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 Quad Cities River Bandits

Bandits Run Away With Doubleheader Sweep

April 27, 2009 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


The Quad Cities River Bandits exploded for a season-high 17 runs in game two of Monday's doubleheader at Modern Woodmen Park, following a 4-2 win in the opener with a 17-7 rout in the second contest to sweep the twin bill over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

Quad Cities (9-7) improved to a season-high two games over .500 with their third straight win and will look to complete a series sweep on Tuesday night. Wisconsin (7-9) has either swept or been swept in each of their first four series' of the year.

After scoring three runs in the fifth inning of game one to come back for a 4-2 victory, the River Bandits busted out the sticks in game two, scoring in each of their first five innings. Charlie Cutler and Domnit Bolivar each collected three hits and a home run, while Cutler boasted a grand slam and five RBI.

Down 1-0, Quad Cities jumped all over Wisconsin starter Cody Scarpetta (0-1) in the bottom of the first - sending 12 men to the plate and chasing the starter after just two outs. Brett Lilley was hit by a pitch to start things off, while a double by Niko Vasquez and a walk to Chris Swauger loaded the bases. After Jon Edwards drew a walk to force in a run, Cutler's single to left-center made it 2-1. Later in the frame, Ryde Rodriguez checked in with a run-scoring single, an error allowed two more runs to cross the plate, and with men at the corners a balk pushed the River Bandits' lead to 6-1.

The score was 6-2 when Alex Castellanos added a two-run single in the second. After Wisconsin answered with two more runs in the top of the third inning, Jon Edwards belted a solo home run and Brian Buck chipped in with a two-run single in the bottom half to push the lead to 11-4.

The Timber Rattlers answered again with three runs in the next half inning, but Quad Cities put the game away with a big bottom of the fourth. After an error, a single and a walk loaded the bases with nobody out, Cutler turned on a 1-0 pitch and slugged a grand slam onto the right field berm. Four pitches later, Bolivar made it back-to-back jacks with a bomb to left that increased the lead to 16-7.

The River Bandits added an unearned run in the fifth to finish the scoring, while right-hander Kevin Thomas (1-0) did the rest. After Wisconsin had registered a run in each of their first four frames, the 22-year-old came out of the bullpen and tossed 3.1 scoreless innings. Thomas allowed singles to each of the first two batters he faced before mowing down the next 10 men in order to earn the win.

Earlier in the day, Quad Cities took the opener on the strength of a late-inning comeback.

The River Bandits initially struck first with a run in the opening frame, but Timber Rattlers' hurler Trey Watten (1-2) settled in from there. After allowing consecutive singles to start the game, the righty retired 11 of the next 12 men he faced and took a 2-1 lead into the fifth.

But Quad Cities got to Watten in the home half of the fifth. Edwards and Bolivar each battled to full counts and drew walks to start the rally, while Rodriguez chopped an RBI-double over the third baseman's head to tie the score. One out later, Brett Lilley swatted a two-run double that landed just past a diving Cutter Dykstra in deep left-center to give the River Bandits a 4-2 lead.

Adam Veres (1-0) picked up the win with three solid innings of relief, allowing one run on two hits while the Quad Cities offense rallied for the lead. Casey Mulligan (4) twirled a hitless seventh inning to convert his fourth save in as many tries, while starter Arquimedes Nieto was also strong with three innings of one-run work that included five strikeouts, two hits and no walks.

UP NEXT: The homestand continues with an Economic Stimulus Tuesday follows, featuring 2-for-1 tickets, FREE dinner for kids 12 and under, and a Snakes on a Field theme in honor of the visiting Wisconsin Timber Rattlers! The South Bend Silver Hawks come to town on Wednesday for Guaranteed Prize WINS-day presented by Rhythm City Casino, and fans will enjoy $2 draft beer and fountain Pepsi products on a Thirst-day Thursday. Lastly, the homestand will conclude with a Baseball Air Freshener Giveaway courtesy of Midas and a post-game fireworks extravaganza on a Fireworks Friday!

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Under new ownership and management in 2008, the Quad Cities River Bandits topped 207,000 fans for only the sixth time in team history and the first time in 12 years. Having recently completed one of the most successful seasons in the history of the franchise - and with a renewed dedication to fans, sponsors and the Quad Cities community - the return of the River Bandits has brought a resurgence of support for the team. BanditWear, season tickets and mini-plans, and individual game tickets are on sale for the 2009 season by calling (563) 3-BANDIT or heading to www.RiverBandits.com. But hurry - good seats are going fast!


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