MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Bandits Rally Late For Winner

Published on April 23, 2008 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


The Quad Cities River Bandits saved the best prize for last on Price is Right Night at Modern Woodmen Park, rallying for three runs in the bottom of the eighth to stun the Burlington Bees with a 6-4 win on Wednesday night.

Quad Cities (9-9) got a boost from new addition Eduardo Sanchez, who did not allow a baserunner over the final three innings and earned the win in his River Bandits debut. Burlington (8-10) had led for most of the way before the home team's late rally turned the tables in the bottom of the eighth.

Quad Cities stranded five runners on base - including four in scoring position - over the sixth and seventh innings, leaving them down 4-3 entering the eighth. But two walks and a hit batsman loaded the bases with nobody out, forcing Burlington to bring the infield in. Adron Chambers made them pay with a hot smash past a diving shortstop, bringing home Justin Roberson to tie the score. Pete Kozma promptly gave the River Bandits the lead on the very next pitch, lifting a sacrifice fly to right for his second RBI of the game. Charlie Kingrey followed with a run-scoring groundout for his team-leading 13th RBI of the year, as Quad Cities snatched a 6-4 lead heading into the ninth.

Sanchez (1-0) quickly closed the door from there, tossing a 1-2-3 final frame to complete a perfect three innings out of the bullpen in his River Bandits debut. The 19-year-old from Venezuela retired all nine batters he faced and struck out three just one day after joining Quad Cities from Extended Spring Training.

Bees' reliever Yensi Lopez (0-3) was dealt the loss just one game after earning his first save of the season in the series opener. The righty pitched a scoreless seventh before putting two men on to open the eighth, both of which turned into runs after Lopez was removed from the ballgame.

The contest began with a wild first inning that saw each team put up an unearned run. Kozma's throwing error spotted the Bees a lead in the top of the frame, but his wheels made up for it in the bottom half of the inning. The Cardinals' 2007 first-round pick was running from first when Kingrey slapped a chopper towards the third baseman, and as the throw went to first base Kozma rounded second and headed for third. When the throw bounced away from the first baseman Kozma raced towards the plate, sliding home ahead of the tag to even the score at 1-1.

Quad Cities took the lead in the third, sparked by an infield single by Chambers to open the inning. Kozma followed by driving a triple into the gap in right-center, and one pitch later Kingrey's sacrifice fly made it 3-1 River Bandits.

The very next half inning, however, Burlington had an answer. Consecutive walks issued by River Bandits' starter Thomas Eager started the inning, and consecutive run-scoring singles by David Lough and Clint Robinson tied the score at 3-3. In the top of the sixth, Lough added a solo shot to right field that gave the Bees a 4-3 advantage.

UP NEXT: The River Bandits continue their season-long nine game homestand with the finale game of a three-game series against the Burlington Bees on Thirst-Day Thursday, which will also feature green beer on Irish Night! The Great Lakes Loons come in for the weekend, which will include '90s Night on a Fireworks Friday, a Pedometer giveaway sponsored by the Heath Alliance on the first Rockin' Saturday of the year - featuring a live post-game concert from "Superfly" - and Soccer Day on a U.S. Bank Family Sunday. The homestand concludes with three more games against the Lansing Lugnuts, highlighted by Chiropractor Appreciation Night on April 28, another Noon Book Buddies Day on April 29, and Ladies Night featuring a Teeth Whitening Giveaway and FREE MANICURES on Wednesday, April 30. 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 April 23, 2008


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