Sports stats



MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Figaro's Gem Stifles Bandits In Series Finale

May 4, 2008 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


The Quad Cities River Bandits headed to Fifth Third Ballpark on Sunday well aware that they would be facing the Midwest League's ERA leader, but they had no way of foreseeing that Alfredo Figaro was on the verge of turning in his best outing of the year. The 23-year-old Dominican right-hander was dominant, striking out 11 in a complete-game shutout to lead the Whitecaps to a 4-0 win.

Quad Cities (16-12) mustered just three hits and four baserunners against Figaro, snapping a string of three consecutive series victories. West Michigan (17-11) scored an unearned run in the bottom of the first and never looked back.

After allowing a leadoff single to Mike Folli in the top of the first inning, Figaro responded by retiring the next 22 batters he faced in order. He struck out 11 without issuing a walk on the afternoon, scattering three hits - two of which were registered by Folli - and allowing a fourth man to reach base on a strike-three wild pitch. His impressive pitching performance improved his record to 4-0 and his ERA to a league-best 0.46 through six starts this year.

In the bottom of the first, an error by Mike Folli spotted the Whitecaps an early lead. With one on and one out the second baseman tracked down a bouncer to his left and tried to cut down the lead runner at second, but his throw sailed wide of the bag and West Michigan moved runners to second and third. Chris Carlson followed with a run-scoring groundout to shortstop for an early 1-0 advantage.

After River Bandits' starter Shaun Garceau was removed from the ballgame following three solid innings, reliever Justin Fiske was greeted by a one-out triple off the bat of Chris Carlson in the fourth. Casper Wells promptly lined a base hit to center, extending the Whitecaps' lead to 2-0.

In the fifth, piggyback starter Brian Broderick was in the game when West Michigan clubbed another one-out triple, this time off the bat of Mark McBratney. One pitch later Kyle Peter slapped a line drive to left, scoring McBratney on a sacrifice fly for a 3-0 edge.

The Whitecaps put on the finishing touches in the seventh. Ronnie Bourquin led off the frame with a double to center and moved to third on a groundout. Joe Bowen followed with a line-drive single up the middle, bringing home Bourquin for the fourth run of the game.

Garceau (0-2) took the loss despite another strong effort. The River Bandits' right-hander allowed just one hit and one unearned run in three innings while striking out one. UP NEXT: The River Bandits continue their six-game road trip in Dayton on Monday night, where they open a three-game set with the Dragons at 6:00 CT. They return to Modern Woodmen Park for a four-game home set against Kane County on May 8, a series that will not be affected by the current flooding of the Mississippi River. The series starting May 8 will kick off with a Thirst-day Thursday and an Ocho de Mayo fiesta with half-price beer, wine, margaritas and Mexican food, then continues with a FIREWORKS Friday, featuring a throwback River Bandits jersey auction to benefit the ALS Association. Saturday's game will feature a home cap giveaway courtesy of Orthopaedic Specialists before a Rockin' Saturday, and the festivities will also include a variety of promotions for Genesis Military Appreciation Night, including military displays and an exhibition game featuring the Military All-Stars at 4:00 p.m. The series will conclude on a U.S. Bank Family Sunday, featuring clowns, face-painters, and the chance for kids to run the bases after the game! 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



Midwest League Stories from May 4, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central