22 Jul 2013

CAPTAINS' EARLY LEAD HOLDS IN WIN OVER BANDITS

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities gets home runs by Teoscar Hernandez and Luis Alvarez in series-opening loss

EASTLAKE, Ohio (JULY 20, 2013) - The Lake County Captains greeted Quad Cities River Bandits right-hander Chris Devenski with home runs by shortstop Dorssys Paulino and designated hitter Richard Stock in a four-run first inning, and the home team held on for a 5-3 victory at Classic Park Saturday night.

After a 1-2-3 top of the first inning by Captains left-hander Ryan Merritt (6-9), Paulino homered as the second Captains batter against Devenski (0-2) in the bottom half. With two outs, first baseman Joe Sever hit a double down the third-base line, and third baseman Erik Gonzalez followed with an RBI double to left-center field for a 2-0 lead. The next batter, designated hitter Richard Stock, drove a two-run home run to right field to make it 4-0.

The Captains (14-14 second half, 37-58 overall) added a run in the fourth inning on Sever's bases-loaded infield single. Sever led his team with three hits, while left fielder Gonzalez, Paulino and left fielder Todd Hankins each had two of the team's 11 hits. Devenski finished four innings, allowing five earned runs on nine hits and a walk, while matching a season high with seven strikeouts.

River Bandits right-hander Juri Perez started the fifth inning following Devenski and worked through four shutout innings to give the visitors a chance for a comeback. Perez worked around a walk and single in both the sixth and eighth innings but also had two strikeouts.

Merritt kept Quad Cities (15-12, 53-43) scoreless until the sixth inning, when center fielder Teoscar Hernandez lifted his team-high seventh home run of the season to right-center field. Left fielder Jordan Scott followed with a single down the left-field line, but Hankins quickly picked up the ball and threw out Scott when he tried to advance to second base.

River Bandits catcher Luis Alvarez closed the deficit to 5-2 against Merritt when he sent a drive to the left-field bleachers for his second home run in the Midwest League. Merritt finished seven innings, allowing six hits and one walk while striking out two batters.

Captains right-hander Grant Sides worked a perfect eighth inning but made the ninth interesting by issuing a leadoff walk to Scott and a one-out walk to first baseman Jesse Wierzbicki. Third baseman Rio Ruiz hit an RBI single to center field for a 5-3 deficit, before Alvarez struck out and right fielder Dan Gulbransen flied out to deep center field for the final out with the tying run at first base.

The River Bandits continue their series in Lake County with Game 2 at 6:00 p.m. Central Time Sunday. River Bandits left-hander Joe Bircher (1-0) will face Captains right-hander Luis Morel (2-1).

UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is a nominee for the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the 2013 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, and fans can vote once per day at 10Best.com until the winner is announced Aug. 14. The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park Tuesday, July 30. 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.

22 Jul 2013

BULLPEN, OFFENSE BOOST BANDITS IN SERIES FINALE

By Marco LaNave

Eight Bandits combine for 11 hits, while Minor and Jankowski combine for five scoreless innings

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (JULY 19, 2013) - In the first Minor League Baseball game featuring consecutive No. 1 overall picks on the field for the same team, the Quad Cities River Bandits bullpen followed 2013 top pick Mark Appel's four innings with five shutout frames, and 2012 top pick Carlos Correa hit a two-run home run in a 6-3 victory over the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Parkview Field Friday night.


In his second Midwest League start, Appel followed a one-out, first-inning single with consecutive strikeouts. In the second inning, he allowed a one-out single by left fielder Luis Domoromo. Two batters later, right fielder Corey Adamson drove a ball to right for a two-run home run - the first against Appel professionally - and a 2-0 TinCaps lead.

 

Quad Cities (15-11 second half, 53-42 overall) answered in the next inning against TinCaps right-hander Matthew Shepherd (4-2). Second baseman Austin Elkins drew a one-out walk, and Correa smashed a drive beyond the left-field fence for his sixth home run to tie the game, 2-2. Correa later added a double in his team-high 30th multi-hit game.

 

After Appel got three groundouts in a 1-2-3 third inning, Quad Cities took the lead in the top of the fourth inning. Right fielder Dan Gulbransen drove a leadoff double to right-center field and scored on designated hitter Bobby Borchering's RBI single through the middle for a 3-2 lead. Left fielder Jordan Scott then bounced a hit over first baseman Diego Goris that scored Borchering and put Scott on third base with an RBI triple. Scott scored on a sacrifice fly by center fielder Teoscar Hernandez for a 5-2 advantage. Shepherd was charged with five runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out three batters in 3 2/3 innings.

 

Fort Wayne (10-17, 53-43) answered with a home run in the bottom of the inning, as third baseman Gabriel Quintana extended his 15-game hitting streak with a solo shot to left field off Appel. But the right-hander struck out the next two batters to finish four innings with a 5-3 lead after allowing three earned runs on a four hits with four strikeouts.

 

Right-hander Daniel Minor (6-1) started the fifth inning for Quad Cities and only allowed three hits - consecutive two-outs singles in the fifth inning and a two-out double in the seventh - while tossing three scoreless innings and striking out one. Quad Cities added a ninth-inning run on a sacrifice fly by third baseman Rio Ruiz, while right-hander Jordan Jankowski pitched the final two scoreless innings for his third save. Quad Cities pitchers have not issued a walk in 21 consecutive innings, and eight players had hits for the offense Friday.

 

Friday's victory gave Quad Cities its first-ever series win at Parkview Field and also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Saturday, July 20. 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 Saturday, July 20.

 

The River Bandits continue their road trip with a three-game visit to Lake County, with the series opener at 6:00 p.m. Central Time Saturday. River Bandits right-hander Chris Devenski (0-1) will face Captains left-hander Ryan Merritt (5-9).

 

UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is a nominee for the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the 2013 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, and fans can vote once per day at 10Best.com until the winner is announced Aug. 14. The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park Tuesday, July 30. 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 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 next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

 

*****

 

19 Jul 2013

TINCAPS REBOUND TO BATTER BANDITS, 8-3

By Marco LaNave

Bobby Borchering hits solo home run for Quad Cities in defeat

 

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (JULY 18, 2013) - The Fort Wayne TinCaps had 11 combined hits from eight different players and a go-ahead two-run home run in the third inning by first baseman Diego Goris on the way to an 8-3 win over the Quad Cities River Bandits at Parkview Field Thursday night.


Quad Cities (14-11 second half, 52-42 overall) lost its sixth game in the last eight but twice held a lead over the TinCaps (10-16, 53-42).


Right fielder Teoscar Hernandez led off the game against TinCaps left-hander Max Fried (4-4) with a single to center field, reached second base on a passed ball, and scored on a single by shortstop Carlos Correa. TinCaps center fielder Mallex Smith was hit by a pitch from River Bandits right-hander Vincent Velasquez (6-4) to start the bottom half of the first inning. Smith stole second and third bases before scoring on a sacrifice fly by Goris to tie the game, 1-1.


River Bandits first baseman Bobby Borchering led off the second inning with his second home run in eight Midwest League games for a 2-1 lead. He has now homered from each side of the plate while with Quad Cities. The lead remained until a third-inning, two-out error by River Bandits third baseman Brian Blasik allowed TinCaps second baseman Maxx Tissenbaum to reach, and Goris swatted his third home run of the season to left field for a 3-2 Fort Wayne advantage.


Fort Wayne extended the lead in the fifth inning, when Tissenbaum singled, Velasquez hit Goris with a pitch, and third baseman Gabriel Quintana hit an RBI single to right-center field before designated hitter Chris Burke lofted a sacrifice fly to center. Velasquez departed with a 5-2 deficit after allowing three earned runs on five hits, no walks, and two hit batters, while striking out four in five innings. His third-inning strikeout of Smith made Velasquez the first Midwest League pitcher to post 100 strikeouts this season. He now has 102.


Following Borchering's home run, Fried only allowed one runner past second base, as two singles were erased by a Fried pickoff and a throw from left field by Luis Domoromo to cut down catcher Roberto Pena at second base. Fried allowed five hits, two runs - one earned - and one walk while striking out five in five innings.


The TinCaps added a run in the seventh inning on a Tissenbaum sacrifice fly against right-hander Gerardo Sanchez, but Correa hit an RBI double in the eighth inning to close within 6-3 against right-hander Matthew Chabot. A walk brought the tying run to the plate with one out, but left-hander Chris Nunn got Pena to fly out and struck out Borchering to end the inning. Two more runs for Fort Wayne in the eighth inning against right-hander Jamaine Cotton put away the home team's victory, which Nunn closed out for his seventh save.


Friday night's rubber match will feature Quad Cities right-hander Mark Appel (0-0) and Fort Wayne right-hander Matthew Shepherd (4-1), with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. Central Time.


UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is a nominee for the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the 2013 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, and fans can vote once per day at 10Best.com until the winner is announced Aug. 14. The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park Tuesday, July 30. 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.

18 Jul 2013

Houston Astros Midseason Minor League Recap

By Marco LaNave

Overall Minor League Record: (282-213, .570) - 2nd out of 30 MLB organizations 

MINORS SUCCESS: Houston's minor league affiliates have posted a combined 277-209 record this season, good for 2nd among all 30 MLB organizations...all 8 of the Astros minor league affiliates have winning percentages over .500...the Double A Corpus Christi Hooks, Class A Advanced Lancaster JetHawks, Class A Short Season Tri-City ValleyCats and Rookie Level Greeneville Astros are all currently in first place...the JetHawks and Hooks already qualified for postseason play by winning their respective league's first-half titles...last year, Houston's domestic minor league clubs had the best combined winning percentage among all organizations...Houston had the lowest winning percentage in both 2010 and 2011.

'TIS THE SEASON: Most websites and publications have been rolling out their revised top prospect lists, and the Astros have fared very well thus far...Houston had more players listed than any other MLB organization on both the Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus midseason Top 50 Prospects lists...in Keith Law's (ESPN.com) top 50 prospects update that went out today, the Astros were tied with the Twins for the most prospects listed (5) and the most prospects listed in the top ten (2).

THE PIPELINE: Prospects from the Astros system have already started to make their way to Houston...RHP Jarred Cosart made his MLB debut on July 12 against the Tampa Bay Rays, defeating reigning Cy Young Award winner David Price after allowing just 2 hits over 8.0 scoreless innings...Cosart had a no-hit bid thru 6.0 innings and became the 1st pitcher in Astros history to toss 8.0+ scoreless innings in their Major League debut...RHP Jose Cisnero, RHP Paul Clemens, RHP Josh Fields,  OF Robbie Grossman, OF Marc Krauss and LHP Brett Oberholtzer have also made their MLB debuts this season with the Astros.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG: Baseball America recently came out with their midseason Minor League All-Star Team, and OF George Springer made the cut as 1 of just 9 position players named to the squad...Springer has continued his rapid ascent through the Astros minor league system and is the only player in pro baseball with 25+ homers and 25+ stolen bases this year...the former 1st round pick is looking to become the first minor leaguer to tally 30 homers and 30 steals since Oakland's Grant Desme in 2009.

THE DRAFT: The Astros had another successful draft this year, using their first three picks on college pitchers: Stanford RHP Mark Appel, UC-Irvine RHP Andrew Thurman and UNC LHP Kent Emanuel...the Astros signed 32 of their 40 total players selected in the 2013 draft, including each of their top 14 picks...Appel (2.00 ERA, 3G) and Thurman (2.08 ERA, 5G) have already gotten off to strong starts to their professional careers.

 

ALL AROUND THE WORLD: Director of International Oz Ocampo has been leading the Astros efforts around the world, and since the July 2 signing period opened the club has signed 9 total international players: C Jake Bowey (AUS), SS/OF Osvaldo Duarte (DR), SS Frankeny Fernandez (DR), SS Wander Franco (DR), RF Felix Lucas (DR), SS/C Jonathan Matute (VZ), SS Joan Mauricio (DR), CF Nestor Tejada (VZ), and C Hayden Timberlake (AUS)...5 were signed from the Dominican Republic, 2 from Venezuela and 2 from Australia...POOL TRADE: the Astros were also able to acquire IF Ronald Torreyes from the Cubs in exchange for international signing pool space...Torreyes, 20, has already reached the Double A level...he has posted a career .312 batting average in the minors with 92 walks and just 84 strikeouts in 1290 at-bats.

FUTURES PHENOMS: Along with the Mets, the Astros had more prospects participate in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game this year than any other MLB organization...CF George Springer, 2B Delino DeShields and SS Carlos Correa each played in the game, while Corpus Christi Hooks manager and the 2012 Texas League Manager of the Year Keith Bodie served on the coaching staff for the U.S. Team...Springer went 1x3 as the U.S. Team's starting centerfielder...DeShields started the game at second base while Correa entered the game at shortstop as a late-inning defensive replacement...Correa won the first ever Futures Game Finalist fan-vote to claim the last spot on the World Team's roster...the former 1st overall pick was the youngest player at the Futures Game. 

RETOOLING: General Manager Jeff Luhnow has been retooling the Astros minor league system since taking over in December of 2011...in his 1st year with Houston, Luhnow made 9 trades and received 24 total players in return...this February, Luhnow flipped shortstop Jed Lowrie and reliever Fernando Rodriguez to Oakland in exchange for IF/OF Chris Carter, RHP Brad Peacock and C Max Stassi...Carter currently leads the Astros in homers (18) and RBI (47)...Peacock has gone 4-0 with a 1.21 ERA (5ER/37.1IP) and 30 strikeouts in his last 6 starts since returning to Triple A on 6/13...Stassi, the Astros top catching prospect, is hitting .322 (19x59) with 6 homers, 15 RBI and a 1.101 OPS in his last 15 games, ranking 2nd in the Texas League in homers over that span.

 

PATIENCE: The Astros minor league system is currently tops in the minors in walks with 1998 on the season...the next closest organization is Seattle, as their minor league affiliates have drawn 1903 total walks in 2013...the Class A Advanced Lancaster JetHawks lead all of minor league baseball with 470 walks while the Class A Quad Cities River Bandits rank 3rd with 426...the Astros organization also leads the minors with a .345 on-base percentage.

LUHNOW TOPS BA LIST: According to Baseball America, of the 750 players on Opening Day rosters this year, 572 of them (76 percent) came through the draft...those 572 players were selected by 93 different scouting directors...of those 93, the scouting director to produce the most Major Leaguers is current Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow...while serving as the Cardinals scouting director from 2005-11, Luhnow drafted 21 players that were on Major League rosters this Opening Day.

CLIMBING THE CHARTS: Heading into the season, several analysts and publications had drastically improved their rating of the Astros minor league system : ESPN's Keith Law - 4th of 30 (27th in 2012)...Baseball Prospectus - 9th of 30 (26th in 2012)...Baseball America - 9th of 30 (18th in 2012)...NOTABLE: Keith Law, Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus ranked the St. Louis Cardinals as having the top system in baseball heading into the 2013 season...Astros GM Jeff Luhnow served as the Cardinals VP of Scouting/Player Development for several years prior to joining Houston in December of 2011.

 

Level        Team                           Record (Place)

AAA        Oklahoma City RedHawks                    51-46 (3rd)

AA           Corpus Christi Hooks                          55-40 (1st)

A+           Lancaster JetHawks                       57-40 (1st)

A              Quad Cities River Bandits                     52-41 (3rd)

Level        Team                           Record (Place)

SSA         Tri-City ValleyCats                     20-10 (1st)

R              Greeneville Astros                         15-10 (1st)

R              GCL Astros                         12-10 (2nd)

R             DSL Astros                         20-16 (3rd)

 

ESPN.com Top 50 Prospects

7.       Carlos Correa                        SS

9.       Mark Appel                         RHP

29.    George Springer                  CF

33.    Jon Singleton                      1B

46.    Mike Foltynewicz              RHP

 

Baseball America Top 50 Prospects

9.       Carlos Correa                        SS

20.    George Springer                  CF

22.    Jon Singleton                      1B

31.    Mike Foltynewicz              RHP

46.    Lance McCullers               RHP

Baseball Prospectus Top 50 Prospects 

16.    Carlos Correa                        SS

18.    Mark Appel                         RHP

30.    George Springer                  CF

36.    Jon Singleton                      1B

49.          Mike Foltynewicz              RHP

 


18 Jul 2013

BANDITS PUSH PAST TINCAPS FOR 4-3 ROAD WIN

By Marco LaNave

McCullers pitches career-high 6 1/3 innings, Scott has game-high three hits and go-ahead single


DAVENPORT, Iowa (JULY 17, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits right-hander Lance McCullers lost a 2-0 lead on a seventh-inning home run by TinCaps shortstop Tyler Stubblefield, but center fielder Jordan Scott hit a bases-loaded single to break a 2-2 tie in the ninth inning that led the River Bandits to a 4-3 road victory at Parkview Field Wednesday night.


Quad Cities (14-10 second half, 52-41 overall) snapped a streak of six consecutive losses in series openers against Eastern Division opponents this season and snapped a four-game losing streak in one-run games.

 

McCullers pitched a career-high 6 1/3 innings and notched his eighth strikeout to open the seventh inning before allowing a single by designated hitter Corey Adamson and a two-run shot by Stubblefield to the left-field seats. McCullers departed with a no-decision for left-hander Mitchell Lambson (6-3), who worked 1 2/3 scoreless innings to keep the 2-2 tie into the ninth inning.


Fort Wayne (9-16, 52-42) brought in right-hander Roman Madrid (5-3) to start the ninth inning. Leading off, River Bandits right fielder Dan Gulbransen hit a fly ball that TinCaps right fielder Brian Adams misplayed, allowing Gulbransen to reach second base. Designated hitter Bobby Borchering drew a walk, and first baseman Jobduan Morales put down a sacrifice to move two runners into scoring position. Madrid intentionally walked second baseman Austin Elkins, and then Scott bounced a single past first baseman Diego Goris for his third hit to bring in Gulbransen. Shortstop Carlos Correa followed with a ground ball to third baseman Gabriel Quintana, whose errant throw to catcher Dane Phillips pulled the latter off home plate and allowed Borchering to score an insurance run.


With a 4-2 lead, right-hander Juan Minaya started the bottom of the ninth inning by allowing a single to Quintana, who reached third base when a grounder got past Correa. Adamson grounded into a fielder's choice that brought in a run, but Minaya fanned the next two batters with the tying run at first base to earn his third save in four chances this season. The victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Thursday, July 18. 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 Thursday, July 18.


Quad Cities built its 2-0 lead against TinCaps right-hander Zach Eflin with single runs in the fourth and seventh innings. Scott led off the fourth with a bunt single, went to second base on a wild pitch, stole third and scored on left fielder Jesse Wierzbicki's sacrifice fly. In the seventh inning, third baseman Rio Ruiz hit an infield single, reached second base on an error, went to third on Gulbransen's sacrifice and scored on Elkins' two-out RBI walk.

 

Quad Cities and Fort Wayne will meet for the second game of the series at 6:05 p.m. Central Time Thursday. River Bandits right-hander Vincent Velasquez (6-3) will face TinCaps left-hander Max Fried (3-4).

 

UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is a nominee for the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the 2013 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, and fans can vote once per day at 10Best.com until the winner is announced Aug. 14. The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park Tuesday, July 30. 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 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 next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

*****

17 Jul 2013

MODERN WOODMEN PARK NOMINATED FOR USA TODAY AWARD

By Marco LaNave

Voting for "Best Minor League Ballpark" runs for four weeks at 10Best.com

DAVENPORT, Iowa (JULY 16, 2013) - Modern Woodmen Park is frequently recognized nation-wide as a unique destination for Minor League Baseball and family entertainment. Today, the home of the Quad Cities River Bandits was announced by USA TODAY as a nominee for "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the 2013 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards. The winner will be announced Aug. 14.

Nominees were chosen by a panel of experts from USA TODAY, 10Best.com, and other contributors and sources for other Gannett properties. Readers, fans and the general public can vote online once per day for four weeks. All voting is available on the 10Best.com website, for which www.riverbandits.com is providing a link.

"The River Bandits and Main Street Baseball are delighted for this recognition of Modern Woodmen Park and the Quad Cities community," said team owner Dave Heller. "As an organization, we seek to make our ballpark an integral part of the Quad Cities, maintaining its original charm while working to improve and beautify it each year, and keeping it among the finest, most iconic ballparks in the country."

Modern Woodmen Park, which opened in 1931 as Davenport Municipal Stadium and was previously known as John O'Donnell Stadium, is the oldest stadium used continuously by a current Minor League Baseball team for more than 50 years. The current Midwest League franchise has played in it continuously since 1960, and more than seven million fans have passed through its gates in that time.

As the River Bandits ownership, Main Street Baseball has brought the stadium several improvements - including the Sky Deck, Pepsi Loge Boxes, the Crop Production Services Corn Field, a new high-definition video board and LED ribbon board. Earlier this season, Main Street Amusements opened a FlyWireTM dual zip line by Extreme Engineering, and a Mediacom Frog Hopper by S&S Worldwide, as part of a growing amusement lineup, including a new 112-foot tall Ferris Wheel, that will continue arriving through next season.

15 Jul 2013

HOT RODS EDGE BANDITS, 4-3, TO FINISH SWEEP

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities finishes three-game series with eight runs and 35 runners left on base

DAVENPORT, Iowa (JULY 12, 2013) - The Bowling Green Hot Rods took their first lead with a three-run fourth inning Friday night and held on to the lead over the Quad Cities River Bandits to complete a three-game sweep in front of 7,199 at Modern Woodmen Park.

Hot Rods starter Reinaldo Lopez (4-4) gave up two unearned runs in the fifth inning that closed his team's lead to 3-2, but the right-hander allowed just three hits and worked around two walks and two hit batters to record four strikeouts and pitch six innings for a third consecutive start. Left-hander Matt Spann worked 1 1/3 innings and right-hander Nick Sawyer got the final five outs for his seventh save.

Quad Cities starter Chris Devenski began his Midwest League debut by scattering three hits in three shutout innings. In the fourth, Devenski walked the leadoff hitter in Hot Rods catcher Justin O'Conner. The next batter, second baseman Tommy Coyle, grounded a ball back to Devenski, whose throw to second base pulled shortstop Carlos Correa off the bag and left the runners safe at first and second. Hot Rods third baseman Tyler Goeddel then lined a two-run triple to the left-center field gap and scored on a single by shortstop Leonardo Reginatto. With a 3-0 deficit, Devenski retired six of the next seven batters to finish five innings with three runs - two earned - on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts.

The River Bandits (12-8 second half, 50-38 overall) answered against Lopez in the fifth inning, as right fielder Dan Gulbransen drew a leadoff walk, and catcher Luis Alvarez singled for his first Midwest League hit. Second baseman Brian Blasik grounded into a fielder's choice to put runners at first and third bases. O'Conner then tried to pick Gulbransen off third, but the throw went down the left-field line to advance each runner. Goeddel then misplayed an infield chopper by Correa, allowing Blasik to score and Correa to reach second base. But left fielder Jesse Wierzbicki flied out to end the inning with a 3-2 deficit.

The Hot Rods added a seventh-inning run against right-hander Juri Perez, who allowed a leadoff double by right fielder Joey Rickard and a two-out RBI single by center fielder Andrew Toles. Perez allowed four hits and struck out two batters in the final four innings.

Correa hit a seventh-inning RBI single after Blasik hit a two-out single, stole second base and advanced to third on another Goeddel error. After Wierzbicki walked, Spann struck out third baseman Rio Ruiz with the bases loaded. Quad Cities left 10 runners on base.

The victory gave Bowling Green (15-7, 53-37) the first-ever regular season series sweep in the four-year history of the River Bandits and Hot Rods all-time series. The Hot Rods now have won seven of 12 all-time games between the clubs.

Quad Cities will open a three-game series with the Dayton Dragons Saturday night at 7 p.m. River Bandits right-hander Jordan Jankowski (3-1) will face Dragons right-hander Robert Stephenson (5-3) in the series opener.

UP NEXT: The first 2,000 fans through the gates at Modern Woodmen Park Saturday night will receive a Billy Wagner Bobblehead, courtesy of EmbroidMe and the Quad-City Times. The River Bandits host the Dayton Dragons for a 7 p.m. game. 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.
10 Jul 2013

RIVER BANDITS HOMESTAND HIGHLIGHTS JULY 10-15

By Marco LaNave

Mick Foley appearance, bobblehead giveaway, fireworks show headline


DAVENPORT, Iowa (JULY 10, 2013) - The Quad Cities River Bandits host the Bowling Green Hot Rods and Dayton Dragons for a six-game home stand from Wednesday, July 10, through Monday, July 15, at Modern Woodmen Park. Below are the highlights of promotions and events for the home stand.

 

Fans attending the 2013 John Deere Classic can receive a coupon at the tournament, redeemable at the River Bandits box office for $2 off general admission for any game during the home stand.

 

Wednesday, July 10, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: US Bank, Mix96

- John Deere Classic Celebration - The River Bandits will give away any-day passes to the John Deere Classic throughout the game.

- Golf Night - Golf-themed prizes and music throughout the night.

- Pay Your Bill Wednesday - Fans can enter a copy of an unpaid bill into a drawing on the concourse, and if it is selected, the River Bandits will pay the bill up to $100.

- IHMVCU BOGO Kids Tickets - By presenting a membership card or debit card at the box office, IHMVCU members can receive two free kids general admission tickets with the purchase of one adult general admission ticket.

 

Thursday, July 11, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.)

Sponsors: Quad-City Times, The Quad Cities' CW, River Cities' Reader, Rock 104-9

- Mick Foley Appearance - WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Mick Foley will be at the game to toss out a first pitch and sign autographs for fans in the Sports Lounge on the concourse.

- Pro Wrestling Night - Wrestling-themed music.

- Thirst-Day Thursday - Fans can enjoy $2 drink specials during the game.

- IHMVCU BOGO Tickets - By presenting a membership card or debit card at the box office, IHMVCU members can receive a free general admission ticket with the purchase of one general admission ticket.

 

Friday, July 12, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: Eastern Iowa Toyota Dealers, Bridgeway Auto Parts, WLLR, WQAD

- Beach Ball and Koozie Giveaway presented by Bridgeway Auto Parts - The first 500 adults will receive a free koozie, while the first 500 kids will receive a free beach ball.

- T-Shirt Giveaway presented by Susan G. Komen - For the first 1,000 fans.

- Game Show Night - Enter-to-win prizes for Michael's Fun World, Annie Wittenmyer Pool, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chuck E. Cheese, Pepperjacks, and the classic board games Candy Land and Sorry.

- Friday Fireworks presented by Eastern Iowa Toyota Dealers - following the game.

 

Saturday, July 13, 7:00 p.m. (Gates 5:30 p.m.) Sponsors: EmbroidMe, Quad-City Times

- Billy Wagner Bobblehead Giveaway presented by EmbroidMe - For the first 2,000 fans.

- Fan Appreciation Saturday

 

Sunday, July 14, 5:00 p.m. (Gates 3:30 p.m.) Sponsors: HyVee, KWQC, B100

- Flat Screen Family Sunday - fans can enter a drawing on the concourse to win a free flat-screen TV. Winners will be announced during half-inning breaks of the game.

- HyVee Tote Bag Giveaway - for the first 1,000 fans through the gates.

- Bark in the Park - Dogs are welcome to the game on the Modern Woodmen Berm in left field.

- Kids Run the Bases - Kids can run around the bases at Modern Woodmen Park after the game.

- Post-game Kids Club Event - Kids Club members will join River Bandits players in making Dirt Cups with oreo crumplings, pudding and gummy worms.

 

Monday, July 15, 1:00 p.m. (Gates 11:30 a.m.) Sponsors: 97X

- Munchie Monday - All-you-can-eat hot dogs, nachos, peanuts and popcorn is available with a $15 wristband at the box office.

- Senior Day - preregistered senior citizens will receive a box lunch and a ticket to the game in the Sky Deck for $11. The Sky Deck is a climate-controlled room on the suite level along the left-field foul line.

- Kids Camp Day - Campers receive a box seat ticket plus a hot dog and soda voucher for $7.

- Funtown Gone Crazy - fans can purchase a wristband at the Zip Line or Mediacom Frog Hopper for an all-you-can-ride pass to both rides for only $10.

 

Tickets are available at the Modern Woodmen Park box office, by calling 563-324-3000 or online at www.riverbandits.com.

 

ABOUT THE BANDITS: 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 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

 

*****

09 Jul 2013

NO. 1 OVERALL PICK APPEL TO JOIN RIVER BANDITS

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities set to become first-ever Minor League Baseball team with back-to-back No. 1 picks

DAVENPORT, Iowa (JULY 9, 2013) - Right-handed pitcher Mark Appel, the No. 1 overall pick by the Houston Astros in the 2013 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, will join the Quad Cities River Bandits Wednesday before their six-game home stand at Modern Woodmen Park, the Astros announced on Tuesday. With 2012 No. 1 overall pick Carlos Correa, the River Bandits are set to become the first team in Minor League Baseball history with consecutive No. 1 overall picks on the same roster.

The Houston Astros selected Appel out of Stanford University with the top pick of the draft on June 6. He signed with the Astros and was introduced at a press conference June 19 at Minute Maid Park. Appel made his professional debut July 5 with the short-season Class-A Tri-City ValleyCats of the New York-Penn League. In two starts July 5 and July 9, Appel pitched five total innings, allowed six hits, two earned runs and no walks while striking out six batters.

At Stanford for four seasons, Appel is the all-time Cardinal leader with 372 career strikeouts. He finished his career with the fourth-most innings pitched (377 2/3) and sixth-most wins (28) in program history. In 2012, he was named the National Pitcher of the Year by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. This year, he finished 10-4 with four complete games and a 2.12 ERA and was a Louisville Slugger First Team All-American. He was the Pac-12 Baseball Scholar Athlete of the Year and earned his degree in management science and engineering.

The 21-year-old Appel was a Houston-area native before moving to California at age 12. He graduated from Monte Vista (Calif.) High School. Previously selected by the Detroit Tigers (15th round, 2009) and Pittsburgh Pirates (first round, No. 8 overall, 2012), Appel was named the top prospect in the 2013 draft by MLB.com.

Since the June amateur draft began in 1965, four Minor League Baseball teams have had two No. 1 picks on their roster at the same time, but Quad Cities is the first to have consecutive No. 1 overall picks on the same roster.

Team League Level MLB Club Year Player (Year drafted No. 1 overall)

Tidewater Tides International League Triple-A New York Mets 1970 C Steven Chilcott (1966), SS Tim Foli (1968)

Hawaii Islanders Pacific Coast League Triple-A San Diego Padres 1975 3B Dave Roberts (1972), SS Bill Almon (1974)

Lynn Sailors Eastern League Double-A Seattle Mariners 1981 OF Al Chambers (1979), RHP Mike Moore (1981)

Quad Cities River Bandits Midwest League Class-A Houston Astros 2013 SS Carlos Correa (2012), RHP Mark Appel (2013)

The River Bandits open their six-game homestand at 7 p.m. Wednesday against the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Modern Woodmen Park.

UP NEXT: Golf Night and the John Deere Classic Celebration open the River Bandits' six-game homestand Wednesday against the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Modern Woodmen Park. Fans can also enter copies of the bills into a drawing to be one of the two paid up to $100 by the River Bandits on a Pay Your Bill Wednesday presented by U.S. Bank and Mix 96. 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.
09 Jul 2013

BANDITS HIT 3 HOMERS IN 12-5 WIN OVER COUGARS

By Marco LaNave

Brian Blasik hits second grand slam of the season, Rio Ruiz finishes a triple shy of the cycle

GENEVA, Ill. (JULY 7, 2013) - For the first time this season, three Quad Cities River Bandits homered in the same game, as catcher Roberto Pena, second baseman Brian Blasik and third baseman Rio Ruiz each went deep among the visitors' 13 hits in a 12-5 victory over the Kane County Cougars at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark Sunday afternoon.

Quad Cities (12-5 second half, 50-36 overall) had its highest run total since a season-high 17 runs against Great Lakes on April 30 and won for the 13th time in 17 meetings with Kane County (4-13, 34-49). Left-hander Colton Cain (4-5) allowed a first-inning run but retired 13 of 14 batters in one stretch and posted a season-high six strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings for his first second-half win.

Pena tied the game in the second inning on a one-out home run to the picnic deck in left field off right-hander Tayler Scott (4-4). The home run was Pena's fourth of the season and second against the Cougars. He is 20-for-49 (.408) in 12 games against Kane County.

Quad Cities took the lead in the third inning, as left fielder Dan Gulbransen and designated hitter Jesse Wierzbicki hit back-to-back RBI doubles for a 3-1 lead. Meanwhile, Cain held the Cougars off the board through the fifth inning, retiring 13 of 14 batters in one stretch and posting a season-high six strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. He was charged with four runs, two earned, on five hits and three walks.

In the sixth inning, Ruiz hit a one-out single, and shortstop Austin Elkins drew a two-out walk to chase Scott. Right-hander Armando Rivero entered and walked first baseman Jobduan Morales to load the bases for Blasik, who hit his second home run - and second grand slam - of the season on a line drive over the left-field fence, extending the Quad Cities lead to 7-1.

The Cougars tallied three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, with third baseman Jeimer Candelario hitting an RBI double, and two more runs scoring when center fielder Jordan Scott threw a ball into the third-base stands after catching a fly ball. Kane County closed within 7-5 in the seventh inning, as right-hander Gera Sanchez yielded a sacrifice fly to Cougars first baseman Dan Vogelbach. Left-hander Mitchell Lambson got the final out of the inning and worked 1 1/3 scoreless frames.

Ruiz leading off the eighth inning and added an RBI double in the ninth inning to finish a triple shy of the cycle. Wierzbicki added a two-run double in the ninth inning. With a 12-5 lead, right-hander Chia-Jen Lo retired all three hitters he faced.

Sunday's victory lifted Quad Cities to match its season high of 14 games over .500 and also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Monday, July 8. 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 Monday, July 8. Quad Cities will face Kane County in the deciding game of the five-game series at noon Monday, when River Bandits right-hander Lance McCullers (4-4) faces Cougars left-hander Michael Heesch (3-7).

UP NEXT: Golf Night and the John Deere Classic Celebration open the River Bandits' six-game homestand Wednesday against the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Modern Woodmen Park. Fans can also enter copies of the bills into a drawing to be one of the two paid up to $100 by the River Bandits on a Pay Your Bill Wednesday presented by U.S. Bank and Mix 96. 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.

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