MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Shorey's grand slam powers Swing

Published on March 22, 2007 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


One day after a dominating performance over a Double-A team, the Swing of the Quad Cities pulled off a comeback victory on Wednesday to down the Greensboro Grasshoppers, 5-3, at the Marlins' spring training complex. While the story the day before was the pitching staff's two-hit shutout, it was the powerful offense that picked up the slack on Wednesday to lead the team to its second consecutive victory.

Early indications from spring training are encouraging, as the powerful offense and pitching staff that has been on display will be on display at John O'Donnell Stadium in just a couple of weeks.

Trailing 3-0 in the sixth inning, the Swing were threatening to dent the scoreboard with the bases loaded and Mark Shorey at the plate. Shorey, an outfielder who led the Appalachian League with 13 home runs in 2006, responded by belting a grand slam that gave Quad Cities a lead they would never relinquish.

Seven years after Albert Pujols bashed 17 home runs in the Midwest League, Shorey seems focused on doing the same.

A.J. Van Slyke also turned in another strong performance, scorching the ball all over the field while going 2-for-4 with a run scored. The son of three-time major league All-Star Andy Van Slyke is making a strong case to rejoin the Swing for the second year in a row, and the Cardinals may have a tough time denying his bat that opportunity.

While the high-octane pitching staff gave up a few runs Wednesday, they continued to put up impressive strikeout numbers by punching out 14 opposing hitters.

Dominican hurler Elvis Hernandez got the start and fanned four over three innings of work, but it was Alex Montano and Ryan Hodinka that impressed the coaching staff the most.

Montano struck out four batters in just two innings of work, while Hodinka struck out the side to get out of a tough jam and protect a tenuous one-run lead in the eighth.

Third baseman Donovan Solano and shortstop Willian Sandoval, who stole 21 bases for the State College Spikes last year, each chipped in with two base hits.

TICKETS: Tickets for all events at John O'Donnell Stadium can be purchased by calling the Swing of the Quad Cities ticket office at (563) 328-2000, coming to the box office located at the stadium along South Gaines Street, or by logging on to www.swingbaseball.com.

UP NEXT: The Swing will open their home schedule with a day game at John O'Donnell Stadium on Monday, April 9, against Cedar Rapids. After a successful campaign in 2006, manager Keith Mitchell will look to guide the Swing to a second consecutive post-season run.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS: The 2007 season will be loaded with fun at John O'Donnell Stadium, and each day of the week will feature its own exciting promotion:

Monday - Kids under the age of 12 will receive a hot dog and small soda with the purchase of a child's GA ticket!

Tuesday -Get four box seat tickets, four slices of pizza, four sodas, and a Swing program for just $44!

Wednesday - Join us for lunch as we bring back daytime baseball! $11 will get you a hot dog, soda, and box seat.

Thursday - Enjoy half-price 12 oz. beverages with Dave and Darren, thanks to the Bent River Brewing Company.

Friday - Every Friday night of the 2007 season will feature a dazzling fireworks display sponsored by KWQC.

Saturday - Be one of the first fans through the gates on select Saturdays and receive a special giveaway item.

Sunday - Bring the whole family out for an afternoon featuring clowns, balloons, and games. Stick around after the game and kids can run the bases just like the pros do!

Check out the Quad Cities River Bandits Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Midwest League Stories from March 22, 2007


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