MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Late rally not enough; Six-game road winning streak snapped

Published on July 1, 2005 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


The Swing of the Quad Cities rallied late Friday night, but had dug themselves too big of a whole and lost their first road game of the second half, 10-7, at Stanley Coveleski Regional Stadium. Quad Cities came into the game 5-0 on the road in the half, having won six straight road games overall.

Quad Cities drops to 7-2, but still remains two games up in the Midwest League's Western Division. South Bend improves to 7-2, evening up the four-game series as well as the race for the league's best record in the early going of the second half.

After losing big Thursday night, South Bend was determined to jump on top early Friday night. With one out and Jereme Milons on second base, Carlos Gonzalez crushed a double to the wall in center field to drive home the game's first run. After a Cesar Nicolas walk, Javier Brito then gave the Silver Hawks a 3-0 lead with a two-run double of his own off the wall in right field.

Down 5-0, Quad Cities got onto the scoreboard in the top of the fifth inning. Jake Mullinax led off the inning with a single, and with the bases loaded Juan Lucena sent a ground ball towards third base. When South Bend's Agustin Murillo had the ball bounce off his chest, Mullinax put Quad Cities on the board with the first of his three runs on the night.

South Bend then rallied for five more in the bottom of the fifth, stretching their lead to 10-1.

But the resilient Swing have a habit of never giving up. With two outs in the sixth Mullinax's single was followed by a Mike Ferris run-scoring double. Nick Stavinoha was then credited with an RBI on his first career triple when Milons misplayed a liner into center and let it bounce behind him.

In the eighth, Quad Cities rallied for four more. With one away and Mullinax aboard, Ferris singled to chase Silver Hawks starter Ross Ohlendorf. Stavinoha then greeted the new pitcher with an RBI single, and with two outs Matt Shepherd added a run-scoring knock of his own. Lucena, who earlier in the day was named the St. Louis Cardinals' Minor League Player of the Month for June, then slapped the first pitch he saw to right field, driving in two and pulling the Swing to within 10-7.

But that was all they could get, as South Bend's Matt Elliott closed the door in the ninth inning for his 21st save of the year. Though Spencer Wyman doubled with one out, Ferris flew out to center with the potential tying run still standing harmlessly in the on-deck circle.

Kyle McClellan (1-4) suffered the loss for the Swing, lasting only 2.2 innings before leaving the game hurt. After missing with a 1-1 breaking ball to Mark Reynolds, the righty grimaced and clutched his elbow before being removed from the ballgame.

Ross Ohlendorf (6-5) took the win for the Silver Hawks, hurling 7.1 innings and yielding five runs (four earned) on nine hits. The righty struck out six and walked four.

UP NEXT: The Swing and Silver Hawks continue the series on Saturday night, as the Swing send RHP Phillip Andersen (2-1, 2.48) to the mound against RHP Steven Jackson (6-2, 5.11). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00, and pregame coverage on Progressive Talk AM 1270 will begin at 6:45.

UPCOMING HOMESTAND: The Swing begin an eight-game homestand with Fourth of July Fireworks on Monday night, sponsored by WOC, WFXN and KWQC-TV6. Promotions during the homestand include a 97 Rock/Hooters Beverage Night, a noon start for Kids Day on Thursday, another fireworks show on Friday night, and the 2005 Swing Baseball Card Set giveaway on Saturday. Tickets are available for all Swing games by calling (563) 328-2000.

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Midwest League Stories from July 1, 2005


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