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MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Cougars strike back, split with Swing

August 1, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


One day after the Swing of the Quad Cities scored six times in the top of the eighth inning to earn a 9-6 win, the Kane County Cougars struck back with six runs of their own in the bottom of the eighth on Monday afternoon as they toppled the Swing, 8-6, at Elfstrom Stadium. The teams split the four-game series, with every game being decided in the final two innings. Quad Cities held a two-game lead over the Burlington Bees heading into the afternoon, and are guaranteed a first-place spot in the standings as they begin an eight-game homestand on Tuesday.

The Swing tallied an unearned run in the top of the eighth inning, and carried a 5-2 lead into the home half of the frame. But the Cougars (18-20, 49-58) were able to get to Swing reliever Bo Dickerson. Ryan Ruiz reached on an error to open the inning, and then Gregorio Petit dropped a single into shallow center field to bring the tying run to the plate. Cliff Pennington, the Athletics' first-round pick in this June's draft who already had three hits on the game, ripped a three-run homer that just cleared the wall in left field, tying the game up at 5-5.

Myron Leslie then collected a one-out double, and, after an intentional walk, Jose Pineda knocked him home with a single into left field. Javier Herrera capped the rally with a double down the left field line, scoring two more runs for an 8-5 lead.

Although the Swing managed to get the tying run on base in the top half of the ninth, they could not push it across. Eric Verbryke knocked home Rick Ankiel with a groundball single down the first base line for the Swing's only run of the inning, and winning pitcher Dan Fyvie coaxed a popup to shallow right to cloase it out.

Quad Cities (59-48, 23-15) jumped out to the lead in the top of the first inning, as Matt Shepherd singled, stole second, and scored on Nick Stavinoha's two-out single. They added two more runs in the second, when Verbryke and Lucena had back-to-back doubles and Cody Palmer scored Lucena with a sacrifice fly.

The Cougars scored in the second when Leslie drew a bases-loaded walk, and Pennington came home after a single, a pair of stolen bases, and a wild pitch in the fourth.

Quad Cities extended the lead back to 4-2 in the top of the fifth inning, when Matt Lemanczyk blasted a solo homer to left-field, his seventh homer of the season. Lemanczyk had hit exactly one home run in each of his first three professional seasons, but had blasted seven for the Swing this season.

Mark McCormick worked three innings for the Swing, walking a career high six and striking out five while allowing one run. Dennis Medina allowed a run in 2.1 innings, while Cory Meacham worked 1.2 scoreless frames. Bo Dickerson was charged with six runs (five earned) in one full inning of work.

UP NEXT: The Swing return home to begin an eight-game homestand as they host the Clinton LumberKings on Tuesday night. The Swing will send Matt Scherer (8-5, 3.57) to the mound against Paul Kometani (0-0, 2.96). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00, and pregame coverage on Progressive Talk AM 1270 will begin at 6:45.

UPCOMING HOMESTAND: The Swing will return to John O'Donnell Stadium to begin an eight-game homestand as they open a four-game series against the Clinton LumberKings on Tuesday, August 2. The homestand will feature two Hooters/97 Rock Beverage Nights, scheduled for August 3 and August 10. In addition, the ZOOperstars will return to John O'Donnell Stadium on Saturday, August 6, there will be a fireworks show on Friday, August 5. Tickets are available for all Swing games by calling (563) 328-2000.

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