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MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

LumberKings spoil Swing home opener

April 11, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


The Swing of the Quad Cities came up short Monday night despite solid starting pitching, losing their home-opener to the Clinton LumberKings at John O'Donnell Stadium, 4-2. Jaime Garcia, 19, was impressive in his professional debut, but was out-dueled by Broc Coffman in the loss.

Quad Cities falls to 2-3 with the defeat, while Clinton improves to 3-2.

The LumberKings took an early lead in the second inning, when Garcia walked Brian Valichka with two outs. After K.C. Herron doubled his teammate to third, Valichka trotted home on a balk to give Clinton a 1-0 lead.

The Swing tied the score at one in the bottom of the fifth. Brandon Yarbrough led off the frame with a single, and advanced to second on Yonathan Sivira's infield single. With two outs Daniel Nelson lined a single up the middle and the throw home was cut off, allowing Yarbrough to cross the plate.

Clinton took the lead for good in the top of the sixth. Terry Blunt hit a leadoff single, and came home to score on Johnny Whittleman's double to right. Two outs later Valichka hit a groundball to short, and when Nelson stumbled while trying to plant his back foot deep in the hole at shortstop, Whittleman scampered home for a 3-1 lead.

Quad Cities added an unearned run in the bottom half of the inning. Three consecutive two-out errors extended the inning, allowing Yarbrough's single to plate Wes Swackhamer and pull within 3-2.

That was as close as the Swing would get, though, as the LumberKings added an unearned insurance run in the top of the eight for the 4-2 final.

Jaime Garcia (0-1) pitched well despite the loss, lasting seven innings. He allowed three runs on five hits in his professional debut, fanning seven and walking one.

Broc Coffman (1-0) picked up the win in six frames, yielding two runs - one earned - on six hits. Kevin Altman grabbed his first save of the season, striking out one in a one-two-three ninth.

UP NEXT: The Swing of the Quad Cities and the Clinton LumberKings to battle in game two of the three-game series on Tuesday night, as the Swing send RHP Cory Meacham (0-1, 11.25) to the hill against LHP Michael Kirkman. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30, and pre-game coverage on WKBF AM-1270 will begin at 6:15.

PROMOTION: Magnet schedules will be given away before Tuesday's game, and Wednesday's contest will include a farewell to Wednesday Night Beverage Nights, sponsored by 97 Rock and Pluckers, with half-price drink specials starting when the gates open and lasting until 8:00 p.m. For the rest of the season, drink specials will be available on 97 Rock/Pluckers Thirsty Thursdays. Tickets are available to all 2006 home games, as well as the Midwest League All-Star Game, by calling the Swing ticket office at (563) 328-2000.

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Midwest League Stories from April 11, 2006


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