Quad Cities has first seven-game winning streak in the regular season since May 30-June 5, 2007
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AUG. 3, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits second baseman Austin "Catfish" Elkins came within a double of the cycle, shortstop Carlos Correa had four hits and left-hander Joe Bircher went seven strong innings for a second straight start to lead the River Bandits' to a 5-2 win over the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium Saturday night.
Quad Cities (25-15 second half, 63-46 overall) won its seventh straight game for the Midwest League club's longest regular season winning streak since May 30-June 5, 2007. The River Bandits had 11 hits combined with four Cedar Rapids errors to pull within one-half game of the Kernels (26-15, 66-43) in the second-half Western Division standings.
In the first inning, Kernels left-hander Mason Melotakis (9-4) allowed consecutive two-out singles by Correa and right fielder Dan Gulbransen - who extended his hitting streak to 11 games - before escaping without a River Bandits run. In the second inning, however, first baseman Terrell Joyce singled to right field with one out and went to second base on a groundout. Elkins then grounded to shortstop Niko Goodrum, who allowed the ball to get through him, and Joyce came around to score.
Melotakis allowed at least two baserunners in each of the first four innings, but Quad Cities didn't extend the lead until the fourth inning. Joyce reached on an error by third baseman Travis Harrison, and Blasik and Elkins each placed bunt singles to the third-base side. With the bases loaded, Melotakis fanned center fielder Teoscar Hernandez, but left fielder Danry Vasquez singled to left field for a 2-0 lead. Correa then grounded a single up the middle to plate two runs, and went to second when Vasquez was caught in a rundown.
Meanwhile Bircher (3-1) retired the first seven Kernels of the game before a third-inning, one-out single by catcher Michael Quesada. Goodrum doubled leading off the fourth inning and scored on a sacrifice fly by right fielder Adam Brett Walker. Following Goodrum's hit, Bircher retired 12 of the final 13 batters he faced, with the only batter reaching on a sixth-inning error by Correa.
Elkins homered with one out in the sixth inning off right-hander Dallas Gallant, who worked one inning before right-hander Tim Shibuya held Quad Cities scoreless for the final three innings.
Trailing 5-1, the Kernels made noise in the eighth inning against right-hander Jamaine Cotton, who walked two batters and allowed two this to load the bases and bring in a run. Right-hander Gera Sanchez came in with a three-run lead and two outs to fan Walker and end the Kernels best threat. In the ninth inning, River Bandits right-hander Jordan Jankowski gave up consecutive singles before getting the final three outs - including the last two on strikeouts - for his fifth save.
Saturday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Sunday, Aug. 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 Sunday, Aug. 4. The River Bandits continue a four-game series in Cedar Rapids at 2:05 p.m. Sunday.
UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is a nominee for the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the 2013 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, and fans can vote once per day at 10Best.com until the winner is announced Aug. 14. The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park Wednesday, Aug. 7. 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.
