15
Apr
2016
Three-run eighth inning gives Quad Cities the rubber match over Peoria
PEORIA, Ill. -- The Quad Cities River Bandits scored three runs thanks to three straight two-out hits in the eighth inning Wednesday night, rallying back for a 5-3 win over the Peoria Chiefs in the rubber match at Dozer Park. Pat Porter had the game-winning triple in the eighth and would score on an error during the play. The Bandits have now won two straight contests after going winless in their first five games of the season.
Trailing by a run in the eighth, the first two River Bandits (2-5) batters were retired before Kyle Tucker and Anthony Hermelyn recorded singles. Then Porter blasted a triple off the right field wall, scoring both of them. The relay throw to the plate sailed up the line and Porter took the final 90 feet for an insurance run.
The River Bandits had scored first in each of the first two games of the series, but it was the Chiefs (3-3) who struck first Wednesday night. Back-to-back walks started off the top of the first, but Quad Cities couldn't take advantage. Then, in the home half, the first two hitters were retired before Magneuris Sierra reached on an infield single, took second on a balk and scored on a single by R.J. Dennard.Quad Cities got the equalizer in the third inning. Aaron Mizell and Osvaldo Duarte singled to lead off the inning before a wild pitch caromed to the third base dugout and Mizell took advantage; coming all the way from second with the tying run.
Meanwhile, Rogelio Armenteros had settled down on the mound for Quad Cities, not allowing a hit after the first inning. The starting pitcher didn't issue a walk and struck out six Chiefs. His final strikeout should have ended the sixth inning, but the ball squirted far enough away from Hermelyn for Sierra to reach first.
Pitch count forced Armenteros from the game after that and Ralph Garza took over on the mound. Sierra stole second during the next at bat and Dennard knocked him home again to put the Chiefs back in front.
Pitch count forced Armenteros from the game after that and Ralph Garza took over on the mound. Sierra stole second during the next at bat and Dennard knocked him home again to put the Chiefs back in front.
The River Bandits had the answer the very next inning. Porter was hit by a pitch to lead off the top of the seventh and two straight groundouts advanced him to third. Another wild pitch allowed Porter to trot home with the equalizer.
The see-saw continued in the home seventh. Jose Godoy singled to start the frame then got to second on a wild pitch before back-to-back groundouts brought him around to score. Craig Aikin got credit for the RBI for his groundout that scored Godoy.
The final tilt went to Quad Cities with the three-run eighth inning. Garza (1-1) got the win while Andrew Thome picked up a five-out save; retiring all five batters he faced. Tyler Bray (0-1) took the loss after serving up the triple. The Chiefs bullpen couldn't keep the torrid pace of starter Derian Gonzalez, who matched a career-high ten strikeouts in five innings.
The Bandits look for a third straight win on Thursday, when they return home to face the Kane County Cougars at Modern Woodmen Park. The first Thirst-Day Thursday of the season brings $2 drink specials, presented by 104.9 The Hawk and River Cities' Readers. It's also City of Davenport night at the ballpark. First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m. CT, with gates opening an hour prior to first pitch. The game will also be available on MiLB.TV and audio on K-BOB 1170 AM in the Quad Cities and online at riverbandits.com or on the TuneIn app. Jake Levy and Lance Ragland will have the call, beginning with the Lloyd Agencies Pregame Show at 6:15 p.m.
