14 Apr 2014

RIVER BANDITS, LOONS SPLIT DOUBLEHEADER

By Marco LaNave
Quad Cities tags Great Lakes, 11-0, in Game 1, before home team walks off, 5-4, in nine-inning Game 2

MIDLAND, Mich. (April 13, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits posted their largest shutout win in six seasons with an 11-0, seven-inning triumph over the Great Lakes Loons in Game 1 of a doubleheader Sunday afternoon, but Loons catcher Kyle Farmer delivered a ninth-inning, walk-off single for a 5-4 Loons win in Game 2 and split at Dow Diamond.

In the first game, Quad Cities right-hander Andrew Thurman (1-1) tossed five shutout innings while scattering four hits and striking out five batters. In one stretch, he retired 10 consecutive batters between allowing two singles in the first inning and two more in the fifth.

The River Bandits (5-5) began their Game 1 rout in the second inning against Loons right-hander Luis Chirinos (1-1). First baseman Conrad Gregor hit a leadoff single, third baseman Tyler White walked, and catcher Brian Holberton hit an RBI single down the first-base line. Designated hitter Tanner Mathis chopped an infield RBI single to shortstop and later scored on a wild pickoff by Chirinos.

The visitors' 3-0 lead stood until the fourth inning. Singles by second baseman Chan-Jong Moon and center fielder Brett Phillips around an error by Loons second baseman Brandon Trinkwon loaded the bases before shortstop Jack Mayfield hit a sacrifice fly. Gregor added a two-run double, and White's RBI double made it 7-0. In the sixth, Ramsay hit a sacrifice fly off right-hander Francisco Villa to make it 8-0.

In the seventh, Mathis and left fielder Jon Kemmer hit consecutive two-out doubles, Moon singled for his third hit, and Ramsay and Phillips each hit RBI singles for an 11-0 margin. Eight players combined for 14 hits, with Moon's three hits a game high. Right-hander Tyler Brunnemann pitched two shutout innings to complete Quad Cities' largest shutout win since an 18-0 win over Dayton Aug. 1, 2008.

In Game 2, Great Lakes (5-5) took a second-inning lead against left-hander Chris Lee. Designated hitter Joey Curletta doubled and scored on second baseman Jesmuel Valentin's two-out RBI double. But Phillips hit a third-inning, three-run triple for a 3-1 Quad Cities lead.

The Loons tied the game in the third after a walk, hit batter and error by Elkins at second preceded Curletta's two-run single to right field. In the fifth, the Loons retook the lead when left fielder Jacob Scavuzzo hit a one-out single, moved to third base on a single by Farmer, and scored when Morales missed catching a third strike on first baseman Paul Hoenecke.

In the next half-inning, however, Quad Cities tied the game after White hit a leadoff double, and Gregor lined a two-out RBI single. But after Gregor's Game 2-tying single, the Loons kept Quad Cities from moving a runner past first base.

Quad Cities right-hander Zach Morton stranded the go-ahead run in the sixth and seventh innings while completing 3 1/3 scoreless innings. Right-hander Patrick Christensen started the ninth and allowed a one-out walk to center fielder Malcolm Holland. Scavuzzo hit a chopper that Elkins failed to field at third base, and with runners at first and third, Farmer hit an 0-2 pitch past the drawn-in infield for the win.

The River Bandits open a six-game homestand against Eastern Division opponents Monday at 7 p.m. against the West Michigan Whitecaps. River Bandits left-hander Kent Emanuel (0-0) is scheduled to face Whitecaps right-hander Jeff Thompson (0-0).

UP NEXT: The River Bandits open a six-game homestand with Markdown Monday presented by 97X for the 7 p.m. game April 14 against the West Michigan Whitecaps. Fans can purchase $2 bleacher and berm tickets, as well as $2 beer, soda, hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn and nachos. Tickets are available online at www.riverbandits.com. 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.

*****

14 Apr 2014

BANDITS RACE TO HOME 5K DOUBLES PARTICIPANTS, RAISES OVER $13K FOR BANDIT SCHOLARS PROGRAM

By Marco LaNave
More than 600 participants get unique experience of finishing at home plate inside Modern Woodmen Park

DAVENPORT, Iowa (April 12, 2014) - More than 600 runners and walkers competed in the second annual Bandits Race to Home 5K and Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics and finishing inside Modern Woodmen Park on Saturday morning, helping raise more than $13,000 toward the Bandit Scholars Program.

Participation doubled from the inaugural race of 2013, and funds raised increased by 160% for the 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.

"We want to thank the people of the Quad Cities for embracing the annual Bandits Race to Home 5K with outstanding participation and support of the Bandit Scholars Program," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "All of the participants, volunteers, staff and spectators made this year's Bandits Race to Home 5K a memorable and unique community event to celebrate the Quad Cities and the start of another fun-filled season at Modern Woodmen Park!"

The fastest male and female finishers in each of the 10 age groups - 19 & under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59 and 60-plus - were awarded trophies courtesy of Crown Trophy, while the second and third place finishers received medals. Additionally, the top three male and female runners were awarded with trophies.

14 Apr 2014

BANDITS POUND 16 HITS IN 6-4 ROAD WIN OVER LOONS

By Marco LaNave
Jack Mayfield hits Quad Cities' first home run, Gonzalo Sanudo works three shutout innings for win

MIDLAND, Mich. (April 11, 2014) - Shortstop Jack Mayfield came within a triple of the cycle as one of six Quad Cities River Bandits with multi-hit games, and every other player in the lineup had at least one of the team's season-high 16 hits in a 6-4 road victory over the Great Lakes Loons at Dow Diamond Friday night.

For the third time in the first four games of their road trip, the River Bandits (4-4) scored in the first inning. Mayfield hit a two-out double over left fielder Jacob Scavuzzo, and first baseman Conrad Gregor lined an RBI single to left field off right-hander James Campbell (0-1).

River Bandits right-hander Adrian Houser kept the Loons (4-4) to two walks the first time through the batting order, but center fielder Malcolm Holland hit a third-inning, one-out triple to right-center field and scored the tying run on a wild pitch. Houser allowed a walk to Scavuzzo and single by catcher Kyle Farmer before setting down the next five batters to close his four-inning start. Houser allowed one earned run on two hits and three walks with three strikeouts.

Quad Cities broke the 1-1 tie in the top of the fourth inning against Campbell. Designated hitter Chase McDonald doubled down the left-field line and went to third on a groundout by left fielder Tanner Mathis. Third baseman Austin "Catfish" Elkins then lined a go-ahead double along the left-field line to score McDonald. Catcher Jobduan Morales then lined a single to score Elkins for a 3-1 lead.

Mayfield led off the fifth against Campbell with the first home run of the season for Quad Cities, which was the only Midwest League team without one entering Friday. Campbell completed five innings, allowing four earned runs on eight hits and three walks with two strikeouts.

Loons right-hander James Baune began the sixth inning and allowed consecutive one-out triples by River Bandits second baseman Chan-Jong Moon and center fielder James Ramsay. Right fielder Brett Phillips hit an RBI single to center field for a 6-1 lead. Baune received help from Phillips being caught stealing but allowed eight hits and two earned runs in three innings of work.

After Houser, Quad Cities right-hander Gonzalo Sanudo (2-0) began the fifth inning as part of the starting tandem. Sanudo retired six of the first seven batters he faced, including three on strikeouts. In the seventh inning, however, Sanudo walked designated hitter Alex Santana, allowed a one-out double to shortstop Dillon Moyer, and issued a two-out walk to Scavuzzo. With the bases loaded, he got Farmer to hit into a fielder's choice. Sanudo finished three shutout innings, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out three.

Trailing 6-1, the Loons started the bottom of the ninth inning with five straight hits off left-hander Chris Cotton, who had pitched a perfect eighth inning. With a 6-4 lead, no outs and runners at first and second bases, right-hander Andrew Walter entered. Farmer flied out to left field, and third baseman Paul Hoenecke walked to load the bases. But Walter earned his second save by getting right fielder Joey Curletta to ground into a game-ending, 6-4-3 double play.

Quad Cities will continue the series against Great Lakes at 5:05 p.m. Central Saturday. River Bandits right-hander Andrew Thurman (0-1) is scheduled to face Loons right-hander Luis Chirinos (1-0).

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.

*****

11 Apr 2014

BANDITS STEAL FINALE WITH LATE RALLY IN LANSING

By Marco LaNave
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.

*****
11 Apr 2014

BANDITS FANS CAN PUT NAMES ON JERSEYS FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

By Marco LaNave
Deadline April 23 to submit signatures; pink jersey auction proceeds will go to Genesis Center for Breast Health

DAVENPORT, Iowa (April 10, 2014) - Quad Cities River Bandits fans were the first in the country to be able to purchase photos on the back of player jerseys for professional sports jersey auction for charity, and this season they will have another unique opportunity to support a cause while honoring loved ones. Through April 23, fans can purchase space for a signature or name to appear on pink jerseys the team will wear for its first-ever pink jersey auction on Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Genesis Health Systems and the Quad-City Times on Friday, June 13.

"The entire region has made River Bandits jersey auctions hugely successful events to benefit Quad Cities-area charities, and this summer's Breast Cancer Awareness Night and jersey auction is another fantastic opportunity for Quad Citians to make a big impact right here in our community," said team owner Dave Heller. "With the support of our great fans, the pink jerseys will be a memorable tribute to all the women and their families who have bravely battled breast cancer, as well as a strong sign of unwavering support for those who continue to battle breast cancer."

Fans can purchase space for the signature or name of a loved one who is battling or has battled breast cancer. The signatures and names will be placed on the River Bandits players' pink jerseys that will be worn Friday, June 13, for Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Genesis Health Systems and the Quad-City Times. After the game, the jerseys will be auctioned off, with all the proceeds benefitting the Genesis Center for Breast Health. Each signature or name space is available for purchase at $25 each, with every single dollar raised going to the Genesis Center for Breast Health. More information is available by calling Alexandria Sheffler at (563) 333-2741. The deadline to purchase the signature spaces is April 23.

"We are grateful to the Quad Cities community that makes all of these local charity events possible, and we are thrilled to partner with Genesis Health Systems and the Quad-City Times for Breast Cancer Awareness Night," said General Manager Andrew Chesser. "The pink jersey auction will benefit a great cause and raise awareness for women and their families whom we are humbled to support with this night at Modern Woodmen Park."

This year will also mark the fourth annual Camo Jersey Auction presented by the Iowa Army National Guard on May 24, as well as the third annual photo jersey auction Friday, Aug. 8, on Autism Awareness Night presented by KWQC and the Quad Cities Autism Center. The River Bandits were the first U.S. professional sports team to auction photo jerseys for local cancer charities in 2012, and the 2013 Autism Awareness Photo Jersey Auction earned a Golden Bobblehead Award from Minor League Baseball for the Best Charity Promotion in the nation.

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.

*****

11 Apr 2014

LUGNUTS OVERTAKE RIVER BANDITS AGAIN, 6-4

By Marco LaNave

Tyler White drives in all four Quad Cities runs, but team leaves 12 runners on in second straight loss

LANSING, Mich. (April 9, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits took a 2-0, first-inning lead, but the host Lansing Lugnuts answered with five runs over the first three innings and held on for a 6-4 victory and second straight win over the visitors at Cooley Law School Stadium Wednesday night.

Lugnuts right-hander Alberto Tirado retired the first two batters of the game before River Bandits shortstop Jack Mayfield singled to center field. Designated hitter Conrad Gregor drew a walk, and third baseman Tyler White grounded a double down the third-base line that scored Mayfield and Gregor for a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the first inning, River Bandits right-hander Jandel Gustave (1-1) allowed a leadoff single by second baseman Dickie Joe Thon and hit right fielder Carlos Ramirez with one out. Third baseman Mitch Nay drove a double to right-center field to score two runs and tie the game. After Gustave struck out two batters to end the first, he ran into more trouble with two outs in the second. Lugnuts left fielder Derrick Loveless reached on a bunt single and went to second on a wild pitch. Thon hit a single to right field that gave Lansing a 3-2 lead, and center fielder D.J. Davis doubled to center field to bring in Thon and make it 4-2. In the third inning, Nay hit a leadoff single and scored when catcher Jorge Saez hit an RBI double to right-center field for a 5-2 Lugnuts lead. Gustave departed after 2 2/3 innings, allowing five earned runs on seven hits with four strikeouts.

Lansing (3-3) removed Tirado after the first inning and put in left-hander Griffin Murphy (1-0), who struck out five of the first six batters he faced. Murphy allowed only a one-out single in the fourth inning while tossing three shutout innings.

After Murphy, Lugnuts left-hander Jairo Labourt started the fifth inning and allowed a walk to right fielder Brett Phillips and single by Mayfield. With two outs, White flied a double into right-center field to score two runs and cut the deficit to 5-4. White's pair of two-run doubles accounted for all the runs for Quad Cities (2-4). Labourt worked around two walks in the sixth and a walk and hit batter in the seventh to complete three innings, allowing two earned runs on two hits and four walks while striking out four batters.

The River Bandits used right-hander Zach Morton for 1 1/3 innings, in which he recorded all four outs on strikeouts, before turning to left-hander Kent Emanuel as the second half of the starting tandem. Emanuel started the fifth inning and allowed a one-out double by Lugnuts shortstop Dawel Lugo and RBI single by designated hitter Matt Dean for a 6-4 deficit. Emanuel then retired 10 of the final 11 batters he faced to complete four innings, in which he allowed one earned run on three hits with three strikeouts. Quad Cities pitchers struck out 11 batters without walking any.

The River Bandits left 12 runners on base, including runners at first and second base in the seventh against Labourt, and the bases loaded in the eighth against left-hander Scott Silverstein, who pitched the final two scoreless innings for his first save.
09 Apr 2014

BANDITS RACE TO HOME 5K PRESENTED BY PALMER CHIROPRACTIC CLINICS IS SATURDAY

By Marco LaNave

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.

*****

09 Apr 2014

LUGNUTS GET WALK-OFF WIN OVER BANDITS, 5-4

By Marco LaNave
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.

*****

07 Apr 2014

BANDITS OUTRUN COUGARS, 7-3, TO SPLIT SERIES

By Marco LaNave
Quad Cities steals six bases for first time since 2008; bullpen works 5 2/3 shutout innings

DAVENPORT, Iowa (April 6, 2014) - Quad Cities River Bandits second baseman Austin "Catfish" Elkins hit a game-tying double and scored the go-ahead run on center fielder Brett Phillips two-run single in a five-run sixth inning that lifted the home team to a 7-3 victory and opening series split against the Kane County Cougars in front of 1,929 at Modern Woodmen Park Sunday afternoon.

Quad Cities (2-2) beat Kane County (2-2) to the scoreboard for the first time in the series. In the first inning, right fielder James Ramsay drew a leadoff walk and stole second base against right-hander Juan Paniagua. Shortstop Jack Mayfield drew a walk, and a wild pitch moved Ramsay and Mayfield to third and second base, respectively. Catcher Brian Holberton lined a two-out single to left-center field that scored both runners for a 2-0 lead. Paniagua kept Quad Cities off the scoreboard for the rest of his four-inning outing.

River Bandits right-hander Adrian Houser struck out four batters three shutout innings before trouble in the top of the fourth. Right fielder Yasiel Balaguert hit a one-out single, and Houser walked first baseman Jacob Rogers and designated hitter Danny Canela to load the bases. Left fielder Trey Martin plated one run with a bloop single to center field. Houser forced in the tying run with his third walk of the inning to third baseman David Bote. Right-hander Patrick Christensen entered to strike out shortstop Carlos Penalver before walking center fielder Jake Hannemann to force in the go-ahead run.

Christensen recovered for 1 2/3 scoreless innings, and right-hander Gonzalo Sanudo (1-0) started the sixth inning as part of the Quad Cities tandem. Sanudo worked around lone singles in the sixth and seventh to post three scoreless innings and two strikeouts.

The Cougars held the 3-2 lead through right-hander James Pugliese's two shutout innings, but right-hander Scott Frazier (0-1) stumbled in the bottom of the seventh inning. River Bandits left fielder Tanner Mathis drew a one-out walk and stole second base, before Elkins ripped a double to right-center field that scored Mathis for the tying run. Frazier then hit Ramsay with a pitch and threw a wild pitch with Phillips at bat to move Elkins and Ramsay to third and second bases, respectively. Phillips then bounced a grounder past Rogers at first base for a two-run single and 5-3 lead. Mayfield walked to force Frazier from the game, and left-hander Nathan Dorris entered. With runners at first and second, first baseman Conrad Gregor tapped a ground ball toward Bote at third base, and Bote's off-balance throw skipped past Rogers to score Phillips and Mayfield, extending the lead to 7-3. All five runs - three earned - were charged to Frazier over one-third of an inning.

After Sanudo's perfect eighth inning, right-hander Zach Morton worked around a single for a scoreless ninth inning. He completed 5 2/3 innings scoreless innings by the bullpen, which did not allow an earned run in its final 15 2/3 innings of the series.

Ramsay stole three bases, Mathis stole two, and Phillips stole one to give the River Bandits six stolen bases in a game for the first time since the June 26, 2008 - also at home against Kane County. On that date, Charles Kingrey stole three bases, and Domnit Bolivar, Oliver Marmol, and Thomas Pham each stole one in a 6-4 victory. Quad Cities is perfect in 16 steal attempts through four games this season.

After taking Monday off, the River Bandits will play their first inter-divisional and road game at 6:05 p.m. Central on Tuesday in Lansing, Mich. River Bandits left-hander Chris Lee is scheduled to face Lugnuts right-hander Tom Robson at Cooley Law School Stadium.

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.

*****

07 Apr 2014

BANDITS, COUGARS SPLIT TIGHT DOUBLEHEADER

By Marco LaNave
Quad Cities rallies for walk-off win in Game 1, but fails to find clutch hit while dropping 10-inning Game 2

DAVENPORT, Iowa (April 5, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits rallied for a dramatic 2-1, walk-off win in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader, but the Kane County Cougars turned aside similar threats in Game 2 for a 5-4, 10-inning triumph that split the twin bill in front of 1,587 at Modern Woodmen Park.

In Game 1, the Cougars (2-1) rode a stellar outing by right-hander Tyler Skulina to within three outs of a win. Skulina gave up two hits and a walk to face two batters over the minimum in six shutout innings. Kane County put Skulina in line for a win by notching a fourth-inning run against River Bandits left-hander Kent Emanuel. Cougars first baseman Jacob Rogers lined a two-out RBI single to left-center field that scored second baseman Daniel Lockhart, who had reached when third baseman Tyler White dropped an infield popup.

With a 1-0 lead, Cougars right-hander Zack Godley (0-1) began the seventh inning. Quad Cities shortstop Jack Mayfield led off with a hit off the top of the left-field wall that placed him at second base after the umpires conferred to overturn an initial home run call. But catcher Ben Carhart allowed a passed ball, and Godley's one-out wild pitch brought in Mayfield for the tie. First baseman Chase McDonald drew a walk and yielded to pinch runner Chan-Jong Moon. Catcher Brian Holberton followed with walk, and right-hander Tyler Bremer came in to throw a wild pitch that moved the runners ahead. White grounded a single past Cougars third baseman David Bote for the game-winner. River Bandits right-hander Jandel Gustave (1-0) pitched three hitless innings to earn the win in Game 1.

In Game 2, Cougars center fielder Jake Hannemann smacked a leadoff home run against right-hander Michael Feliz, who also allowed a leadoff home run in the second inning to Cougars designated hitter Danny Canela. Feliz allowed three hits and two earned runs while walking one and striking out four in a three-inning Midwest League debut.

Quad Cities (1-2) managed only one run in the first five innings against Cougars right-hander Daury Torrez. Center fielder James Ramsay hit a third-inning sacrifice fly to make it 2-1, but the Cougars added right fielder Yasiel's Balaguert's two-run single against left-hander Evan Grills in the fifth for a 4-1 lead.

The River Bandits rallied in the sixth inning against the Cougars bullpen. Left-hander Gerardo Concepcion allowed singles to right fielder Jon Kemmer and third baseman Austin Elkins, and then walked two batters around a run-scoring balk. With a 4-2 lead, right-hander Jose Arias entered a bases-loaded jam and allowed two-run, game-tying single by Mayfield.

The score remained 4-4 thanks to Arias and right-hander Justin Amlung (1-0) wiggling out of bases-loaded jams in the seventh and eighth innings, respectively. The River Bandits left 15 runners on base in Game 2, and they left the winning run in scoring position in the seventh, eighth and ninth. But the Cougars broke through when a 10th-inning error on first baseman Conrad Gregor allowed Hannemann to reach after a strikeout and later score on first baseman Jacob Rogers' two-out RBI single off left-hander Chris Cotton (0-1).

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