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MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Swing lose in playoff tuneup

September 5, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


The Swing of the Quad Cities led most of the way on Monday afternoon, but the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays fought back in the bottom of the seventh and held off the Swing, 5-4, at C.O. Brown Stadium. The Swing close the season with a sweep at the hands of the Devil Rays and six losses in their last seven games, but they will begin their playoff run on Wednesday night.

Quad Cities (72-66, 36-34) will play either Clinton or Wisconsin in the first round of the Midwest League playoffs, which will begin Wednesday night at 7:00 at John O'Donnell Stadium. The opponent will be determined based on Monday afternoon's results. The Swing will start Phillip Andersen (5-1, 2.96), who has not loast since his debut on June 1, a stretch of 16 starts.

The Swing jumped to the lead in the top of the first inning. Sean Danielson opened the frame with a triple to right-center, his second triple in less than a week with the club. With one away, Juan Lucena flared a single down the left field line to plate Danielson for a 1-0 Quad Cities advantage.

Southwest Michigan tied it up with an unearned run in the bottom of the third, and but the Swing took the lead back immediately. Mike Ferris singled into right field, and then Wes Swackhamer drilled a 2-0 pitch over the wall just to the left of center field, a two-run opposite-field blast for a 3-1 Swing lead. The home run was Swackhamer's sixth of the season, and his third since August 21.

The Devil Rays scratched across a run in the fourth, but Quad Cities got the tally back in the fifth. Matt Shepherd singled into center, advanced to third on a flyout, then scampered home for a 4-2 lead on a wild pitch. The Rays scored in the bottom of the fifth inning, as Brandon Rousseve ripped his first professional home run to lead off the inning.

Swing righthander Matt Scherer worked five strong innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits, striking out three and walking two. After struggling over his previous three outings, the righthander kept the Swing in the game all afternoon, coaxing a double-play groundball to end the fifth with the Swing on top, 4-3. However, he would not earn his team-leading tenth win of the season.

The Devil Rays tied the game then took the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning. Rousseve ripped a one-out single to right, and Fernando Perez followed with a base hit to center. Reid Brignac singled home Rousseve for a 4-4 tie, and Chris Nowak later drew a bases-full walk for a 5-4 Southwest Michigan lead.

Ferris led off the ninth with a single to put the tying run on base, but Matt Lemanczyk bounced into a double play as the Swing came up short for their fourth straight time.

UP NEXT: The Swing begin their postseason run on Wednesday night, with Phillip Andersen (5-1, 2.96) on the mound. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00, and pregame coverage will begin at 6:45 on Progressive Talk AM 1270.

PROMOTION: The Swing will honor participants in the United Way's Day of Caring on Wednesday night. In addition, it will be a 97 Rock Beverage Night, with discounted drinks available from when the gates open at 6:00 until 8:30. Playoff tickets and 2006 season ticket packages are available by calling (563) 328-2000.

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Midwest League Stories from September 5, 2005


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