MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Bandits overcome six-run deficit but fall in extras

Published on May 20, 2008 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


The Quad Cities River Bandits stormed back from a 6-0 deficit to force extra innings on Tuesday night, only to watch the Peoria Chiefs plate four 10th-inning runs in a 10-6 loss at Modern Woodmen Park.

Quad Cities (23-19) scored five runs in the sixth inning before tying the score in the eighth, eventually falling to 1-1 in extra-inning games this year. Peoria (15-30) ended a seven-game losing streak with their 10th-inning outburst, capitalizing on a pair of controversial calls to seize the lead.

Tied at 6-6 in the top of the 10th, Cardoza Tucker, Jr. struck out Jovan Rosa on a ball in the dirt to open the inning. As River Bandits' catcher Luis De La Cruz waited for Rosa to run down the first base line before picking up the ball, the baserunner booted the loose ball while outside of the batter's box. Despite an argument from Quad Cities manager Steve Dillard, Rosa was ruled safe at first.

Brandon Guyer followed with a double that moved pinch-runner Elvis Lara to third, and Marquez Smith was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Luis Bautista then delivered the big hit, driving a bases-clearing triple to the wall in right-center that gave Peoria a 9-6 lead. Two batters later he raced home on a groundball to the shortstop, sliding in under the tag attempt by De La Cruz. Home plate umpire Jason Alper began to punch Bautista out before reversing his decision and calling him safe, prompting both managers to sprint towards the plate in protest. While Chiefs' skipper Ryne Sandberg quickly returned to his position satisfied, Dillard and the River Bandits fell behind 10-6.

Steve Vento (4-1) earned the win for Peoria, avenging a loss to Quad Cities last Wednesday with two scoreless frames. The loss was suffered by Tucker, Jr. (3-2), who allowed all four 10th-inning runs to cross the plate while recording just one out.

The wild finish to the ballgame came after a valiant River Bandits comeback.

Trailing by a 6-0 score after four innings of play, Quad Cities stormed back in the sixth. D'Marcus Ingram started the rally with a single the other way, and Tommy Pham promptly brought him home with a double to right. After Pete Kozma was hit by a pitch, Charlie Kingrey sent a chopper towards second that went for an infield single and an error, scoring Pham from second. Francisco Rivera added a run with a sacrifice fly to left, and then Matt Arburr capped the rally with a two-run homer that banged off the batter's eye in center and pulled Quad Cities to within a 6-5 score.

The River Bandits tied it in the eighth. Pham led off the inning by legging out a bunt-single down the third base line and moved to second on a wild pitch. He was still there with two outs when Rivera came through with the clutch hit, pulling a 2-2 pitch inside the first base line for an RBI-double to even the score at six runs apiece.

UP NEXT: The River Bandits continue their four-game series at Modern Woodmen Park on Wednesday against Ryne Sandberg and the Peoria Chiefs, proudly opening the brand new Hot Tub Deck in the process! Make sure you come to the park early for an Autographed Baseball Giveaway on Wednesday, which will also be American Idol Night and a Wacky WINS-day. All Wednesday home games are presented by the IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union, entitling all members to two free kids tickets when showing their membership card at the box office. Finally, the series will conclude with the Quad-City Times' Celebrate Night, featuring Bad Fad Night and a Thirst-day Thursday, so bust out your bell-bottoms and platform shoes and enjoy half-price draft beer, wine, margaritas, and soft drinks. Merchandise featuring the new team name and logo is currently available by visiting the Modern Woodmen Park team store, and season ticket packages, mini-packages, and the popular You-Pick-10 Plan are on sale at the park or by calling (563) 3-BANDITS!

Check out the Quad Cities River Bandits Statistics

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Midwest League Stories from May 20, 2008


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