Elkins finishes a home run shy of the cycle as Quad Cities reduces playoff magic number to 1
BURLINGTON, Iowa (AUG. 24, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits left-handers Brian Holmes and Mitchell Lambson combined to allow one run on six hits, while left fielder Danry Vasquez and second baseman Austin Elkins each had three hits in a 4-1 victory over the Burlington Bees Saturday night at Community Field.
Quad Cities (36-24 second half, 74-55 overall) won its third straight game and remained 4 ½ games behind first-place Cedar Rapids (41-20, 81-48) in the Midwest League Western Division second-half standings. With a loss by the Peoria Chiefs Saturday and nine games remaining in the regular season, the River Bandits can clinch a second-half playoff spot with one victory or one Peoria Chiefs loss.
The River Bandits took the lead in the first inning against Bees right-hander Pat Lowery (4-9). Shortstop Carlos Correa drew a two-out walk, and Vasquez singled, before first baseman Bobby Borchering lined an RBI single down the right-field line.
Holmes (5-3) allowed the Bees' only run in the first inning, as shortstop Angel Rosa lifted a deep solo home run down the left-field line with two outs. Holmes went on to scatter a total of six hits and one walk with five strikeouts while pitching six innings for the third time in four starts. Burlington only advanced two runners as far as second base after the first inning.
Quad Cities quickly retook the lead in the second inning, as Elkins drove a triple to the warning track in right field to start a day that ended with him a home run shy of the cycle. Catcher Roberto Pena grounded a ball that was bobbled by third baseman Garrett Cannizaro, allowing the go-ahead run to score.
The visitors added on in the third inning, as Vasquez hit leadoff single, Borchering was hit by a pitch, and third baseman Rio Ruiz hit an RBI double to left-center field for a 3-1 lead. After Lowery struck out Elkins, Pena and right fielder Jordan Scott drew consecutive walks to bring in a run. It ended Lowery's night after 2 1/3 innings in which he allowed four earned runs on six hits, three walks and one hit batter with three strikeouts. Bees right-hander Daniel Hurtado got the last two outs of the third and pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings. The Bees used four relievers to shut out the River Bandits for 6 1/3 innings. Quad Cities left 14 runners on base.
Lambson started the seventh with a 4-1 lead and struck out six of the first seven batters he faced. After hitting designated hitter Exicardo Cayones with a pitch, he retired the last two batters on a lineout to right field and popup to first base for his first save of the season.
Saturday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount Sunday, Aug. 25. 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. 25. Quad Cities continues its series in Burlington at 2:00 p.m. Sunday. River Bandits right-hander Mark Appel (2-1) will start against Bees left-hander Tyler DeLoach (5-4).
UP NEXT: The River Bandits' final homestand of the regular season kicks off Saturday, Aug. 31, with a Dallas Clark Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Barrel House 211 and CBS4 when gates open at 5:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. game. Fireworks will also follow 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.
