Sports stats



MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Swing open homestand by sneaking out win

July 20, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


The Swing of the Quad Cities started an eight-game homestand Thursday night by scoring three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning and hanging on to a 4-3 win over the Cedar Rapids Kernels at John O'Donnell Stadium. Shane Robinson extended his hitting streak to 16 games with a single in the first inning, as the scrappy leadoff hitter has hit .382 over that span.

Quad Cities (15-12, 49-46) picked up just their second save since June 28, surviving a late Kernels rally to hold on to a one-run victory. The Swing now find themselves in a four-way tie for second place in the Midwest League's Western Division, joining Cedar Rapids (15-12, 46-51), Beloit, and Peoria at two games behind first place Kane County.

The Swing had fallen behind by a score of 2-1 when they snatched the lead for good in the bottom of the seventh inning. Jose Martinez tied the game with a solo home run to open the frame, as the 20-year-old native of Venezuela has clubbed four of his seven longballs this season against Kernels pitching. Chad Gabriel followed with a single and was at second base when Casey Rowlett came through with a clutch two-out knock, doubling into left-center to give Quad Cities their first lead. After Jon Jay pulled a two-base hit of his own inside the first base line, Rowlett trotted home to give the Swing a 4-2 edge.

That was the score in the top of the ninth when Chris Perez came in looking for his second save of the season. After a hit batsman, a wild pitch, and a walk helped Cedar Rapids load the bases with nobody out, the former University of Miami closer settled down to get out of a jam. A sacrifice fly pulled the Kernels to within one, but Perez induced a fly ball to center for the second out of before striking out Mark Trumbo looking to end the game. The Cardinals' supplemental first-rounder (42nd overall) has converted both of his save opportunities since turning pro, both of which have happened to come in 4-3 games.

The two teams traded first-inning runs on Thursday night, with Dallas Morris singling home Madison Edwards with two outs in the top of the first before Bryan Anderson's base hit drove home Robinson in the bottom half of the frame. Robinson, who reached base thanks to a single, has hit safely in 16 consecutive games while recording at least one hit in 24 of his first 26 professional contests since being drafted by the Cardinals in the fifth round out of Florida State.

In the top of the seventh, Cedar Rapids took the lead. After a one-out walk to Edwards, a two-out single by Hainley Statia put men on the corners. Reliever Matt Trent was then called for a balk with Trumbo at the plate, allowing Edwards to trot home with the go-ahead run to give the Kernels a 2-1 lead.

Trent (3-3) picked up the win despite allowing Cedar Rapids to jump out in front in the top of the seventh, benefiting from the Swing rally in the bottom half of the inning. Trey Hearne walked five in the start, but managed to hold the Kernels to just one run on three hits over six innings of work. Jonathan Mikrut struck out one while tossing a perfect eighth inning.

The loss was charged to Cedar Rapids' starter Andy Hill (3-6), who had allowed just one run heading into a seventh inning that turned out to be the decisive frame. In all, he gave up three runs on seven hits in 6.1 innings of work, striking out three and walking one.

UP NEXT: The Swing of the Quad Cities will continue their series against the Cedar Rapids Kernels on Friday night, as RHP Victor Moreno (0-1, 6.75) will take the mound opposite RHP Moose Mosebach (7-4, 3.13). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. and coverage on Progressive Talk AM-1270 will begin at 6:45 p.m.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS: The Cedar Rapids' series will be filled will great promotions! The first 800 fans who come to Friday's contest will get a Clyde the Orangutan Bobblehead Doll. Post-game fireworks will keep the crowd at the park late on Saturday, July 22, courtesy of KWQC and Star 93.5. Sunday's game will be a Mix 96 Family Fun Day as well as New Choices, Inc day at the ballpark.

Check out the Quad Cities River Bandits Statistics



Midwest League Stories from July 20, 2006


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.

Other Recent Quad Cities River Bandits Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central