, Market to Market, Hy Vee road races, Dam to Dam, Marathon to Marathon, Clive Running Festival, Sturgis Falls, Fifth Season, Midnight Madness, Park to Park, Capital Pursuit, IMT Des Moines Marathon and Living History Farms.
____________________________________

And now for the "News" . . .
Nathan Hopp was 2nd at the 1st Marion Rotary Marathon (Apr. 21) in 2:36:49.  Allie Jagielo was 2nd in the Half-Marathon in 1:31:51.  Allie explains, "Since I haven't raced since last June I was happy to establish a starting point as I get back to racing."  The course for the full and half was hilly and it was a windy day.

Kristy Harken easily won the competitive division of the Grand Blue Mile (Des Moines, Apr. 23) in 5:18.  She lead from start to finish.  Casey Owens ran 5:37 and master runner Christine Price 5:54.  In the men's competitive division Mason Frank was 4th in 4:35, Martin Popp ran 4:42 and Joe Aulwes 4:49.  The 4th running of the race endured unseasonable 35 degree, cloudy and windy weather.
David Sevcik won the NICRA Half-Marathon national championship (Apr. 6).  David Robertson was credited, who is the father of team mate Chris Robertson.
Boston Marathon is in the news!  Few remember 30 years ago when Greg Meyer led a 1-2-3-4 sweep for the Americans at the Boston Marathon with his 2:09:01.  Meyer was the last USA man to win there.  Ron Tabb, Benji Durden, and Ed Mendoza completed the USA top four with 2:09:32, 2:09:58, and 2:10:07 respectively.  Joan (Samuelson) Benoit ran away from the women's field with her 2:22:43.
At the London Marathon, after a moment of silence to honor Boston, the men flew through the 10K mark in 28:56, a 2:02 flat pace.  They slowed as 3 ran in the 2:06s.
- - - - - - - - 

Ellen Ries steps up her miles for longer races.
Currently I am training for the 1/2 marathon distance, preparing with longer workouts and shorter 5k and 10k races.  I give a lot of the credit to my coach, Antonio Vega, of Zoom Performance.  Without his guidance I would likely still be bouncing around, not able to make a decision about the future of my running career.  The transition to post collegiate running was often challenging, as the idea of significantly increasing my mileage was terrifying, given the fact high mileage usually ended up in injury in previous seasons.  
My mileage averages between 53-58 miles/week, about 10-15 miles higher than my average in college.  Usually I have a longer workout, either a tempo or longer intervals, and a track workout to focus on quick turnover.  My long run ranges from 15-17 miles, often with pick-ups or uptempo miles.  I am doing most of my training alone at this time, only because my race/training/life schedule does not match up with friends/training partner's schedules.  Hopefully this will change sometime soon.  Training is more fun when you have someone to suffer through hard workouts with :)
I have learned it is best for me to take one workout at a time.  If I start looking too far into my training schedule I psych myself out.  I take that "one at a time" mentality into each workout, as well.  If I focus on hitting the time of each interval or each mile of a tempo, it usually ends up being a more successful workout than if I think about the daunting thought of the workout as a whole.
As a dietitian, I would be remiss to leave out the importance of sports nutrition in my training.  I am in NO WAY perfect when it comes to making optimal nutritional choices, but I have learned that nutrient quality and timing play an important role in staying healthy and being able to perform my best.
Other top Runablaze Iowa athletes will be featured in this series in upcoming e-mails.

********************

About Runablaze Iowa
Runablaze Iowa athletes are based throughout Iowa.  Formed in 2006, the purpose of the team is to improve post-collegiate Iowa distance running. Major Iowa running specialty stores, Iowa races and Iowa runners at those races support Runablaze Iowa.

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!

*****

Wisconsin scores eight runs on 10 hits in sixth through eighth innings to avoid a sweep by Quad Cities

GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (APRIL 23, 2013) - The Quad Cities River Bandits kept a strong chance of sweeping the defending Midwest League Champion Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on the road with a 1-1 tie entering the bottom of the sixth inning Tuesday afternoon, but Wisconsin broke through for five runs in the sixth and went on to a 9-1 victory at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

River Bandits designated hitter Chase Davidson tied the game, 1-1, with a towering solo home run to center field in the sixth inning against right-hander Ryan Gibbard (1-0). The Timber Rattlers answered with three straight hits and a run against left-hander Colton Cain (0-1), who started the sixth inning as part of a scheduled tandem with right-hander Mike Hauschild. Designated hitter Mitch Haniger and left fielder Victor Roache each singled for Wisconsin, and second baseman Chris McFarland followed with a go-ahead double down the right-field line.

Trailing 2-1 with no one out, Cain walked first baseman Adam Giacalone to load the bases before striking out third baseman Alfredo Rodriguez and catcher Parker Berberet. But with a 2-2 count on right fielder Michael Reed, Cain's pitch was lined back up the middle for a two-run single to extend the Wisconsin lead to 4-1. Cain then left after allowing four hits in 2/3 of an inning, and right-hander Gera Sanchez came on to allow a two-run double by right fielder Jose Sermo that made it 6-1. All five runs were charged to Cain.

Wisconsin (5-9) scored three more times with two outs in the eighth inning against Sanchez. With two outs and the bases empty, Reed and Sermo singled, and shortstop Orlando Arcia lined an RBI single to center field, before Haniger drove a two-run double to the center-field wall to make it 9-1, the largest lead an opponent has held over the River Bandits (11-6) this season. Sanchez was charged with three runs on six hits in 2 1/3 innings while striking out four batters.

Gibbard held Quad Cities to four baserunners - three hits and one walk - in six innings, while walking one and striking out five. The River Bandits put two runners on in an inning for the first and only time in the eighth inning against right-hander Taylor Mangum, who struck out the side to escape the inning. Mangum worked three shutout innings out of the bullpen to earn his first save.

River Bandits right-hander Mike Hauschild worked the first five innings, striking out four, walking one and allowing five hits and a single unearned run. Wisconsin scored when Berberet led off the third inning with a double and scored when Reed's infield chopper went under the glove of shortstop Carlos Correa. The Timber Rattlers amassed eight runs on 10 hits against the Quad Cities bullpen.

Davidson's 2-for-4 day led Quad Cities' offense, while Sermo and Haniger each went 3-for-4 with two RBIs to pace the Timber Rattlers.

Quad Cities has its first scheduled off day Wednesday before opening a six-game home stand Thursday night at 7 p.m. against the Lansing Lugnuts, who visit Modern Woodmen Park for the first time since losing the clinching game of the River Bandits' 2011 Midwest League Championship. A tandem of right-hander Jordan Jankowski (0-0) and left-hander Brian Holmes (1-1) are scheduled to face Lansing right-hander Roberto Osuna (1-1). Fans should check www.riverbandits.com for updates on accessing the ballpark.

 

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!

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