MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Bandits' Run of Solid Starting Snapped by Beloit in 8-2 Loss

Published on August 20, 2012 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 20, 2012) - Quad Cities River Bandits left-hander Hector Hernandez had his shortest start of the season, lasting 2 2/3 innings in which he allowed seven runs to the Beloit Snappers, who took an 8-2 victory over the home team Monday night in front of 2,281 at Modern Woodmen Park.

Beloit (29-27 second half, 68-58 overall) took the lead with a three-run second inning against Hernandez (7-6). Snappers first baseman Kennys Vargas and designated hitter Drew Leachman began the inning with consecutive singles to left field. Second baseman Stephen Wickens then placed a bunt down the third-base line that third baseman Stephen Piscotty threw past first base for an error, allowing Vargas to score. With runners at second and third base, Hernandez then committed a balk to bring in Leachman for the second run. Hernandez later issued consecutive one-out walks to shortstop Tyler Grimes and right fielder Nate Roberts. With the bases loaded, Hernandez was called for a second balk that brought in Wickens to make it 3-0.

Hernandez got the final two outs with the bases loaded in the second inning but ran into more trouble in the third. Vargas again led off with a single, and with one out, Wickens' ground ball was bobbled by River Bandits second baseman Luis Mateo. Catcher Matt Koch followed with a run-scoring double to center field - Koch's 12th RBI in nine games against Quad Cities. After Hernandez struck out Grimes, he gave up a two-run double to left field by Roberts for a 6-0 Beloit advantage. A double by left fielder A.J. Pettersen ended the night for the River Bandits starter with a 7-0 deficit.

Hernandez gave up seven hits and seven runs - three earned - with two walks and five strikeouts. He had thrown at least five innings in each of his last six starts. His first two balks of the season made him the first River Bandits pitcher with as many in one game this season.

Right-hander Cole Johnson (2-1) was sharp in his third start with the Snappers, as he allowed just two hits in a season-high five shutout innings. He walked one batter, got his first five outs on strikeouts and finished the night with seven strikeouts.

The River Bandits (27-29 second half, 62-63 overall) didn't do much more in the sixth and seventh innings against left-handed reliever Steven Gruver. But in the eighth inning, designated hitter Colin Walsh and Piscotty hit consecutive one-out singles, with the latter extending his hitting streak to a season-high nine games. Both of them scored on a double to right-center field by first baseman David Medina that put the River Bandits on the board to make it 7-2.

Snappers left-hander Mason Melotakis came in with two outs in the eighth inning and struck out the final four batters of the game. The two teams combined for 27 strikeouts - matching the season high by the River Bandits and an opponent. Every Quad Cities starter was retired on at least one of the 13 strikeouts that matched the team's season high.

After winning twice before Monday's loss, Quad Cities is looking to win its first series against the Snappers this season at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Right-hander Brad Watson (3-2) will start against left-hander Jason Wheeler (13-5), who leads the Midwest League in wins.

UP NEXT: All regular tickets are buy-one-get-one free to the River Bandits' 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21. Fans who bring an empty Mountain Dew can or bottle to the ballpark will receive a voucher for a soda upon entry on a Dew for Twosday presented by Pepsi, CBS4, WOC and Q106.5. It's also Outdoor Night with many themed prizes to be given away.Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-322-6348 (563-3-BANDIT) 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.

Check out the Quad Cities River Bandits Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Midwest League Stories from August 20, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central