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MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Ankiel's single keys eighth-inning rally

May 23, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


The Swing rallied for five runs in the eighth inning Monday night as Quad Cities defeated Lansing, 5-3, at John O'Donnell Stadium. Rick Ankiel started in right field and hit third in his Swing debut, driving in the tying run with a line drive single in the eighth. The win was the Swing's 10th in their last 11 games and, combined with Clinton's loss to Fort Wayne, moves Quad Cities within a half-game of the first-place LumberKings.

Quad Cities (26-17) waited until the eighth inning for the comeback, as Lansing (22-21) starter Kyle Yates remained in the ballgame with a 3-0 lead. Yates hit Brady Toops with a pitch with one away, and then walked Simon Williams before being relieved by Joey McLaughlin.

Matt Shepherd then drew a walk, loading the bases for pinch hitter Wes Swackhamer. The lefty barely tapped a bouncer to the right side, but Lugnuts catcher Curtis Thigpen could not handle the play at the plate, allowing the Swing to pull within 3-1, and keeping the bases juiced. With Ankiel at the plate all three runners advanced on a balk, and moments later the former pitcher followed with his first hit of the day, an RBI single through the right side that tied the game, 3-3. Quad Cities then took the lead on a Jarrett Hoffpauir single – only the second hit of the inning. With two outs another Lansing error allowed the final run to score, giving the home team five runs on only two hits thanks to two errors, two walks, and a hit batsman.

Ankiel's first action in the Quad Cities started out shaky, but ended up being a successful night. After striking out in his first three at-bats the lefty came through with a big one-out, game-tying hit and then scored the final run of the frame after advancing from second to third on a pop-out in foul territory off of first base. Ankiel also turned some heads with an outfield assist in the seventh inning, cutting down Luke Hetherington with a laser as he tried to advance from first to third on a single.

The Lugnuts broke a scoreless tie in the top of the third inning. Hetherington hit a groundball single to short and, with one away, shortstop Juan Peralta split the right-center gap with a triple off the wall. A sacrifice fly from Jason Armstrong capped the scoring for the inning. In the seventh Peralta was at it again, placing a flare double into left field to plate Snavely, and give Lansing a 3-0 advantage.

Jaymie Torres (1-0) picked up the win for the Swing, keeping his team in the game through two innings of hitless relief. Kevin Ool then came in to record the final out of the game for his second save of the season. Starter Mike Parisi got no decision, allowing three runs in 6.2 innings.

For Lansing, starter Kyle Yates did not figure into the decision despite a solid 7.1 inning performance. He only allowed two runs, one earned, on three hits and a walk, while striking out nine. Joey McLaughlin (2-2) suffered the loss by throwing .2 innings, yielding three runs (two earned) on two hits and a walk.

UP NEXT: The Swing and Lugnuts continue the series and the Swing's eight-game homestand on Tuesday, when Quad Cities sends Eric Haberer (4-2, 2.42) to the mound against Juan Perez (2-3, 5.94). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00, and pregame coverage on Progressive Talk AM 1270 will begin at 6:45. Tickets are available to all Swing home games by calling (563) 328-2000.

PROMOTION: Tuesday will be the annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Night at John O'Donnell Stadium. The Swing will be wearing special commemorative jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

HOMESTAND REPORT: The Swing's upcoming homestand runs through Memorial Day, Monday, May 30. The stand will feature numerous promotions, including a 97 Rock/Hooters Beverage night featuring the live music of Pappa Razzi on Wednesday night. The Swing will be giving away Dispatch/Argus Swing T-Shirts on Friday night, and BirdZerk! will come to town on Saturday. Sunday night will be a 7:00 start time followed by post-game fireworks, courtesy of KWQC-TV6, and Monday will be a special Memorial Day matinee.

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