06 Jun 2013

CORREA, JANKOWSKI, MCCULLERS NAMED ALL-STARS

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities has starting shortstop, two pitchers selected to June 18 Summer All-Star Classic in Dayton

DAVENPORT, Iowa (JUNE 5, 2013) - Shortstop Carlos Correa and pitchers Jordan Jankowski and Lance McCullers have been selected to represent the Quad Cities River Bandits at the 2013 Midwest League All-Star Game June 18 in Dayton, Ohio, the league announced on Wednesday.

All three River Bandits were 2012 draft picks by the Houston Astros and earned their first professional All-Star selections.

Correa was named the starting shortstop for the Western Division All-Stars and was the youngest player selected for either All-Star roster. The Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico, native and No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 draft is hitting .275 in 43 games. He leads the River Bandits with 33 RBIs and 14 multi-hit games and is tied for the team lead with three home runs. In the month of May, Correa led the team with a .349 batting average, 38 total bases and 18 RBIs.

Jankowski, 24, was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 34th round of the 2012 draft out of Catawba College. The McMurray, Pa., native is 2-0 with a 2.61 ERA in 12 games, including seven starts for Quad Cities. In 48 1/3 innings, Jankowski has walked just nine batters and struck out 42. He leads the pitching staff with a 1.06 walks-plus-hits per inning pitched (WHIP). He had a team-high 32 strikeouts with a 0.80 WHIP in May while assembling a streak of 23 1/3 innings without a walk from May 3 to May 31.

McCullers, 19, was drafted in the first supplemental round with the 41st overall pick of the 2012 draft out of Jesuit High School in Tampa, Fla. He leads the Midwest League with a 1.70 ERA and is 2-4 in 13 appearances and eight starts with Quad Cities. In 47 2/3 innings, he has allowed just 37 hits while posting 51 strikeouts - the second-highest total on the pitching staff. His first professional win came on May 28 against Kane County, and he also won his next start June 2 at Beloit.

The Dayton Dragons are hosting the 2013 Midwest League All-Star Game Tuesday, June 18, at Fifth Third Field.

UP NEXT: Reservations can be made from now until June 10 for the River Bandits Father's Day Cookout and pre-game catch scheduled for Sunday, June 16. Check out www.riverbandits.com for details or call 563-324-3000. 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.

04 Jun 2013

RIVER BANDITS EDGE PAST SNAPPERS WITH 2-1 WIN

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities pulls one-half game ahead of Beloit into second place before series with Cedar Rapids

BELOIT, Wis. (JUNE 3, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits pitchers Colton Cain and Mike Hauschild combined to limit the Beloit Snappers to just one run, and third baseman Rio Ruiz drove in first baseman Jonathan Singleton for both runs in a 2-1 victory at Pohlman Field Monday night.

After winning three of four games in Beloit, the River Bandits (32-24) pulled one-half game ahead of the Snappers (32-25) for second place in the Midwest League Western Division. Quad Cities had fallen out of second place after losing to Beloit at home on May 19.

Beloit scored its only run of the night in the second inning against Cain, as right fielder John Wooten drew a two-out walk and scored on a Ryan Delgado double that dropped just inside the right-field line. Cain worked five innings and allowed one run or fewer for a fifth straight outing. He allowed two hits to put runners at first and second base in the fifth inning but got two ground balls to end the threat.

Singleton and Ruiz put Quad Cities on the board in the sixth inning, as right-hander Derek DeYoung issued a one-out walk to Singleton and allowed a double by designated hitter Jesse Wierzbicki. With runners at second and third base and one out, Ruiz flied to left fielder Ryan Mathews, bringing in Singleton with the tying run against DeYoung, who allowed four hits through the first six innings.

Hauschild (4-0) started the bottom of the sixth inning with a 1-1 tie and got the first four batters he faced before allowing consecutive singles by Wooten and Delgado. But he got second baseman Christopher Bostick to hit a ground ball that shortstop Carlos Correa charged and threw on the run for the second out. With runners at second and third, left fielder Ryan Mathews lined toward deep left field, but Jordan Scott made a running catch to end the inning and preserve a 1-1 tie.

In the eighth inning, Singleton grounded a ball past a shifted defense down the third-base line for a double with one out against right-hander Vincent Voiro (3-2). After Wierzbicki grounded out, Ruiz battled Voiro to a 2-2 count before grounding a single into right field for his second hit, second RBI and the second run Singleton scored in the game.

Hauschild preserved the lead by pitching a perfect eighth inning. In the ninth, he allowed a leadoff single by third baseman Renato Nunez before first baseman Matt Olson hit into a double play. Wooten then grounded to Ruiz, who threw to Singleton for the game's final out.

The victory means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Tuesday, June 4. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Tuesday, June 4.

The River Bandits have their final scheduled off day of the first half Tuesday before they begin a three-game series with the first-place Cedar Rapids Kernels Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. in Cedar Rapids.

UP NEXT: Reservations can be made from now until June 10 for the River Bandits Father's Day Cookout and pre-game catch scheduled for Sunday, June 16. Check out www.riverbandits.com for details or call 563-324-3000. 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 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!

*****

03 Jun 2013

MCCULLERS, BANDITS HOLD OFF SNAPPERS FOR WIN

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities pulls within one-half game of Beloit in right-hander's first-ever win as a starter

BELOIT, Wis. (JUNE 2, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits right-handers Lance McCullers and Daniel Minor shut out the Beloit Snappers for the first 8 1/3 innings Sunday afternoon, and after the latter allowed a two-run home run, right-hander Cameron Lamb got the final two outs of a 3-2 road victory at Pohlman Field.

The River Bandits (31-24) pulled within one-half game of the Snappers (32-24) for second place in the Midwest League Western Division with two weeks remaining in the first-half race. A loss by first-place Cedar Rapids at Kane County Sunday allowed Quad Cities to also move within four games of first place.

McCullers (2-4) struck out six batters in five shutout innings to lower his ERA to a league-low 1.70. He also earned his first-ever win as a starter after earning his first career victory as a reliever in Tuesday's rain-shortened game against Kane County. He started Sunday by striking out the first three batters he faced - extending a string of consecutive strikeouts to six, dating back to his outing Tuesday.

After two perfect innings, McCullers allowed a third-inning leadoff walk to designated hitter Ryan Delgado and one-out single by center fielder Dayton Alexander to put runners at first and third bases. Catcher Roberto Pena then threw out Alexander trying to steal, and McCullers got second baseman Christopher Bostick to ground out to end the inning. McCullers only allowed a fourth-inning, two-out single by Renato Nunez the rest of the way.

Quad Cities tallied single runs in three different innings, beginning in the second against right-hander Seth Streich (5-3). Third baseman Rio Ruiz drew a leadoff walk, and Pena singled. Right fielder John Wooten then bobbled the ball and overthrew third base, allowing Ruiz and Pena to reach scoring position on his pair of errors on the play. River Bandits right fielder Ariel Ovando grounded to second base to bring in Ruiz for a 1-0 lead.

In the fifth inning, the lead grew to 2-0, as center fielder Teoscar Hernandez doubled, reached third on a single by left fielder Jordan Scott, and scored when shortstop Carlos Correa grounded into a fielder's choice. Hernandez added an RBI single in the sixth inning against right-hander Tyler Vail to drive in designated hitter Terrell Joyce, who had drawn a leadoff walk.

With a 3-0 lead, Minor started the sixth inning for Quad Cities and worked around singles in the sixth and eighth innings. He allowed a leadoff single by Bostick in the ninth inning, and two batters later, Nunez hit his 11th home run of the season to close the lead to 3-2. Lamb entered and retired first baseman Matt Olson on a flyout to left field, walked left fielder Ryan Mathews and got Delgado to hit into a game-ending fielder's choice for Lamb's third save. The victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Monday, June 3. 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, June 3.

The River Bandits will go for their third straight series win and look to surpass the Snappers in the series finale at 7 p.m. Monday. Quad Cities left-hander Colton Cain (2-5) will face Beloit right-hander Derek DeYoung (5-2) at 2 p.m. Sunday in Game 3 of the series.

UP NEXT: Reservations can be made from now until June 10 for the River Bandits Father's Day Cookout and pre-game catch scheduled for Sunday, June 16. Check out www.riverbandits.com for details or call 563-324-3000. 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 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!

NOTE: Hitting coach Joel Chimelis was ejected by home plate umpire Evan Barger, not Nestor Ceja, as the box score indicates.

*****

03 Jun 2013

BANDITS' WINNING STREAK SNAPPED IN BELOIT

By Marco LaNave

Rio Ruiz drives in all three Quad Cities runs with two-run home run and RBI double

BELOIT, Wis. (JUNE 1, 2013) - The Beloit Snappers hit three home runs and posted 16 hits Saturday night against the Quad Cities River Bandits, who had their six-game winning streak halted by a 10-3 loss to their hosts at Pohlman Field.

Beloit (32-23) widened its lead over Quad Cities (30-24) to 1 ½ games for second place in the Midwest League Western Division and won for the fifth time in six games against the River Bandits this season.

The Snappers broke a scoreless tie with a four-run third inning against right-hander Jamaine Cotton (0-2). With two outs and the bases empty, shortstop Daniel Robertson hit an opposite-field home run to right field for a 1-0 lead, starting a run of six consecutive batters to reach safely against Cotton. Catcher Bruce Maxwell walked, third baseman Renato Nunez doubled, first baseman Matt Olson hit a two-run single, and right fielder John Wooten singled, resulting in a run when center fielder Teoscar Hernandez overran the ball. Designated hitter Christopher Bostick doubled to chase Cotton, who allowed seven hits and four earned runs while walking two batters and striking out two in 2 2/3 innings.

Right-hander Richard Rodriguez got the final out to send Quad Cities to the fourth inning with a 4-0 deficit. In the fourth inning against right-hander Michael Ynoa, designated hitter Miles Hamblin singled, and third baseman Rio Ruiz hit a two-run home run to right field - his third of the season that made it 4-2. After Ryan Mathews extended Beloit's lead to 5-2 in the fourth inning against Rodriguez with his second home run in as many games, Ruiz brought the River Bandits within 5-3 with a sixth-inning RBI double against right-hander Andres Avila (1-1), who started the sixth inning and allowed one earned run on four hits with four walks and one strikeout over the final four innings.

Quad Cities came closest to tying the game in the seventh inning against Avila. Right fielder Ariel Ovando singled, second baseman Austin Elkins grounded into a fielder's choice, left fielder Jordan Scott singled, and Hernandez drew a walk to load the bases with one out. As the tying run stood at second base and the go-ahead run at first, shortstop Carlos Correa popped out to second baseman Sam Roberts, and Hamblin struck out looking for the final out with no runs across.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Snappers pulled away against right-hander Vincent Velasquez. After getting a crucial double play to end the sixth inning and striking out the first batter in the seventh, Velasquez allowed the next six batters to reach base. Wooten drew a walk before Bostick homered to center field for a 7-3 Snappers lead. Roberts singled, Mathews doubled off the glove of Hernandez in center field, and center fielder Brett Vertigan brought in a run with a single off the glove of Elkins into center field. Robertson then hit a double down the right-field for his final hit in a 4-for-4, two-double game that finished a triple shy of the cycle. Velasquez was done after 1 1/3 innings in which he was charged with seven hits and five earned runs. Right-hander John Neely allowed an RBI groundout by Maxwell but completed 1 2/3 shutout innings with one hit.

Following its first loss since Game 1 of a doubleheader May 25 at Clinton, Quad Cities will send right-hander Lance McCullers (1-4) against Beloit right-hander Seth Streich (5-2) at 2 p.m. Sunday in Game 3 of the series.

UP NEXT: Reservations can be made from now until June 10 for the River Bandits Father's Day Cookout and pre-game catch scheduled for Sunday, June 16. Check out www.riverbandits.com for details or call 563-324-3000. 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.

03 Jun 2013

SINGLETON, BANDITS EXTEND STREAKS WITH WIN

By Marco LaNave

Carlos Correa has game-high three hits to lead Quad Cities within one-half game of second place

BELOIT, Wis. (MAY 31, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits first baseman Jonathan Singleton homered for a third consecutive game to start his season, with a two-run blast that broke 1-1, 14th-inning tie with the Beloit Snappers and helped the River Bandits to a 6-3 victory to extend their season-high winning streak to six games Friday night at Pohlman Field.

Quad Cities (30-23) won its sixth straight game for the first time since a six-game streak in June 2012 and snapped a four-game losing streak to Beloit (31-23). The River Bandits also closed within one-half game of the Snappers for second place in the Midwest League Western Division with a victory in their longest game since a 14-inning, 4-3 loss at Kane County May 5, 2011. The River Bandits last won a game of at least 14 innings July 25, 2010, when they defeated Dayton, 8-5, in 16 innings.

Quad Cities shortstop Carlos Correa led off the 14th inning against left-hander Brent Powers (2-2) with a ground ball that third baseman Renato Nunez misplayed to allow Correa to reach first base. After Miles Hamblin popped out to Nunez on a bunt attempt, Singleton stepped to the plate, carrying an 0-for-5 day so far. But on the first pitch he saw from a left-hander this season, Singleton smashed a towering fly ball to the trees behind the right-center field fence for a 3-1 lead. He became the first River Bandit to homer in three consecutive games since Anthony Garcia did so Aug. 2-4, 2012.

With one out and a two-run lead, River Bandits third baseman Rio Ruiz bounced an infield single over the pitcher's mound, and catcher Roberto Pena hit a ground ball that Nunez bobbled and threw past first base - allowing each runner to reach scoring position with one out. After a groundout by second baseman Austin Elkins, Powers intentionally walked right fielder Terrell Joyce. With the bases loaded, left fielder Jordan Scott lined a two-run double to right-center field for a 5-1 lead. Center fielder Teoscar Hernandez followed with a single to left field that scored Joyce for a 6-1 margin, but Scott was tagged out between third base and home plate to end the inning.

Left-hander Mitchell Lambson (2-2), who fanned all three batters in the 13th inning, allowed a walk, two hits and a sacrifice fly before right-hander John Neely entered with one out. Neely allowed a walk and run-scoring single to make it 6-3, but he got left fielder Dayton Alexander to bounce to Ruiz, who started a game-ending double play. The victory means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Saturday, June 1. 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, June 1.

The game had 32 strikeouts - the most by the River Bandits and an opponent this season. Quad Cities pitchers fanned seven batters in a row at one point, and every player in each starting lineup fanned at least once. The River Bandits used five of the game's nine pitchers.

Quad Cities took a 1-0 lead on Correa's third-inning RBI single against Raul Alcantara, who pitched eight innings and struck out nine batters. Snappers designated hitter Ryan Mathews homered off right-hander Jordan Jankowski to tie the game in the bottom of the third.

Quad Cities will try for its seventh straight win - which would be its longest regular-season streak since seven straight May 30-June 5, 2007 - at 7 p.m. Saturday in Beloit. Quad Cities right-hander Jamaine Cotton (0-1) is scheduled to face right-hander Michael Ynoa (0-1).

UP NEXT: Reservations can be made from now until June 10 for the River Bandits Father's Day Cookout and pre-game catch scheduled for Sunday, June 16. Check out www.riverbandits.com for details or call 563-324-3000. 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.
30 May 2013

HERNANDEZ, SINGLETON POWER BANDITS PAST COUGARS

By Marco LaNave

Pair of sixth-inning homers back eight shutout innings from Mike Hauschild and Colton Cain

DAVENPORT, Iowa (MAY 29, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits center fielder Teoscar Hernandez homered leading off the sixth inning to break a scoreless tie, and first baseman Jonathan Singleton added his second home run in as many games, leading the home team to a 2-1 victory over the visiting Kane County Cougars Wednesday night in front of 1,753 at Modern Woodmen Park

The River Bandits (29-23) matched a season high with their fifth straight win to close within three games of first-place Cedar Rapids and remain two games behind second-place Beloit. Quad Cities improved to 7-2 against Kane County (24-27) this season.

Right-hander Mike Hauschild retired the first 10 Cougars he faced before issuing a walk to second baseman Gioskar Amaya in the fourth inning. The former University of Dayton Flyer came within one out of his second start this season of five innings without allowing a hit, but he allowed a two-out single by catcher Carlos Escobar and a walk to right fielder Reggie Golden for the Cougars' biggest threat in the first five innings. Hauschild retired shortstop David Bote on a groundout to end five shutout innings with two walks and five strikeouts.

Left-hander Colton Cain (2-5) started the sixth inning for Quad Cities and worked around a one-out walk for a scoreless frame. In the bottom of the sixth, Hernandez led off against right-hander Pierce Johnson (3-4) with his third home run of the season on a 3-2 pitch that exited the field of play in left-center field. After Johnson turned away the next two batters, Kane County manager Mark Johnson went to his bullpen to bring in right-hander Justin Amlung. Johnson finished 5 2/3 innings, allowing four hits, one earned run and one walk while striking out seven batters in his third start against Quad Cities this season.

Singleton greeted Amlung belted a two-strike pitch to the DHCU On Deck in right-center field for his second home run in as many games this season. The top-rated prospect in the Astros system, according to MLB.com, hit a solo home run in his first at-bat with Quad Cities in the series opener Tuesday night. Singleton doubled in the eighth inning to finish with a second straight two-hit game.

The two home runs were enough, as Cain worked around a singles in the seventh and eighth innings to finish three shutout frames. Right-hander John Neely started the ninth inning by striking out the first two batters but allowed an infield single by designated hitter Marco Hernandez, who reached second base when third baseman Rio Ruiz threw past first base. Escobar drove in Hernandez with a single to right field, but Neely got Golden to hit a one-hopper back to the mound for the final out.

The victory means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Thursday, May 30. 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, May 30.

River Bandits right-hander Jordan Jankowski (3-0) will take the mound against Cougars right-hander Jose Rosario (0-0) in the series finale Thursday night at Modern Woodmen Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

UP NEXT: Thursday night is another Thirst-Day Thursday, featuring $2 drink specials presented by River Cities' Reader, the Quad Cities' CW and Rock 104-9. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free reusable rally tote thanks to Trinity Regional Health System. It's also Country Night at the ballpark. 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 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!

*****

28 May 2013

ASTROS PROSPECT JONATHAN SINGLETON TO JOIN BANDITS

By Marco LaNave

With addition of Astros No. 2 prospect, Quad Cities starts home stand with five of Houston's top 13

DAVENPORT, Iowa (MAY 27, 2013) - The Houston Astros will send Jonathan Singleton, the top-rated first base prospect in baseball according to MLB.com, to join the Astros Class-A affiliate, the Quad Cities River Bandits, for the start of the Midwest League team's three-game home stand on Tuesday, May 28, when the River Bandits host the Kane County Cougars at 7 p.m. at Modern Woodmen Park.

Ranked by MLB.com as the Astros' top minor league prospect and the system's No. 2 prospect according to Baseball America, Singleton joins a roster that already includes four of the top 13 prospects in the organization, according to Baseball America. River Bandits shortstop Carlos Correa, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft is ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the Astros system according to Baseball America and ranks second to Singleton, according to MLB.com. The River Bandits' other top prospects according to Baseball America include Astros 2012 first supplemental round pick, pitcher Lance McCullers (No. 4), third baseman Rio Ruiz (No. 8), and pitcher Vincent Velasquez (No. 13).

Singleton, 21, will make his season debut with Quad Cities after serving a 50-game suspension while on Double-A Corpus Christi's roster. In 2012, his first full season in the Astros organization, Singleton posted career highs with 131 games played, 21 home runs, 79 RBIs, 94 runs, and a .497 slugging percentage to be named the team Most Valuable Player for the Corpus Christi Hooks in the Texas League. He was named a Baseball America Minor League All-Star, a Texas League Midseason and Postseason All-Star. He was selected to play in both the 2012 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game and Arizona Fall League's Rising Stars Game.

A native of Lakewood, Calif., Singleton was originally draftd by the Philadelphia Phillies in the ninth round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. Following his rise to No. 2 among the Phillies' top prospects according to Baseball America in 2011, Singleton was traded to Houston on July 29, 2011, along with minor league pitchers Jarred Cosart and Josh Zeid and outfielder Domingo Santana for major league outfielder Hunter Pence. Singleton has a .291 batting average with 50 home runs and 231 RBIs in 394 career minor league games.

Quad Cities hosts the Kane County Cougars for three 7 p.m. games Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with first pitch at 7 p.m. each night at Modern Woodmen Park

28 May 2013

BANDITS ROUT LUMBERKINGS, 11-4, IN SERIES FINALE

By Marco LaNave
Every starter contributes hit, including three each by Carlos Correa, Austin Elkins, Jobduan Morales

CLINTON, Iowa (MAY 27, 2013) - Shortstop Carlos Correa, second baseman Austin Elkins and catcher Jobduan Morales each had three hits for the Quad Cities River Bandits, who had 16 hits - with at least one from every starter - in an 11-4 Memorial Day victory over the Clinton LumberKings to win a third straight game at Ashford University Field.

The River Bandits (27-23) took a lead with two outs in the first inning on first baseman Miles Hamblin's first Midwest League home run to right field off LumberKings right-hander Matt Anderson (2-5) for a 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the first inning, Clinton loaded the bases with two outs against right-hander Vincent Velasquez (4-2), but designated hitter Gaby Guerrero hit into a fielder's choice to end the inning. The tying run at third base was the closest the LumberKings (25-25) came the rest of the afternoon.

In the third inning, Correa hit into a fielder's choice that brought in center fielder Jordan Scott for the first of the latter's game-high three runs. Scott drew three walks, had a bunt single and finished the series 5-for-8 with seven walks in four games.

Quad Cities extended the lead to 4-0 in the fifth inning, as Scott hit a leadoff single and scored on a double to right-center field by Correa, who came home on Hamblin's single. The LumberKings answered with three straight hits against Velasquez in the bottom of the inning, with right fielder Jabari Henry driving in two runs with a double and scoring on an infield grounder to make it 4-3.

The River Bandits answered in the next half-inning, however, as third baseman Ryan Dineen singled to left field, Scott walked, and Correa drove in both with a single just out of reach for second baseman Tim Lopes. With a 6-3 lead, right-hander Jamaine Cotton started the sixth inning for Quad Cities and allowed a leadoff home run by Clinton catcher Tyler Marlette before retiring the side in order.

The River Bandits added a run in the seventh on Morales' RBI double and a four runs in the eighth on a two-run single from left fielder Terrell Joyce, a groundout by designated hitter Brian Blasik, and an RBI single by Morales. The 11 runs were the most for the River Bandits since a season-high 17 runs April 30, and the 16 hits were the most since they had a season-high 17 on April 6.

The victory means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Tuesday, May 28. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Tuesday, May 28.

With their first three-game winning streak since May 5-8, the River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park for the first of three games with the Kane County Cougars at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Right-handers Daniel Minor (3-1) and Lance McCullers (0-4) are scheduled to face Cougars right-hander Dillon Maples (0-0).

UP NEXT: All tickets are buy-one-get-one free on Tuesday, which is Outdoors Night for the River Bandits' 7 p.m. game against the Kane County Cougars. Kids Eat Free, and fans can redeem an empty can or bottle of Mountain Dew for a free 16-ounce soda voucher on a Dew for Twosday presented by Pepsi, WOC and Q106.5. 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.

28 May 2013

RIVER BANDITS DODGE RAIN, LUMBERKINGS FOR WIN

By Marco LaNave
Terrell Joyce hits third home run, Austin Elkins adds three hits for Quad Cities' second straight victory

CLINTON, Iowa (MAY 26, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits right fielder Terrell Joyce hit a solo home run to break a 2-2 tie with one out in the fifth inning, and the visitors waited out a mid-game rain delay and Clinton LumberKings pitching for a 5-2, rain-spattered win at Ashford University Field Sunday afternoon.

Following a one-hour, 19-minute delay before the top of the fourth inning, Quad Cities trailed 2-1 when coming to bat against new right-hander David Holman (0-3). Designated hitter Brian Blasik drew a leadoff walk, stole second base and went to third on a ground ball by catcher Roberto Pena. Second baseman Austin Elkins then lined a single into left field to tie the game, 2-2. Elkins and left fielder Jordan Scott, the No. 8 and No. 9 hitters in the River Bandits lineup, combined to go 5-for-7 while drawing two walks and a hit by pitch in 10 plate appearances.

The immediate run following the delay gave a no-decision to Quad Cities left-hander Brian Holmes, who pitched three innings before the delay. Holmes struck out the first five batters of the game but allowed the LumberKings to score twice in the third inning for a 2-1 lead.

Right-hander Gera Sanchez (2-0) started the bottom of the fourth inning following the delay, and he combined with right-hander Jordan Jankowski to retire 17 of 19 batters in the final six innings. LumberKings shortstop Ketel Marte singled once against each right-hander for Clinton's only baserunners following the delay. Sanchez stranded Marte at third base to end the fifth inning, and Pena threw out Marte on a seventh-inning steal attempt.

Joyce's fifth-inning, opposite-field blast to right field against Holman gave Quad Cities (26-23) the lead for good, but the River Bandits added two insurance runs while rain came down steadily in the ninth inning. Left-hander Blake Holovach issued the last two of the LumberKings' 11 walks - matching the season high set in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader - and allowed the runs to score on an error by second baseman Brock Hebert and a wild pitch.

With a 5-2 lead, Jankowski kept the LumberKings (25-24) from putting a ball in play on the wet diamond by striking out the final four batters of the game. He finished four shutout innings for his second save and has not walked a batter in 21 consecutive innings.

The victory means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Tuesday, May 28. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Tuesday, May 28.

Quad Cities and Clinton will play the Memorial Day series finale of a four-game, three-day series at 2 p.m. Monday. River Bandits right-handers Vincent Velasquez (3-2) and Jamaine Cotton (0-1) are scheduled face LumberKings right-hander Matt Anderson (2-4).

UP NEXT: All tickets are buy-one-get-one free on Tuesday, which is Outdoors Night for the River Bandits' 7 p.m. game against the Kane County Cougars. Kids Eat Free, and fans can redeem an empty can or bottle of Mountain Dew for a free 16-ounce soda voucher on a Dew for Twosday presented by Pepsi, WOC and Q106.5. 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.

28 May 2013

BANDITS COME BACK TO SPLIT WITH LUMBERKINGS

By Marco LaNave
Miles Hamblin caps rally from 5-0 deficit with go-ahead two-run single in 2-for-3, three-RBI Game 2

CLINTON, Iowa (MAY 25, 2013) - After being shut out for the first 11 innings of a doubleheader against Clinton Saturday night, the Quad Cities River Bandits scored twice in the fifth inning and four times in the sixth inning of Game 2 for a 6-5, seven-inning victory and doubleheader split with the LumberKings, who had taken a 1-0 win in Game 1 at Ashford University Field.

Quad Cities (25-23) drew 11 walks and capitalized on three LumberKings errors to complete its largest comeback victory of the season despite being out-hit, 10-3, in Game 2. The split left Quad Cities and Clinton (25-23) tied for third place in the Western Division, three games behind second-place Beloit, which lost twice at Kane County Saturday.

Trailing 5-0 in the top of the fifth inning in Game 2, Quad Cities drew three straight walks against left-hander Tyler Pike. A bases-loaded wild pitch brought in left fielder Jordan Scott for the first run, and first baseman Miles Hamblin drove home center fielder Teoscar Hernandez with a sacrifice fly to right field that made it 5-2. Right-hander Oliver Garcia (3-2) came on to finish the inning with a 5-2 lead, but the River Bandits rallied against Garcia in the sixth inning.

With a 5-2 lead, Garcia walked catcher Roberto Pena and later Scott to put runners at first and second with one out. Hernandez then hit a check-swing grounder to second baseman Tim Lopes, who had the ball go over his shoulder toward shallow right field, and when Lopes tried to throw out Pena at the plate, the ball bounced in front of catcher Tyler Marlette and went behind him, allowing Scott to score the second run and Hernandez to reach second base on the two-error play by Lopes. With a 5-4 advantage, Garcia walked shortstop Carlos Correa to put runners at first and second, prompting a pitching change to right-hander Grady Wood.

After Correa stole second base, Hamblin hit a line-drive single - the only River Bandits hit in their run-scoring innings - that brought in Hernandez and Correa for a 6-5 lead. It capped the scoring that was aided by seven walks, two wild pitches and two errors in the fifth and sixth innings combined. The comeback made a winner of right-hander Mike Hauschild (3-0), who allowed all five LumberKings runs in a six-hit bottom of the third inning that included both River Bandits errors of the doubleheader. Right-hander Cameron Lamb worked two scoreless innings for his second save, getting help from a pick-off throw from Pena to Correa and a game-ending double play after three LumberKings singles started the inning.

The victory means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Sunday, May 26. 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 Sunday, May 26.

Clinton took Game 1, 1-0 in seven innings, thanks to a fifth-inning, two-out RBI double by center fielder Jabari Henry against left-hander Colton Cain (1-5) to back six shutout innings by right-hander Victor Sanchez (1-1). Each team had four hits and no errors in the opener. After a split of Saturday's doubleheader, the teams will play at 2 p.m. Sunday at Ashford University Field.

UP NEXT: All tickets are buy-one-get-one free on Tuesday, which is Outdoors Night for the River Bandits' 7 p.m. game against the Kane County Cougars. Kids Eat Free, and fans can redeem an empty can or bottle of Mountain Dew for a free 16-ounce soda voucher on a Dew for Twosday presented by Pepsi, WOC and Q106.5. 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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