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MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Crazy eighths: Swing come back again

May 22, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


Another day, another comeback win for the Swing of the Quad Cities.

The Swing scored six times in the top of eighth inning as they defeated the Burlington Bees, 8-6, on Sunday afternoon at Community Field. Joe Mather's bases-loaded triple and Mike Ferris' two-run homer were the biggest blows of the inning, and Swing closer Mike Sillman got the game's final four outs and held off a late rally to pick up his 12th save. Although Kevin Ool struggled, he was credited with his minor league baseball-leading ninth win of the year.

The Swing (25-17) remain 1 ½ games behind first-place Clinton, who won at Wisconsin, with the victory. Of Quad Cities' 25 wins, 17 have featured the Swing rallying from some sort of deficit. The Swing have won nine of their last ten overall, and the win over Burlington marked their fourth straight series win.

Down 3-2 entering the eighth inning, the Swing pounded out six runs to take the lead. Juan Lucena ripped a one-out single to left field, and then pinch hitter battled deep into his at-bat before doubling to right. The Bees intentionally walked Jarrett Hoffpauir to load the bases, and then Derry Hammond drew a walk to score the game's tying run. Mather, who had been 0-for-14 on the series, cleared the bases with a gap-splitting triple to score Swackhamer, Hoffpauir and pinch runner Matt Lemanczyk for a 6-3 Swing lead. Ferris then capped the rally with a two-run homer beyond the wall in right field, his league-leading eighth long ball of the season.

But the Bees stung the Swing for three runs in the bottom half of the eighth inning, slicing the Swing lead to two runs on an Eddie Solis home run. Sillman replaced Kevin Ool with a man at first base and two away, and promptly walked two straight Bees. But Sillman struck out Geraldo Valentin to end the inning, and retired the side in order in the ninth for his 12th save. Ool, who was charged with three runs allowed, still picked up his league-leading ninth win of the season.

The Swing tallied first, scoring twice in the top of the second for an early advantage. Derry Hammond had a groundball single to third base to open the inning, and then scored when Mike Ferris belted a 3-2 pitch off the top of the wall in right for a double. With two away, Brandon Yarbrough knocked home Ferris with a groundball double into the left field corner for a 2-0 Swing advantage. Ferris, who led the MWL in doubles for much of April, had his first two-bagger since April 27, while Yarbrough's double was his first since hitting for the cycle on April 19.

The Bees scored once in the second, and twice to take the lead in the bottom of the third inning. Miguel Vega blasted a game-tying home run to lead off the bottom of the third and then, with one out, Irving Falu reached on an error. Mario Lisson's two-out double to right-center scored Falu for a 3-2 Bees lead.

Swing starter Quinton Robertson went 3.1 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits. He struck out one and did not issue a walk. Kyle McClellan worked 1.2 scoreless innings, and has not allowed a run in his four relief appearances.

UP NEXT: The Swing return to John O'Donnell Stadium Monday to begin an eight-game homestand with the first of four games against the Lansing Lugnuts. The Swing will send Mike Parisi (1-4, 5.04) 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: Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins will be at John O'Donnell Stadium on Monday night, signing autographs and meeting with fans.

HOMESTAND REPORT: The Swing's upcoming homestand starts Monday and runs through Memorial Day, Monday, May 30. The stand will feature numerous promotions, including a special appearance from BirdZerk! Saturday night. The Wednesday night ball game will be a Hooters/97 Rock beverage night as usual. Friday night will feature the Dispatch/Argus Swing T-shirt giveaway and Sunday night will be a 7:00 start time followed by post-game fireworks, courtesy of KWQC-TV6.

Check out the Quad Cities River Bandits Statistics



Midwest League Stories from May 22, 2005


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