26 Jun 2015

BANDITS ANNOUNCE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

By Marco LaNave
Scholars Program to pay first years of tuition at University of Iowa, Western Illinois University

DAVENPORT, Iowa (June 21, 2015) - The Quad Cities River Bandits awarded their two annual Bandit Scholarships at their game Sunday afternoon. River Bandits owner Dave Heller announced David Tra as the winner of the Bandit Scholarship for the University of Iowa, and Matthew Wieskamp as the winner of the Bandit Scholarship for Western Illinois University.

Tra, a Davenport native and Davenport West High School graduate, will attend the University of Iowa this fall. Wieskamp, a Muscatine, Iowa, native and Muscatine High School graduate, will attend Western Illinois University. Each scholarship ensures the student's first year of tuition will be covered at no expense to them or their families. The Bandit Scholarships are administered by the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend (CFGRB).

"Giving out these scholarships is the single most enjoyable thing I do as owner of the River Bandits, and I am so proud, on behalf of the team, and the Communtiy Foundation of the Great River Bend, to present these scholarships to a two recipients," said team owner Dave Heller. "David and Matthew have demonstrated incredible talent, hard work, dedication and a passion for community service, and I am confident they will be outstanding representatives of our Bandit Scholars Program and the Quad Cities in their immensely promising futures."

Tra hopes to pursue an engineering degree. He has begun taking college-level engineering classes and has been involved in Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam, National Honor Society, Youth Symphony Orchestra, High School Varsity Orchestra, Asian club, Leo club, ecology club, cross country, golf, tennis, and track, as well as working at Hy-Vee.

Wieskamp hopes to pursue a pre-physical therapy curriculum and biology degree, as well as a minor in business, to become a physical therapist. In high school, he has been involved with National Honor Society, baseball, basketball, football and track.

"It's an honor to be the recipient of the Bandit Scholarship," Wieskamp said. "This scholarship will help me to achieve my goal of becoming a physical therapist in the future. Thank you, and go Bandits!"

The Bandit Scholars Program was founded in 2009 by the Quad Cities River Bandits' team owners Dave Heller and Bob Herrfeldt. The program pays the entire first year of college tuition for two Quad Cities area students. Both winners also receive a summer internship with the Quad Cities River Bandits following their freshman year. , and recipients are selected by a committee made up of community leaders, River Bandits' ownership and staff and CFGRB volunteers.

The scholarships are funded by fan donations and fund-raising efforts by the River Bandits and the team's ownership. Fundraising events include the annual Bandits Race to Home 5K and River Bandits golf outing, set for July 27 this season. Through the partnership with the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, donors can make online, tax-deductible donations to the Bandit Scholars Program by going to www.cfgrb.org. Fans can also visit the Bandit Scholars Program page on the team's website, www.riverbandits.com, and follow a link to the Bandit Scholars page on the Foundation's website.

Both scholarships are open to current high school (or home-schooled) seniors who reside in any of the following counties: Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside Counties on the Illinois side, and Cedar, Louisa, Muscatine and Scott Counties on the Iowa side.

26 Jun 2015

FANS CAN SUBMIT PHOTOS FOR STAND UP TO CANCER JERSEYS

By Marco LaNave
River Bandits will wear jerseys July 10 to be auctioned to benefit Genesis Center for Breast Health
DAVENPORT, Iowa (June 20, 2015) - When the Quad Cities River Bandits hold their Stand Up To Cancer Night presented by Genesis Health System at Modern Woodmen Park July 10, they will recognize and stand in a special way with those fighting cancer. The team will wear jerseys with numbers assembled from fan-submitted photos of loved ones who are fighting, or have fought, cancer. The jerseys will be auctioned that night, with all of the proceeds going to Genesis Center for Breast Health.
From now until Friday, June 26, fans may submit photos and nominations of their loved ones. Fans are asked to email bandit@riverbandits.com to submit a photo and a one-paragraph story about the family member or friend who is fighting or has fought cancer. From the nominations, 100 photos will be selected to include in the numbers worn on the River Bandits' jerseys on Friday, July 10.
The night the River Bandits wear the photo jerseys is also themed as Superhero Night with postgame Friday Fireworks presented by Smart Toyota of the Quad Cities, WLLR and WQAD. The jerseys will be auctioned at the game, with all proceeds going to Genesis Center for Breast Health.
"Those who fight cancer are true superheroes, and the River Bandits and Genesis Health System will prove on Stand Up To Cancer Night that no one fights cancer alone," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "We invite the entire Quad Cities community to join us in creating the photo jerseys to honor the individuals and families who have bravely fought and are still fighting cancer."
Stand Up To Cancer Night July 10 will mark the fourth straight season the River Bandits have worn photo jerseys to be auctioned for charity. Three years ago, the River Bandits became the first U.S. professional sports team to hold a photo jersey auction, and in 2013, the promotion was recognized with the annual Golden Bobblehead Award for the Best Charity Promotion or Event in Minor League Baseball.
"The photo jersey auction is always a highlight of the summer, as it gives a unique opportunity to our fans to make their mark on the game that night," said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "We hope everyone contributing photos and those at the ballpark on July 10 will help us continue to make this special promotion benefit a great cause."
All nominations must be submitted by Friday, June 26, to bandit@riverbandits.com.
17 Jun 2015

BANDITS LOSE ON 11TH-INNING, WALK-OFF HIT BATTER

By Marco LaNave
Clinton snaps league record-tying 15-game losing streak with 6-5, 11-inning win in series opener
CLINTON, Iowa (June 17, 2015) -  Clinton second baseman Chris Mariscal drove in two runs and was 3-for-6, including a one-out triple in the bottom of the 11th inning, and scored the game-winning run on a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch of third baseman Joe DeCarlo, as the Quad Cities River Bandits dropped a 6-5 series opener in 11 innings to the LumberKings Tuesday night at Ashford University Field.
The win for the LumberKings (24-40) snapped a 15-game losing streak. The Bandits' loss, coupled with a Cedar Rapids win at home over Burlington, kept Quad Cities' magic number (combination of Quad Cities wins and Cedar Rapids losses) needed to clinch the first-half Western Division title at two. Cedar Rapids (39-26) clinched a playoff berth Tuesday, meaning that the River Bandits (41-22) and Kernels will face each other in a best-of-three Western Division semifinal in the Midwest League playoff beginning Wednesday, Sept. 9.
On Tuesday, with one-out in the 11th inning, Mariscal hit a ball off the end of the bat to the right field corner and was able to race all the way to third base. Electing to play for a force out at each base, the River Bandits had reliever Eric Peterson (2-3) intentionally walk right fielder Estarlyn Morales and first baseman Taylor Zeutenhorst to load the bases. However, an 0-1 pitch from Peterson hit DeCarlo on the left side to end the game and spare Clinton of posting the longest losing streak in Midwest League history.
Clinton got out to an early start against River Bandits starter Brandon McNitt, scoring twice in each of the first two innings. Center fielder Arby Fields walked to lead off the bottom of the first, and advanced to third base on back-to-back wild pitches with catcher Wayne Taylor batting. After Taylor walked and stole second base, Mariscal drove in both runners with a double to right field.
In the second inning, designated hitter Martin Peguero singled to start the frame, and moved up to second base when shortstop Luis Caballero was hit by a pitch. The runners each advanced a base on a sacrifice bunt by Fields, and then scored on a double by Taylor to right field to make the score 4-0. McNitt finished three innings, allowing five runs on five hits and walking three batters.
In the top of the third inning, the River Bandits staged their comeback against Clinton starter Jeffeson Medina, beginning with a leadoff single by center fielder Bobby Boyd. Second baseman Luis Reynoso reached on a fielding error by DeCarlo, and catcher Jamie Ritchie walked to load the bases for left fielder Jason Martin, who beat out a relay throw to first that would have otherwise been a double play. That set the stage for designated hitter Jacob Nottingham, who homered for a second straight game, sending a 2-2 delivery from Medina deep beyond the left field fence, tying the game, 4-4.
The game remained tied into the seventh inning. The bullpens for each team were strong; Aaron Greenwood for the River Bandits and Jarrett Brown of Clinton were the first relief pitchers for each side and combined to throw 6 2/3 innings and allow just one run. That run came in the top of the seventh and allowed Quad Cities to tie the game, 5-5. With one out in the inning, Brown walked Ritchie and Martin consecutively and allowed a single by Nottingham to load the bases. Third baseman Nick Tanielu fouled off four straight pitches before being retired on an infield fly. With two outs, first baseman Ryan Bottger coaxed one last walk out of Brown, who allowed four in
The two teams traded chances over the next three-plus innings, including a two-on, one-out situation in the bottom of the eighth by Clinton, and a bases-loaded, one-out opportunity in the top of the 11th for the River Bandits.
The two teams play in the second game of the series Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Jorge Perez (1-0, 5.40 ERA) will throw for the River Bandits, facing Pat Peterson (4-4, 4.66 ERA) of the LumberKings.
UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is hosting a Father's Day Cookout for the 1:15 p.m. game Sunday, June 21. Call 563-324-3000 to order a package that includes a game ticket and access to the all-you-can-eat buffet in the Budweiser Champions Club. The day includes a Mega Mini-Fridge Giveaway presented by Budweiser and 7G Distributing and is a Family Sunday presented by B100 and ESPN 93.5. Individual tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office and online at riverbandits.com. Ticket plans of 12 to 70 games - which include free parking, reserved seats, merchandise discounts, and guaranteed giveaways - are available by calling 563-324-3000.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: With the installation of the Ferris Wheel, the River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931, and this year the club is matching that effort by opening three new areas. A two-tiered special group deck immediately behind and overlooking the corn field opens next week. A new 11,000-square-foot concourse expansion down the third-base line will open in July. Finally, the club is expanding the children's play area by an additional 5,500 square feet down the right-field line. New rides will be announced upon completion of these new areas.
17 Jun 2015

MODERN WOODMEN PARK TO HOST FREE BRIDAL OPEN HOUSE JULY 26

By Marco LaNave
Sunday afternoon will include door prizes, preferred vendors, appetizer samples, table displays, tours
DAVENPORT, Iowa (June 16, 2015) - Modern Woodmen Park's unique setting and accommodations have made it an increasingly popular venue for weddings and receptions in recent years. Now the ballpark will give couples planning their weddings a unique opportunity to see and experience what its staff and year-round event areas have to offer during a free Bridal Open House July 26.
From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, guests at the Bridal Open House can enjoy door prizes, preferred vendors, appetizer samples, table displays, tours and more. Admission is complimentary, but a special treat is offered to brides who R.S.V.P. by calling 563-324-3000 or emailing stevie@riverbandits.com.
"Each year, Modern Woodmen Park accommodates dozens of couples' entire wedding day and celebration, and the outstanding hospitality of our special events staff ensures it is a memorable day for all of our guests," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "With the Bridal Open House next month, our staff will prove that once you find the right person, we can deliver you the right venue!"
Among the preferred vendors who will be at the Sunday, July 26, event are: Sas DJs, I DO Events- Quad Cities, Lovejunk Photography, Pink Haze Designs, ShutterBooth Eastern Iowa, Michelle Quinn Studios, Best Days Photography, Ducky's Formal Wear Moline, Hope's Bridal Boutique and Johannes Bus Service Inc.
UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is hosting a Father's Day Cookout for the 1:15 p.m. game Sunday, June 21. Call 563-324-3000 to order a package that includes a game ticket and access to the all-you-can-eat buffet in the Budweiser Champions Club. The day includes a Mega Mini-Fridge Giveaway presented by Budweiser and 7G Distributing and is a Family Sunday presented by B100 and ESPN 93.5. Individual tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office and online at riverbandits.com. Ticket plans of 12 to 70 games - which include free parking, reserved seats, merchandise discounts, and guaranteed giveaways - are available by calling 563-324-3000.
16 Jun 2015

BANDITS AND LOONS TIE IN SUSPENDED SERIES FINALE

By Marco LaNave
Teams' final meeting this season will not be resumed, marking Quad Cities' first official suspended tie since 2003
DAVENPORT, Iowa (June 15, 2015) - Quad Cities River Bandits All-Star catcher Jacob Nottingham hit his ninth home run of the season, and right-hander Akeem Bostick struck out seven batters, including the final five he faced, but rain and inclement weather suspended the rubber match with the Great Lakes Loons in a 3-3 tie through six innings at Modern Woodmen Park Monday afternoon.
Although the game will not be resumed, the game was an official one, which means all statistics will be recorded, although each team's win-loss record remains unchanged. The game was the first official suspended tie for Quad Cities since April 30, 2003, when the club had its game in Beloit suspended in a 4-4 tie in the bottom of the 11th inning.
Great Lakes (35-27) got going immediately, as center fielder Alex Verdugo reached on a throwing error by River Bandits second baseman Thomas Lindauer to start the game. With designated hitter Alex Santana batting, Verdugo advanced to second on a wild pitch by Bostick and then scored on a base hit by Santana to give the Loons the early one run advantage.
The lead was short-lived, as the River Bandits (41-21) struck back against Loons starter Kevin Guzman in the bottom of the first inning. Designated hitter Jason Martin led off by drawing a walk, followed by Nottingham's home run - a mammoth blast to left field that was hit an estimated 426 feet from home plate and landed close to the base of the Ferris wheel.
Great Lakes tied the game in the second inning on a leadoff homerun by catcher Julian Leon, who hit his first of the season over the Modern Woodmen Berm in left field. The Loons added another one in the third on a two-out sacrifice fly by Santana, scoring Verdugo who reached on an error by shortstop Kristian Trompiz to start the inning and advanced to third on a single by first baseman Justin Chigbogu.
River Bandits left fielder Sean McMullen led off the bottom of the fourth inning with a double, and Trompiz bunted McMullen over to third base. Right fielder Ramon Laureano then hit a fly ball to right field that was caught by Federico Celli, allowing McMullen to tag up and score, tying the game at three.
The starting pitchers each went all six innings and faced a combined one batter over the minimum in the fifth and sixth innings. Bostick struck out the final five Loons batters he faced to match a career high with seven strikeouts. Guzman allowed a two-out single to McMullen in the bottom of the sixth inning before striking out Trompiz to end the inning.
After a rain delay of just over one hour, the game was called. The game was suspended because five innings had been completed, but the teams will not play each other for the rest of the regular season - and so will not have a chance to resume the contest.
The River Bandits open their final first-half road series at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Clinton. River Bandits right-hander Brandon McNitt (0-2) is scheduled to start the opener of a three-game series with the LumberKings.
UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is hosting a Father's Day Cookout for the 1:15 p.m. game Sunday, June 21. Call 563-324-3000 to order a package that includes a game ticket and access to the all-you-can-eat buffet in the Budweiser Champions Club. The day includes a Mega Mini-Fridge Giveaway presented by Budweiser and 7G Distributing and is a Family Sunday presented by B100 and ESPN 93.5. Individual tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office and online at riverbandits.com. Ticket plans of 12 to 70 games - which include free parking, reserved seats, merchandise discounts, and guaranteed giveaways - are available by calling 563-324-3000.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop'N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.
*****
16 Jun 2015

BANDITS CLINCH PLAYOFF SPOT AFTER DOUBLEHEADER SPLIT

By Marco LaNave
Kane County's loss to Fort Wayne Friday gave Quad Cities the first Midwest League playoff spot
DAVENPORT, Iowa (June 13, 2015) - The Quad Cities River Bandits broke a 1-1 tie with a season-high eight-run sixth inning for a 9-1, seven-inning win in Game 1 of a doubleheader, but the Lansing Lugnuts pitched a 2-0, eight-inning shutout in Game 2 in front of 3,565 at Modern Woodmen Park, briefly delaying Quad Cities' clinching of a playoff spot until Kane County's loss to Fort Wayne Friday night.
Quad Cities (40-20) became the first Midwest League team to clinch a playoff spot and qualified for the first time since winning the 2013 Midwest League Championship. This season marked the club's first first-half playoff spot since 2011 and its fourth playoff appearance in the last six seasons, which have included Midwest League titles in each of its last two playoff runs in 2011 and 2013.
With second-place Cedar Rapids (36-25) being swept by Great Lakes in a doubleheader Friday, the River Bandits' magic number (combination of Quad Cities wins and Cedar Rapids losses) needed to clinch the first-half Western Division title was reduced to five.
The River Bandits' two starting pitchers Friday - right-handers Brock Dykxhoorn (4-3) and Joshua James - combined to allow one run and strike out 17 batters in 13 innings. In winning Game 1, Dykxhoorn matched career highs with six innings and 10 strikeouts, while James had a no-decision in Game 2 despite matching a career high with seven strikeouts and setting a new career high with seven shutout innings.
10 Jun 2015

ASTROS SELECT BREGMAN, TUCKER WITH SECOND AND FIFTH OVERALL PICK

By Marco LaNave

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have selected shortstop Alex Bregman and outfielder Kyle Tucker with the second and fifth overall picks in the 2015 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

 

 

ALEX BREGMAN

Position: Shortstop

Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Height/Weight: 6-0/186

Age: 21

High School: Albuquerque Academy HS (NM)

College: LSU

Bregman is hitting .316 (77x244) with 16 doubles, six home runs, 47 RBI and 12 stolen bases in what is his junior season at LSU. The right-handed hitting shortstop has 27 walks and just 21 strikeouts for a .397 on-base percentage in his 63 games this season. He is the starting shortstop and number three hitter for the Tigers, who just advanced to the College World Series with a 6-3 win over Louisiana-Lafayette in the Super Regionals yesterday.

Bregman is one of four finalists for the 2015 Golden Spikes Award, which is given annually to the nation's top collegiate player, and is also a candidate for the Brooks Wallace Shortstop of the Year Award, which he also won as a freshman in 2013. He is a four-time USA Baseball National Team alum, as well as a First-Team All-SEC and First-Team All-American selection this season.

A native of Albuquerque, N.M., Bregman was drafted out of high school in the 29th round of the June 2012 draft by Boston, but opted to attend LSU.

 

KYLE TUCKER

Position: Outfielder

Bats/Throws: Left/Right

Height/Weight: 6-4/190

Age: 18

High School: Plant HS (FL)

Tucker hit .484 with 10 home runs, 27 RBI and 29 runs scored in his senior year at Plant High School in Tampa, Fla. The left-handed hitting outfielder was named the 2014-15 Gatorade Florida Baseball Player of the Year, an award also won by several standout Major Leaguers, including Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, David Price, Roy Halladay and the Astros own Lance McCullers.

Tucker is the younger brother of Astros outfielder Preston Tucker, who the Astros selected in the seventh round of the 2012 June Draft out of the University of Florida.

Taken fifth overall, Tucker is the highest outfielder drafted by the Astros in franchise history. Willie Ansley previously held that distinction as he was drafted by Houston with the seventh overall selection in the 1988 Draft.

Overall, Houston will make four total selections tonight, including the first pick in the Competitive Balance A Round (#37 overall), and the fourth pick in the second round (#46 overall). The Astros received the 37th overall pick in last year's trade with the Marlins that also netted Houston outfielder Jake Marisnick and two minor leaguers: right-handed pitcher Francis Martes and third baseman Colin Moran. Those selections are expected to be made at approximately 9:20 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. CT.

For those wishing to cover tonight's draft from Minute Maid Park, media can enter through the 1st base entrance with an Astros season credential. Media parking is available in the Diamond Lot or Lot A. Media that do not have a season credential with the Astros must request a daily pass through the Astros Media Relations department.

Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow and Astros Amateur Scouting Director Mike Elias will also be made available after their final selection tonight in the lobby of Union Station at Minute Maid Park at approximately 9:45 p.m.

After tonight, the draft will resume tomorrow (rounds 3-10) and Wednesday (rounds 11-40), with tomorrow's selections starting at noon CT and Wednesday's commencing at 11 a.m. CT. MLB.com will stream all 40 rounds of the 2015 Draft.

-ASTROS-

10 Jun 2015

$3.00 TICKETS CELEBRATE 300 QUAD CITIES MLB ALUMNI

By Marco LaNave
Carlos Correa's debut Monday makes him 300th player to appear for Midwest League franchise and MLB club

DAVENPORT, Iowa (June 8, 2015) - When shortstop Carlos Correa makes his major league debut for the Houston Astros in Chicago, he will become the 300th player to appear for both the Quad Cities Midwest League franchise and a major league team. To celebrate 300 Quad Cities major league alumni, $3.00 (300 pennies) will be the price of a general admission ticket to Wednesday's 7 p.m. River Bandits game at Modern Woodmen Park, where Correa led the team to a Midwest League Championship in 2013.

From a drawing during each of the nine innings of Wednesday's game, three lucky fans will win a Carlos Correa-signed baseball, three will win a Carlos Correa bobblehead, and three will win a 2013 Midwest League Champions pennant. For all fans, all-you-can-ride amusement passes are just $10 each for Wednesday's game.

The $3 tickets were announced Monday, when 3 was the River Bandits' magic number (combination of Quad Cities wins and losses by the third-place team in the Western Division) needed to clinch a playoff spot in the first half this season. The first-place River Bandits, who held baseball's best record at 39-18 through Sunday, will host the Lansing Lugnuts, the Eastern Divison first-place team Wednesday through Friday, in a series that is also a rematch of the 2011 Midwest League Championship Series.

"This Wednesday, our fans will score a triple play: they get a chance to win three great prizes, watch two first-place teams fight for playoff spots, and get great deals on tickets and amusement rides at Modern Woodmen Park," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "We always talk about how our fans can see the major league stars of tomorrow here at Modern Woodmen Park today. Well, this Wednesday, all you need is 300 pennies to see the club that has produced 300 major leaguers."

On Wednesday, gates open at 6 p.m. for a game themed as Jurassic Park Night. It is also Mack Orthodontics Patient Appreciation Night and a Pay Your Bill Wednesday presented by Mix 96. Two bills will be selected from a drawing and paid up to $100 by the River Bandits. IHMVCU members can save even more money, since they can get one free ticket for each ticket they purchase.

Correa will become the fourth former River Bandit to make his major league debut this season, joining Cody Stanley, Lance McCullers and Michael Feliz. Stanley, a catcher with the 2011 Midwest League Championship team, debuted for the St. Louis Cardinals May 18. McCullers, a Midwest League All-Star for the 2013 River Bandits, made his debut with Houston in May 18. Feliz, a River Bandits pitcher and All-Star Futures Game selection in 2014, made his debut for Houston May 31.

Attached to this release is the list of 300 major league players who have appeared for the Quad Cities Midwest League franchise.

UP NEXT: Gates open at 6 p.m. Wednesday for Jurassic Park Night, with all-you-can-ride amusement passes are just $10 each! The 7 p.m. game is Mack Orthodontics Patient Appreciation Night and a Pay Your Bill Wednesday presented by Mix 96. Two bills will be selected from a drawing and paid up to $100 by the River Bandits. IHMVCU members can get buy-one-get-one free tickets. Individual tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office and online at riverbandits.com. Ticket plans of 12 to 70 games - which include free parking, reserved seats, merchandise discounts, and guaranteed giveaways - are available by calling 563-324-3000.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931, and this year the club is matching that effort by opening three new areas in July: a new 11,000 s.f. concourse expansion down the third base line will open in July, as will a new two-tiered special group deck immediately behind and overlooking the corn field. Finally, the club is expanding the children's play area by an additional 5500 s.f. down the right field line. New rides will be announced upon completion of these new areas.

*****

08 Jun 2015

ASTROS SELECT CARLOS CORREA TO MAJOR LEAGUE ROSTER

By Marco LaNave

Shortstop to join club in Chicago tomorrow 

 

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have selected shortstop Carlos Correa to the Major League roster. He will join the club tomorrow in Chicago for the opener of the Astros three-game series against the White Sox. In a corresponding move, the Astros have optioned right-handed pitcher Jake Buchanan to Triple A Fresno. A subsequent move to the 40-man roster will be made prior to tomorrow night's game. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow.

Correa, 20, was hitting .335 (72x215) with 21 doubles, 10 home runs, 44 RBI and 18 stolen bases in his 53 games combined for Triple A Fresno and Double A Corpus Christi this season. Entering today, Correa led all of minor league baseball in extra-base hits (34) and in total bases (127), while sharing the minor league lead in doubles (21) and ranking second in slugging (.596).

"Carlos has performed extremely well at every level of our minor league system," said Luhnow. "We feel he has earned this promotion and look forward to him joining our ballclub. Since he is just 20 years old, we do not have unrealistic expectations of Carlos. However, his performance on the field and his maturity indicate that he is ready to contribute on the Major League level."

Correa, who is ranked by MLB.com as the No. 2 prospect in all of baseball, began his season at Corpus Christi before earning a promotion to Fresno on May 11. He started for the Grizzlies today and hit a walk off sacrifice fly to give Fresno a 15-14 win over Reno.

This season marks Correa's fourth as a professional since being drafted with the 1st overall pick in the 2012 draft out of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy. At just 20 years of age, Correa will be the youngest player in the Major Leagues and the youngest Astro to make his debut since right-handed pitcher Jordan Lyles debuted at 20 for the club in 2011.
08 Jun 2015

Highlights from the Bandits' Weekend Series

By Marco LaNave

BANDITS BASH CUBS EARLY TO EVEN SERIES

Quad Cities cuts its magic number to three to clinch a first-half playoff spot

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (June 7, 2015) - Quad Cities River Bandits All-Star third baseman Nick Tanielu homered among three hits while matching a career high with four RBIs, and four other River Bandits had two-hit games to help the visitors to a road trip-high 13 hits and an 8-3 win over the South Bend Cubs at Four Winds Field Sunday afternoon.

With the win, the River Bandits (39-18) reclaimed the best record in professional baseball. With a loss by Burlington (28-29) and Kane County (29-28) winning Sunday to move into third place, Quad Cities' magic number (combination of Quad Cities wins and losses by the Western Division's third-place team) needed to clinch a playoff spot was reduced to three. Quad Cities holds a head-to-head tiebreaker with Kane County. Second-place Cedar Rapids (35-22) also lost Sunday, so the River Bandits' Western Division lead grew to four games.

After rain delayed the game's first pitch 58 minutes, Quad Cities scored in the first inning for the third time in five games. Left fielder Jason Martin hit a one-out single to right field off Cubs right-hander Erick Leal (4-4), and All-Star catcher Jacob Nottingham (starting as the designated hitter Sunday) hit the first pitch he saw down the left-field line for a double to score Martin.

The lead grew in the third inning, as catcher Jamie Ritchie and Martin drew consecutive walks. Nottingham grounded into a fielder's choice, before Tanielu blasted a 2-0 offering from Leal over the left-field fence for his second Midwest League home run and a 4-0 lead.

A four-double fourth inning gave the River Bandits three more runs off Leal. Second baseman Kristian Trompiz hit a leadoff double but was thrown out at third base when he tried to advance on first baseman Ryan Bottger's flyout to right field. Center fielder Ramon Laureano hit a two-out double down the left-field line, before Ritchie hit an RBI double off the right-center field wall, and Martin grounded an RBI double down the first-base line. Nottingham added an RBI single to left field, scoring Martin for a 7-0 lead. Leal was charged with all seven earned runs on nine hits and two walks with two strikeouts in four innings.

The Cubs (26-30) never had the tying run on base and never brought the tying run to the plate after falling behind, 4-0, in the third inning. River Bandits right-hander Brandon McNitt retired the first nine batters of the game, before All-Star center fielder Charcer Burks singled to left field leading off the fourth inning. All-Star shortstop Gleyber Torres walked, and Burks went to third base when second baseman Andrew Ely flied out to right field. All-Star catcher Cael Brockmeyer (starting at first base Sunday) hit an RBI single to right-center field, sending Torres to third base to be able to score on third baseman Jason Vosler's sacrifice fly that made it 7-2. After a single by catcher Gioskar Amaya and walk to left fielder Kevin Encarnacion loaded the bases, McNitt got designated hitter David Bote to ground out.

After allowing two earned runs on three hits and two walks with two strikeouts in four innings, McNitt was relieved by left-hander Jordan Mills starting the fifth inning. Mills allowed a leadoff infield single by right fielder Jeffrey Baez and two-out single by Ely before finishing a scoreless inning. Right-hander Akeem Bostick (3-1) began the sixth inning and yielded a leadoff double to Vosler, who later scored on Bote's two-out single to left field. Bostick then retired 10 of the next 12 batters to finish the final four innings, allowing one earned run on three hits and one walk with six strikeouts.

From the South Bend bullpen, right-hander Ryan McNeil pitched three shutout innings and allowed one hits and one walk, and right-hander David Garner pitched a perfect eighth inning. Laureano broke a stretch of 13 hitless River Bandits batters with a leadoff single in the ninth inning. Ritchie singled, Nottingham walked with one out to load the bases, and Tanielu hit an RBI single to center field for an 8-3 lead.

The River Bandits conclude their season-long 10-game road stretch and their series in South Bend at 6:05 p.m. Central on Monday. River Bandits right-hander Austin Chrismon (4-1) is scheduled to face Cubs left-hander Tommy Thorpe (1-3) in the series rubber match.

UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is hosting a Father's Day Cookout for the 1:15 p.m. game Sunday, June 21. Call 563-324-3000 to order a package that includes a game ticket and access to the all-you-can-eat buffet in the Budweiser Champions Club. The day includes a Mega Mini-Fridge Giveaway presented by Budweiser and 7G Distributing and is a Family Sunday presented by B100 and ESPN 93.5. Individual tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office and online at riverbandits.com. Ticket plans of 12 to 70 games - which include free parking, reserved seats, merchandise discounts, and guaranteed giveaways - are available by calling 563-324-3000.

NULL PITCHES CUBS TO 2-1 WIN OVER BANDITS

With Burlington's loss Saturday, Quad Cities' magic number drops to five to clinch a playoff spot

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (June 6, 2015) - South Bend Cubs right-hander Jeremy Null allowed one run in six innings, while Cubs catcher Cael Brockmeyer hit a game-tying solo home run in the fourth inning, and second baseman Andrew Ely hit a go-ahead RBI single with two outs in the fifth inning of a 2-1 win over the Quad Cities River Bandits at Four Winds Field Saturday night.

Despite losing a series-opening game for the second time in 10 road series this season, the River Bandits (38-18) moved closer to a first-half playoff spot. Third-place Burlington (28-28) lost on Saturday at Great Lakes, which lowered Quad Cities' magic number (combination of Quad Cities wins and losses by the Western Division's third-place team) needed to clinch a first-half playoff spot to five. Second-place Cedar Rapids (35-21) also lost at West Michigan to remain three games behind Quad Cities in the Western Division first-half race.

Making his first start since being named to the Eastern Division All-Star team, Null (6-1) retired the first five batters of the game. River Bandits second baseman Kristian Trompiz extended his hitting streak to nine games with a two-out double to left field in the second inning but was stranded at second base when Null struck out first baseman Ryan Bottger. Right fielder Ramon Laureano led off the third inning with a single and went as far as third base with two outs but Null retired three in a row to end the inning.

In a scoreless game in the top of the fourth inning, River Bandits All-Star third baseman Nick Tanielu doubled to left field and went to third base when All-Star second baseman Mott Hyde (starting at shortstop Saturday) singled to left field. Trompiz hit a sacrifice fly to center field for the game's first run, and Bottger singled to move Hyde to second base, but Laureano grounded into an inning-ending fielder's choice. Null retired seven River Bandits in a row to finish his outing, allowing five hits and no walks with four strikeouts in six innings.

Before Brockmeyer's home run, River Bandits right-hander Francis Martes (0-1) did not allow a hit for his first 3 2/3 innings, extending the longest hitless streak by a Quad Cities pitcher this season to 8 1/3 innings. After Cubs All-Star center fielder Charcer Burks began the game reaching on an error by Trompiz, Martes got All-Star shortstop Gleyber Torres to ground to Trompiz for a double play. In the third inning, Martes walked two batters with one out but retired the next two Cubs, stranding runners at second and third bases in a scoreless game.

With two outs in the fourth inning, Brockmeyer - an All-Star catcher for the Eastern Division - sent a 2-1 pitch from Martes over the left-center field wall to tie the game, 1-1. Third baseman Jason Vosler doubled but was stranded at second base. In the fifth inning, right fielder Jeffrey Baez had a one-out bunt single, and Burks singled to right field to put runners at first and third bases. Torres then grounded back to Martes who threw to All-Star catcher Jacob Nottingham to tag out Baez at home plate. With runners at first and second bases in a 1-1 tie, Ely lined a single to left-center field, scoring Burks for a 2-1 Cubs lead. Martes was charged with two earned runs on five hits and two walks with two strikeouts in five innings.

River Bandits right-hander Christian Powell followed Martes with three shutout innings. He worked around a hit batter in the sixth inning and after walking two batters around a single by Vosler in the eighth inning, he struck out Hodges with the bases loaded to end the inning.

Against the Cubs bullpen, Quad Cities put a runner on base in each inning but could not score. Trompiz led off the seventh inning with a single against right-hander Francisco Carrillo, who retired the next three batters and stranded Trompiz at third base. Designated hitter Jamie Ritchie walked to chase Carrillo in the eighth inning and stole second base, but right-hander James Farris retired Nottingham and Tanielu on flyouts. Hyde's leadoff single in the ninth inning was erased on a double play as Farris went on to record five outs for his eighth save.

BANDITS TURN TIDE LATE TO TIP WHITECAPS

Quad Cities remains unbeaten in road series and reduces magic number to six to clinch a playoff spot

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (June 5, 2015) - With the Quad Cities River Bandits facing a 3-1 deficit in the eighth inning, right fielder Ryan Bottger hit a game-tying two-run single, and designated hitter Sean McMullen hit a ninth-inning, go-ahead RBI double to lead the visitors to a 4-3 win and series victory over the West Michigan Whitecaps at Fifth Third Ballpark Friday night.

Quad Cities (38-17) kept the best record in professional baseball and increased its lead to three game lead in the Midwest League Western Division over second-place Cedar Rapids (35-20), which lost in South Bend Friday night. The River Bandits' magic number (combination of Quad Cities wins and losses by the Western Division's third-place team) to clinch a first-half playoff spot is six.

The River Bandits scored first for the third straight game against West Michigan (27-28). Left fielder Jason Martin led off the game with a double to right-center field off Whitecaps right-hander Spenser Watkins. Catcher Jamie Ritchie's flyout to right field sent Martin to third base, and designated hitter Jacob Nottingham singled to left field to score Martin for a 1-0 lead. First baseman Nick Tanielu singled to center field to put runners at first and third bases, but Bottger grounded into an inning-ending double play.

Watkins settled in to retire 13 of 15 batters and finish five innings, allowing one earned run on five hits and no walks with three strikeouts. Following Watkins, left-hander Tyler Ford worked around a hit in both the sixth and seventh innings to strike out four batters in two scoreless innings. Quad Cities advanced two runners to second base - and none further - in the second through seventh innings.

River Bandits right-hander Joshua James held the 1-0 lead through the first five innings, stranding six Whitecaps base runners. He allowed his first hit with one out in the third inning, when shortstop Garrett Mattlage singled following a one-out walk to left fielder Austin Schotts. Center fielder Derek Hill singled to center field to load the bases with one out. But James struck out right fielder Ross Kivett and got  designated hitter Mike Gerber to ground back to the pitcher's mound to end the inning. In the fourth inning, James allowed a leadoff walk to second baseman Joey Pankake and single to center field by first baseman Will Kengor. A sacrifice by third baseman Zach Shepherd advanced both runners, but James struck out catcher Shane Zeile and got Schotts to ground out to preserve a 1-0 River Bandits lead.

James began the sixth inning by walking Pankake again, and Kengor singled to left field, sending Pankake to third base. James then walked Shepherd on four pitches, with the final one wild past catcher Jamie Ritchie to bring Pankake to the plate for the tying run. Right-hander Aaron Greenwood relieved James, and Zeile put down a sacrifice to advance Kengor and Shepherd, before Schotts grounded a two-run single into center field for a 3-1 West Michigan lead. All three earned runs were charged to James, who allowed five hits and four walks with five strikeouts. Greenwood finished one full inning, allowing one hit.

Quad Cities' game-tying rally began in the eighth inning against left-hander Gabe Speier, with Ritchie drawing a one-out walk, and Nottingham reaching when Shepherd dropped a ground ball. McMullen pinch ran for Nottingham, as right-hander Johan Belisario (1-2) entered to walk first baseman Nick Tanielu. Bottger then lined a single to right-center field, with Ritchie and McMullen scoring to tie the game. In the ninth, Belisario walked Martin and Ritchie with one out, and McMullen hit an inside pitch one foot inside the right-field line to score Martin for a 4-3 lead. Belisario was charged with one earned run on two hits and four walks with one strikeout in one inning.

River Bandits right-hander Angel Heredia (2-0) struck out three batters in three hitless relief innings to finish the win. The Whitecaps only managed consecutive walks to start the eighth inning, but Heredia caught a bunt popup by Zeile before striking out Schotts and Mattlage.

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