MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

River Bandits Rally Late to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

Published on August 29, 2012 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


With the game tied in the bottom of the eighth, Quad Cities second baseman Colin Walsh hit a triple past the diving Kane County center fielder Alex Llanos, and after the throw from shortstop Jack Lopez threw the relay throw past third, Walsh headed home from third, and slid in ahead of the tag to put the River Bandits ahead for good, 6-5.

Quad Cities (30-35 second half, 65-69 overall) trailed 3-0 entering the bottom of the seventh inning, but quickly scored twice against Cougars right-hander Andrew Triggs (1-1). Anthony Melchionda singled to open the frame, and after David Medina popped out to third, Casey Rasmus fouled off several pitches before drawing a one-out walk. A pitch then hit right fielder Gary Apelian to load the bases. Jordan Walton then singled to score Melchionda and Rasmus, putting the River Bandits ahead, 5-3.

Kane County (32-33, 66-69) answered back with a two-run top of the eighth inning off reliever Josh Renfro (1-0), who made his Quad Cities debut. First baseman Dean Espy drew a leadoff walk to start the inning. After Michael Antonio popped out to Colin Walsh, Llanos singled to left. Tim Ferguson then hit a ground ball down the third base line that Anthony Melchionda couldn't handle, and the error allowed both runners to score, tying the game at five.

The left-hander Renfro pitched two innings, allowed two unearned runs on one hit and one walk, while striking out one.

Apelian and Walton led off the Quad Cities' half of the sixth with back-to-back doubles to account for the first run of the night for the River Bandits. Matt Williams grounded out to advance Walton to third, and he came in to score on the next batter, Nick Martini, who grounded out to second base, pulling the Bandits within one.

River Bandits starter Jhonny Polanco did not factor into the decision, but threw six inning of three-run ball, allowing eight hits and three walks, while striking out two in his Quad Cities debut.

The Cougars opened the scoring in the top of the first, when Espy singled to score Justin Trapp, who doubled to lead off the game. Kane County also scored two runs in the top of the fourth off Polanco, courtesy of three base hits and a wild pitch.

Walsh finished the night 2-for-4 with a triple, Walton notched a career-high 3 RBIs, and Melchionda extended his modest hitting streak to six games with a 1-for-4 night. Right-hander Ricky Martinez pitched a scoreless ninth for his fourth save of the season.

Left-hander Jonathan Cornelius (1-2) takes the mound for Quad Cities Thursday against Kane County. The Cougars' starter has not yet been announced.

UP NEXT: All Pro Custom Tattoo in Davenport will offer River Bandits tattoos to fans 18-and-older Thursday night at Modern Woodmen Park. Fans with a River Bandits tattoo will earn free berm tickets as long as the franchise remains the River Bandits. The night includes $2 drink specials presented by Barrel House 211, Rock 104.9, the CW and the River Cities' Reader. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-322-6348 (563-3-BANDIT) and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

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Midwest League Stories from August 29, 2012


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