23 Apr 2013

RATTLERS DELIVER LATE BLOWOUT OF BANDITS, 9-1

By Marco LaNave

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

UP NEXT: The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park for a six-game home stand beginning Thursday, April 25, with Manti Te'o Night and a Thirst-Day with $2 drink specials presented by Rock 104-9, the Quad Cities' CW, and the River Cities' Reader. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits began the season with a great start, and they sit in second place in the Midwest League's Western Division. Meanwhile, the team's ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for the ballpark, along with a new dual zip line, a carousel, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans will see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. The Astros will also make the very first selection in the major league draft on June 6 and could have another top pick end up in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, this season will be one every fan will not want to miss!

23 Apr 2013

RIVER BANDITS GET PAST TIMBER RATTLERS IN 11

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities scores five runs to break 2-2, 11th-inning tie and win second straight at Wisconsin

GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (APRIL 22, 2013) - With the bases empty and two outs in the top of the 11th inning, the Quad Cities River Bandits drew three straight walks, left fielder Jordan Scott hit a bases-loaded single to break a 2-2 tie with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, and center fielder Teoscar Hernandez followed with a three-run triple to lift the visitors to a 7-2 victory Monday night at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium.

Solid defense and pitching dominated the first 10 innings of play between Quad Cities (11-5) and Wisconsin (5-9). River Bandits right-hander Daniel Minor turned in his best outing of the season, allowing one hit and one earned run in five innings. He allowed a leadoff single in the first inning by center fielder Tyrone Taylor, who stole second base, reached third on a fly ball and scored on a groundout by right fielder Mitch Haniger for a 1-0 Timber Rattlers lead. Minor allowed just two walks after that and finished with two strikeouts.

The River Bandits tied the game in the fourth inning, as shortstop Carlos Correa and second baseman Austin Elkins hit consecutive singles. Correa was thrown out trying to score on a ground ball by first baseman Jesse Wierzbicki, but third baseman Rio Ruiz brought home Elkins with a single to left field, tying the game 1-1 against left-hander Brent Suter.

Quad Cities took its first lead in the sixth inning, when Elkins reached on an infield single, went to second on a wild pitch and third on a groundout. Designated hitter Terrell Joyce then hit a roller back to Suter, who flipped to catcher Clint Coulter, but Coulter dropped the throw as Elkins slid home safely. Coulter was called for interfering with Joyce, who reached first base without a throw. The interference was nullified since Quad Cities took the resulting play in live action.

Right-hander Lance McCullers started the sixth inning with a 2-1 lead, but he walked Taylor and allowed a two-out, game-tying double by left fielder Victor Roache. McCullers also ran into trouble in the eighth, loading the bases with a double by shortstop Orlando Arcia and two walks with one out. But he induced a ground-ball double play off the bat of first baseman Adam Giacalone to keep the 2-2 tie. McCullers finished four innings, allowing three hits and one earned run while walking three and striking out five.

Wisconsin threatened in the 10th inning against right-hander John Neely (1-1), as Taylor singled and reached second on a groundout. Haniger then bounced a ball to the grass in shallow center field that Correa fielded, and when Taylor headed for the plate, Correa fired a one-hop throw to catcher Jobduan Morales, who put down an inning-ending and game-saving tag on Taylor. Neely worked around two singles in the 11th inning to finish out the victory - the fourth in extra innings for Quad Cities this season.

With the River Bandits victories Sunday and Monday, The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Tuesday, April 23. 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, April 23. Quad Cities plays the series finale and six-game road trip finale at Wisconsin at 12:05 p.m. Wednesday. Right-hander Mike Hauschild (1-0) and left-hander Colton Cain (0-0) are scheduled to face Wisconsin right-hander Ryan Gibbard (0-0).

 

UP NEXT: The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park for a six-game home stand beginning Thursday, April 25, with Manti Te'o Night and a Thirst-Day with $2 drink specials presented by Rock 104-9, the Quad Cities' CW, and the River Cities' Reader. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

23 Apr 2013

RIVER BANDITS POUND TIMBER RATTLERS, 12-5

By Marco LaNave

Carlos Correa homers twice, Jesse Wierzbicki adds two-run shot as Quad Cities takes series opener

GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (APRIL 21, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits shortstop Carlos Correa blasted a solo home run as the second batter of the game and added a second homer in the eighth inning Sunday evening, and first baseman Jesse Wierzbicki added his second home run of the season in a 12-5 rout of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Time Warner Cable Field at Fox Cities Stadium.
Moments after the first pitch was thrown at 35 degrees following a 27-minute weather delay, Correa snapped his 0-for-12 cold spell with his second home run of the season, sending the first pitch he saw from right-hander Leonard Lorenzo (0-1) just to the left of the batter's eye in center field. Wisconsin quickly answered against left-hander Joe Bircher. Left fielder Victor Roache launched a two-run home run to the scoreboard above two tiers of signs in left-center field in his first professional at-bat. Second baseman Chris McFarland made it back-to-back homers with his first of the season, extending the Wisconsin lead to 3-1.
Quad Cities (10-5) retook the lead in the next half-inning, as right fielder Ariel Ovando hit an RBI double to left-center field, and left fielder Jordan Scott placed a two-run, go-ahead single up the middle for a 4-3 lead. After Correa led off the third inning with an infield single, Wierzbicki extended the lead to 6-3 with a two-run home run to left field.
Bircher allowed Wisconsin (5-8) to close within 6-5 in the bottom of the third, as designated hitter Clint Coulter hit a sacrifice fly, and first baseman Adam Giacalone hit a run-scoring single to center field. But the River Bandits left-hander kept Wisconsin from pulling even, as he finished four innings, allowing seven hits, five earned runs and one walk while striking out three.
The River Bandits extended the lead in the fifth inning, as Correa drew a leadoff walk, reached second on a passed ball and scored when second baseman Austin Elkins hit a double down the right-field line. Wierzbicki followed with a walk to chase Lorenzo, and two batters later, third baseman Rio Ruiz lined a pitch from left-hander Taylor Wall to right-center field for a two-run double that made it 9-5. Lorenzo was charged with nine earned runs on eight hits in four-plus innings. He walked four batters and struck out two.
Quad Cities right-hander Michael Dimock (2-0) pitched a perfect fifth inning to qualify for the victory, and right-hander Vincent Velasquez took the ball with a 9-5 lead to start the sixth. He issued a leadoff walk to Giacalone and gave up a one-out double to third baseman Jose Sermo before retiring the final 11 Timber Rattlers, including five on strikeouts, for his second four-inning save this season.
Correa capped a 3-for-4, four-run, three-RBI day with a two-run homer against in the eighth inning against right-hander Damien Magnifico, who later threw a wild pitch that allowed Elkins to score the final tally in a 12-5 victory.
The victory means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Tuesday, April 23. 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, April 23. Quad Cities and Wisconsin play again at 6:35 p.m. Monday. Right-handers Daniel Minor (1-0) and Lance McCullers (0-2) will face Timber Rattlers left-hander Brent Suter (0-1).
UP NEXT: The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park for a six-game home stand beginning Thursday, April 25, with Manti Te'o Night and a Thirst-Day with $2 drink specials presented by Rock 104-9, the Quad Cities' CW, and the River Cities' Reader. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits began the season with a great start, and they sit in second place in the Midwest League's Western Division. Meanwhile, the team's ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for the ballpark, along with a new dual zip line, a carousel, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans will see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. The Astros will also make the very first selection in the major league draft on June 6 and could have another top pick end up in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, this season will be one every fan will not want to miss!
23 Apr 2013

COUGARS SWEEP DOUBLEHEADER FROM BANDITS

By Marco LaNave

Rock Shoulders goes 5-for-6 with two home runs and four RBIs, as Quad Cities loses its first series

GENEVA, Ill. (APRIL 20, 2013) - The Quad Cities River Bandits' run of success at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark ended with a doubleheader sweep at the hands of the Kane County Cougars, who rode a 5-for-6, two-homer performance from Rock Shoulders to 7-3 and 4-3 seven-inning home victories Saturday afternoon.

The Cougars (6-8) grabbed momentum early in Game 1, as they scored five runs in 2 1/3 innings against left-handed starter Brian Holmes (0-1). Shoulders led off the second inning with a double, advanced to third on an infield single by second baseman Wes Darvill, and scored on the first of two sacrifice flies by center fielder Trey Martin.

Kane County had four straight hits against Holmes to start the third, and he was removed with one out and a 4-0 deficit. Right-hander Cameron Lamb allowed Martin's second sacrifice fly, closing the book on Holmes with eight hits, five earned runs, one walk and two strikeouts. Opposite him, right-hander Pierce Johnson (1-0) lasted five innings, allowing three hits and an unearned run while striking out six to defeat the team that beat him on Opening Day.

Down 5-0, Quad Cities (9-5) scored a run on right fielder Ariel Ovando's fourth-inning RBI single, but the Cougars added runs in the fourth and sixth, when Shoulders took right-hander Gerardo Sanchez deep to right field for a 7-1 lead. River Bandits center fielder Teoscar Hernandez's seventh-inning two-run double closed the scoring in a 7-3 final.

In Game 2, Shoulders put the Cougars up 1-0 with a first-inning RBI single against right-hander Jordan Jankowski. After Quad Cities' two-run top of the fourth, Shoulders tied the game with a homer off Jankowski to right leading off the bottom half. Jankowski allowed two runs on four hits with three walks and no strikeouts in three-plus innings. Left-hander Mitchell Lambson (0-1) escaped the fourth inning with a 2-2 tie, but he gave up a go-ahead single by Shoulders in the fifth.

River Bandits first baseman Jesse Wierzbicki hit his second RBI single to tie the game in the sixth inning. But the next half-inning, Cougars shortstop Marco Hernandez hit a go-ahead triple over the head of left fielder Jordan Scott. With a 4-3 lead, left-hander Jeff Antigua worked a scoreless seventh to save a win for right-hander Tayler Scott, who worked six innings, allowed five hits, three runs and a walk while striking out four.

After their first series loss, the River Bandits head to Wisconsin for a three-game set beginning at 5:05 p.m. Sunday. The doubleheader sweep and a win by Cedar Rapids dropped Quad Cities one-half game out of first place in the Midwest League Western Division.

 

UP NEXT: The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park for a six-game home stand beginning Thursday, April 25, with Manti Te'o Night and a Thirst-Day with $2 drink specials presented by Rock 104-9, the Quad Cities' CW, and the River Cities' Reader. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits began the season with a great start, winning each of their first five games and currently sit in first place in the Midwest League's Western Division. Meanwhile, the team's ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for the ballpark, along with a new dual zip line, a carousel, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans will see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. The Astros will also make the very first selection in the major league draft on June 6 and could have another top pick end up in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, this season will be one every fan will not want to miss!

*****

22 Apr 2013

BANDITS ADDING AMUSEMENT RIDES FOR 2013!

By Marco LaNave

New rides planned include a Ferris wheel, dual zip line, carousel, Frog Hopper and 4-D Ride Theater

DAVENPORT, Iowa (APRIL 19, 2013) - The Modern Woodmen Park experience is about family-friendly fun, and this season Main Street Amusements is enhancing the ballpark to a whole new level. The Quad Cities River Bandits are set to become the first team in Minor League Baseball to bring a Ferris wheel inside its ballpark. But they are not stopping there. The River Bandits will also be adding a dual zip line, a carousel, a Mediacom Frog Hopper and, if the team receives approval from the Davenport Levee Commission, a 4-D Ride Theater. The team will also be adding four new bounce houses and a new 25-foot tall rock climbing wall as part of its Jumpin' Joey's Children's Play Area. In the process, they will become the first minor league team to open its home seven days a week - both game days and non-game days - during the season for the public to enjoy the new attractions.

Main Street Amusements is working with the City of Davenport and multiple amusement ride companies on the aforementioned projects, all of which will debut at the ballpark this summer.

"We are always looking for creative  ways that families can enjoy affordable family fun and make memorable experiences at our ballpark, and the new amusement rides will be fantastic, unique, and affordable entertainment for the entire community to enjoy every night of the week," said River Bandits owner and Main Street Amusements president Dave Heller. "All of these great attractions will highlight the ballpark and the Quad Cities as a one-of-a-kind destination for inexpensive family fun!"

The Ferris wheel from Chance Rides will tower to 112 feet above the playing field and be located beyond the left-field fence atop the berm. It will be entirely inside the ballpark and connected to the berm by a new boardwalk. Its opening is planned for late June, though flooding in Davenport could push the date back.

"We are ecstatic about partnering with the River Bandits and Main Street Amusements to make Modern Woodmen Park the first ballpark to create such a huge amusement experience," said Chance Rides president Mike Chance. "We have enjoyed working with Dave Heller and his outstanding team, and we share their vision of bringing more unique and affordable family-friendly fun to the Quad Cities."

Main Street Amusements is planning to have the pair of zip lines, the Fly Wire®, in different locations on game days and non-game days. Game days will feature the Fly Wire® zip lines outside the ballpark, while the non-game days will give riders the incredible experience of gliding over the playing field at Modern Woodmen Park. The zip lines come from California-based Extreme Engineering, the world's largest supplier in award-winning zip lines, climbing walls and adventure products to the entertainment industry.

"The Fly Wire® zip lines are going to not only provide additional thrills at the ballpark, but a great view of the baseball field," said Matt Rehnstrom, sales account manager for Extreme Engineering. "The zip lines will be a great promotional vehicle and exciting attraction for the fans in the Quad Cities."

The carousel will be located in the right-field corner of the ballpark. The Frog Hopper will come to the ballpark in May and be located inside the Jumpin' Joey's Children's Play area next to the Party Plaza along the right-field line, next to a new 25-foot-tall rock-climbing wall.

With a colorful and kid-friendly design, the Frog Hopper, sponsored by Mediacom, bounces up to seven riders comfortably along a tower as they sit in a row looking over the playing field for a one-of-a-kind view of the stadium as they "hop alongside" the Mississippi River. The Frog Hopper is an amusement ride from manufacturer S & S Worldwide, Inc. (www.engineeringexcitement.com), which has more than 400 rides in 30 countries around the world.

"S&S Worldwide is excited for our joint venture with the River Bandits and Main Street Amusements to combine amusement rides and baseball with the addition of a Frog Hopper to Modern Woodmen Park," said Toby Garcia, North American Sales Representative for S&S Worldwide/Sansei Technologies. "With more than 250 Frog Hoppers worldwide, this ride is a family favorite that will delight kids in the Quad Cities and across the region."

The River Bandits are also partnering with SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment to bring a 4-D Ride Theater to the ballpark, pending Levee Commission approval. A 4-D Theater shows short (5-6 minute) films with 3-D visual effects and the added thrills of the physical experience, such as seat movement and an added sense of smell and touch. The planned 4-D Experience at Modern Woodmen Park will feature several motion-based films in high-definition 3-D with added in-theater special effects.  Join Speed Racer (SPEED RACER MOVIE: © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. SPEED RACER:® Speed Racer Enterprises, Inc. (s13)) on a six-minute, full-throttle adventure as you hurtle down the track, careening around, over and through the competition in Speed Racer Grand Prix.  The 4-D Ride Theater will also include Dino Island - one of SimEx-Iwerks' top performing ride films and Pirates Rapids, a seemingly harmless water slide adventure that quickly takes a turn for the worst as you are whisked away to a land of pirates.

SimEx-Iwerks is the leading innovator of immersive 3-D and 4-D Attractions and the exclusive distributor of the industry's best selling film titles. The company supports over 150 family-friendly attractions in more than 30 countries. Its attractions entertain and educate over 80 million people every year? bringing a whole new dimension to the guest experience.

"We are excited to open this popular attraction at Modern Woodmen Park - the first ballpark in the country to offer multiple amusement rides," said Mark Cornell, Senior Vice President, Attractions Development.  "We have chosen our opening lineup carefully and these titles offer something for everyone."

The amusement rides will complement the largest set of promotions in the history of the Quad Cities franchise.

"As the River Bandits spring into a new season, we are eager to share the new amusements and all of the family-friendly entertainment our fans will experience at Modern Woodmen Park this year," said General Manager Harold Craw. "We can't wait to see fans enjoying the new rides and another memorable summer at the ballpark."

UP NEXT: Tickets for the 2013 season are now on sale! Call 563-324-3000 or visit www.riverbandits.com. It's not too late lock in your season ticket plan for the 2013 season! Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today at 563-324-3000 to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

17 Apr 2013

RIVER BANDITS-LUMBERKINGS POSTPONED WEDNESDAY

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities has third rainout in opening week-long home stand

DAVENPORT, Iowa (APRIL 17, 2013) - Wednesday night's game between the Quad Cities River Bandits and Clinton LumberKings at Modern Woodmen Park has been postponed. The game will be made up at a later date. All tickets for Wednesday's game may be exchanged for any other 2013 River Bandits home game.

Quad Cities (8-3) and Clinton (5-8) are scheduled to meet for one more three-game series in the first half, as the River Bandits visit Clinton Saturday, May 25, through Monday, May 27. Quad Cities has been rained out of four games in the last eight days, including home games Thursday, Monday and Wednesday. The rainout from Thursday against Peoria will be made up in a doubleheader Saturday, May 11. Monday's rainout was made up with a doubleheader that Clinton and Quad Cities split.

The River Bandits begin a six-game road trip Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. in Kane County. The River Bandits have left-hander Colton Cain (0-0) and right-hander Mike Hauschild (0-0) scheduled to pitch as a starting tandem. All games can be heard live presented by Mediacom for free at www.riverbandits.com.

 

UP NEXT: The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park for a six-game home stand beginning Thursday, April 25, with Manti Te'o Night and a Thirst-Day with $2 drink specials presented by Rock 104-9, the Quad Cities' CW, and the River Cities' Reader. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits will make 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 scheduled to open in early June, along with two new zip lines, a carousel, a 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 this June 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!

17 Apr 2013

RIVER BANDITS RALLY TO SPLIT TWIN BILL WITH CLINTON

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities keeps chance of winning series alive with 3-2 win in Game 2

DAVENPORT, Iowa (APRIL 16, 2013) - Having lost Game 1 of a doubleheader and been held to three hits through 11 innings against Clinton LumberKings pitching, the Quad Cities River Bandits awoke for a three-run rally in the fifth inning of Game 2 to take a 3-2, seven-inning win and split of Tuesday's action in front of 1,024 at Modern Woodmen Park.

LumberKings left-hander Scott DeCecco (0-1) allowed one hit and faced the minimum through 4 1/3 innings, but he issued a one-out walk to River Bandits designated hitter Rio Ruiz with one out in the fifth inning. Catcher Roberto Peña followed with a single, before right fielder Ariel Ovando grounded into a fielder's choice for the second out. With runners at first and third base and two outs, second baseman Austin Elkins - the newest River Bandit - lined an RBI single to right field to cut the lead to 2-1. One batter later, third baseman Ryan Dineen drove a go-ahead, two-run double to the gap in right-center field, making it 3-2.

River Bandits right-hander Michael Dimock (1-0) made the lead stand, as he tossed three perfect innings out of the bullpen and struck out four batters, including all three in the seventh and final inning. Dimock started the top of the fifth inning in relief of right-hander Daniel Minor, who allowed two runs on six hits, including a third-inning solo home run by left fielder Dario Pizzano. Minor walked two batters and struck out four.

DeCecco worked all six innings for the LumberKings (5-8), as he allowed five hits and three earned runs, walked two batters and struck out five. Clinton out-hit the River Bandits for a second consecutive game.

The River Bandits (8-3) had seven total hits in the two games but got a 2-for-3 performance in Game 2 from first baseman Jesse Wierzbicki.

The River Bandits play the series finale against the LumberKings on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Quad Cities will use a tandem of left-hander Colton Cain (0-0) and right-hander Mike Hauschild (0-0).

Tuesday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Wednesday, April 17. 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 Wednesday, April 17.

 

UP NEXT: The first Pay Your Bill Wednesday presented by U.S. Bank and Mix 96 will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. Two fans will have their bills selected from a drawing and paid up to $100 by the River Bandits. The River Bandits will hold a drawing to win Chicago Blackhawks tickets. It is also West Liberty Community Night. 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 will make 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 scheduled to open in early June, along with two new zip lines, a carousel, a 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 this June 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!

*****
17 Apr 2013

RIVER BANDITS TO HONOR VICTIMS OF BOSTON TRAGEDY

By Marco LaNave

Team will hold a moment of silence, offer ticket specials for race runners at Wednesday game

DAVENPORT, Iowa (APRIL 16, 2013) - The Quad Cities River Bandits will honor the victims of Monday's tragedy at the Boston Marathon at their game Wednesday evening against the Clinton LumberKings at Modern Woodmen Park.

As a tribute and expression of sympathy, thoughts and prayers for those who lost their lives and suffered injuries, and all those impacted by the tragedy on Monday in Boston,  the River Bandits will hold a moment of silence prior to their 7 p.m. start time against Clinton.

"Everyone with the River Bandits is deeply saddened by the tragic events in Boston," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "We want to honor them, their families, the remarkable bravery of Boston's citizens and its first responders, and all runners around the world who refuse to be intimidated by cowardly terrorists with this tribute."

In addition to Wednesday's moment of silence, the team will offer free admission to anyone wearing an official T-shirt from the April 6 Bandits Race to Home 5K presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics. Anyone wearing an official T-shirt from any other Quad Cities-area race can receive half off the price of a ticket to Wednesday's game. All guests must go to the River Bandits box office for the ticket offer.

"The River Bandits season began with a tremendous celebration of the Quad Cities and everyone in the running community, and we want to show our support for them and all those impacted by the tragedy in Boston," said River Bandits General Manager Harold Craw. "In a small way, we hope Wednesday can express our sympathy and solidarity with those affected by Monday's events."

UP NEXT: The first Pay Your Bill Wednesday presented by U.S. Bank and Mix 96 will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. Two fans will have their bills selected from a drawing and paid up to $100 by the River Bandits. The River Bandits will hold a drawing to win Chicago Blackhawks tickets. It is also West Liberty Community Night. 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.

16 Apr 2013

ROSTER UPDATE: Quad Cities River Bandits April 16, 2013

By Marco LaNave
  • Chase Davidson activated from Quad Cities Temporary Inactive List.
  • Carlos Perdomo transferred from Quad Cities to Lancaster.
  • Joe Bircher transferred from Quad Cities to Extended Spring Training.
  • Austin Elkins transferred from Extended Spring Training to Quad Cities.
15 Apr 2013

BANDITS BATS COME ALIVE IN FIRST HOME WIN

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities and Peoria exchange lead four times in second meeting

DAVENPORT, Iowa (APRIL 13, 2013) - For the first time during the 2013 campaign, the River Bandits were beat to the scoreboard by an opponent, but they were able to secure an 8-6 victory over the Peoria Chiefs for their first home win of the season on Saturday night in front of 1,391 at Modern Woodmen Park.

The Chiefs (4-4) got on the board behind a trio of former River Bandits in the second off Quad Cities starter Jordan Jankowski. Center fielder Nick Martini, catcher Geoff Klein and right fielder Michael Swinson provided RBI singles against their former team to give Peoria the lead at 3-0.

The Bandits' bats came alive in the third to take the lead against former River Bandit left-hander Dail Villanueva. Left fielder Jordan Scott walked, shortstop Carlos Perdomo reached on an error, and center fielder Teoscar Hernandez singled to extend a six-game hitting streak and load the bases. Second baseman Joe Sclafani followed with a sacrifice fly to right. First baseman Jesse Wierzbicki then wrapped a two-run, game-tying triple down the line in right to score Perdomo and Hernandez. Wierzbicki scored the go-ahead run on a fielder's choice off the bat of third baseman Rio Ruiz. Villanueva gave up two earned runs on three hits in three innings

Jankowski lasted one out into the next inning, giving the ball to right-hander Gera Sanchez, who pitched 1 2/3 shutout innings to bridge the gap to left-hander Brian Holmes (1-0), schedule to pitch in the tandem Saturday night.

Holmes had a shaky start in the sixth, with two hit batters and a two-run double by Chiefs designated hitter Ildemaro Vargas that made it 5-4. Two batters later, left fielder Breyvic Valera would slice a triple down the line in right to drive in Vargas for a 6-4 Peoria lead.

In the bottom half, the River Bandits rallied for the lead. Backstop Jobduan Morales singled, and a one-out single by Scott was misplayed by Valera to allow runners to second and third. Morales raced home uncontested on a passed ball by Klein. Shortstop Carlos Perdomo then walked to chase right-hander Jhonny Polanco (0-1). Right-hander Zach Petrick entered to face left fielder Ryan Dineen, who pushed a bunt back to the mound to tie the game. After second baseman Joe Sclafani singled, Wierzbicki struck out swinging, but Klein threw wild to first base for the put out, allowing Dineen to score the go-ahead run for a 7-6 advantage.

Perdomo, with help from the Chiefs defense, tacked on an insurance run in the eighth.  The Venezuelan singled, stole second, advanced to third when Klein overthrew second, and then scored when Martini's throw to third was wild. Holmes hardly needed the insurance, as he retired the final 10 batters of the game to finish four innings and earn the victory, which also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Sunday, April 14. 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, April 14.

The River Bandits' scoring of at least seven runs activates the "Lucky Seven Run" promotion, as American TV & Appliance at 4800 Elmore Avenue in Davenport will offer a 40% discount on all furniture Sunday, April 14. The store is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

The River Bandits and Chiefs will play the series finale Sunday at Modern Woodmen Park at 2 p.m. Vincent Velasquez (1-0) and Joe Bircher (1-0) will toe the rubber for Quad Cities against former River Bandit Tyrell Jenkins (0-0) of Peoria.

UP NEXT: The River Bandits will present their first-ever Flat Screen Family Sunday promotion, when the club will be giving away three flat screen TVs to lucky fans. Fans are invited to bring their family canine to the game as the Bark in the Park promotion returns to Modern Woodmen Park, and Kids can also run the bases after the 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.

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