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Swing fall short in ninth-inning rally

August 7, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1) - Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


The Swing of the Quad Cities scored twice and put the potential game-tying run in scoring position in the bottom of the ninth inning on Monday night, but it proved to be too little too late as they fell to the Clinton LumberKings, 4-3, at John O'Donnell Stadium. Despite rebounding from a tough first inning, Trey Hearne took the loss to end his personal six-game winning streak.

Quad Cities (26-18, 60-52) dropped out of first place after the defeat, falling to a half-game behind Kane County after the Cougars picked up a win at home against Peoria. Clinton (12-33, 35-79) received a strong outing from starter Jake Rasner, who has now beaten the Swing twice this season despite leading the Midwest League with 13 losses.

Trailing 4-1 in the bottom of the ninth, Daniel Nelson drew a walk to start a late Swing rally. He moved to second on a wild pitch, and third on a one-out single by Daryl Jones, putting him in position to score when Shane Robinson bounced a single through the left side of the infield that left runners on the corners. After a pitching change, Casey Rowlett's sacrifice fly brought the Swing to within one run, and things really got interesting when Robinson stole second. After a walk to Jon Jay, Mark Hamilton drove a ball the other way that appeared ticketed for the gap in left-center. But there was enough air under it to allow John Mayberry to run under it, preserving the LumberKings' 4-3 lead and ending the game.

Quad Cities headed into that two-run, two-hit ninth inning having scattered five hits and scored just once through the game's first eight innings. Clinton jumped on top early, and led the ballgame from start to finish.

In the top of the first inning Trey Hearne retired the first two batters he faced without incident, but then the LumberKings mounted a two-out rally. Grant Gerrard singled on a low line drive to right field, and men were at second and third after Mayberry ripped a double down the left field line. Both runners came home one batter later when a two-run single by Chris Kemp gave Clinton a 2-0 lead.

The Swing cut into that two-run deficit in the bottom of the second inning, as Tyler Greene and Bryan Anderson each singled with one out to put men on first and second. With two away Chad Gabriel slapped a single to left-center, plating Greene to pull Quad Cities to within 2-1.

Clinton added single runs in the eighth and ninth to extend their advantage. After falling behind the first hitter he faced in the eighth, Danny Borne's 3-1 pitch was turned on by Matt Smith and lifted over the right field fence, just the first home run given up by Borne this season. One inning later John Whittleman reached base on a one-out walk issued by Matt Trent. After advancing to third on a pair of wild pitches, he trotted home on Ben Crabtree's single for what turned out to be the game-winning run and a 4-1 edge.

Hearne (9-3) gave up two runs on three hits in the first inning, but settled down to hold the LumberKings to just one hit the rest of the way and none after the second inning. His seven frames of work included two runs on four hits, one walk, and three strikeouts, but Clinton's second-inning rally was enough to bring his personal six-game winning streak to a halt.

Rasner (5-13) got the win for the LumberKings, holding Quad Cities to one run on five hits over six innings. He struck out three and walked one, and has beaten the Swing both times he has faced them in 2006. Rasner entered the contest having lost 10 of his last 11 decisions, including five in a row. Josh Giles (2) earned the save by picking up the last two outs of the ninth inning.

UP NEXT: The Swing of the Quad Cities will continue their series with the Clinton LumberKings on Tuesday night, as RHP Donnie Smith (1-1, 4.91) will get the start against LHP Zach Phillips (3-10, 5.97). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. and coverage on Progressive Talk AM-1270 will begin at 6:45 p.m.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS: Tasty Tuesday is coming to John O'Donnell Stadium, as fans will have the opportunity to sample beers from area breweries and vote on their favorite ales. Thursday will be a Pluckers/97 Rock Thirsty Thursday. If you like free T-shirts, come to the ballpark early on Friday, August 11, to take advantage of an i-wireless/KWQC/River 104.9 giveaway. The best promotion of the bunch might be on Saturday, August 12, when the first 500 fans will receive baseballs autographed by past and present major leaguers as well as Swing players, and there will be a Cardinals' jersey auction after the game. A KWQC/WKBF fireworks show will follow the game. Bring your pups out to the homestand finale on Sunday, August 13, which will be Dog Day sponsored by Happy Dog Bakery as well as a Mix 96 Family Fun Day and DHCU Customer Appreciation Day.


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