MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Swing outslug Bees

Published on May 21, 2005 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


The Swing of the Quad Cities pounded out four runs in the fourth inning and never looked back as they held off the Burlington Bees, 9-6, on Saturday night at Community Field. One day after having their winning streak snapped at a season-high seven games, the Swing pounded two home runs as Quad Cities remained in second place, 1 ½ games behind first-place Clinton.

For the third straight night, the Bees struck first. Kennard Springer led off the third with a double to left-center, and then scored on back-to-back groundouts.

But the Swing struck back immediately, scoring four times in the fourth inning and twice more in the fifth to take a commanding lead. Matt Shepherd singled with one away to extend his hitting streak to 11 games, and then Chris Patrick blasted a two-run homer beyond the wall in left. Playing for the first time since last Friday, Patrick went 2-for-5 with four RBI while serving as the Swing's designated hitter.

Quad Cities continued the rally as Jarrett Hoffpauir drew a walk, and then Derry Hammond split the right-center gap with a triple to the wall, only the eighth triple of his professional career that began in 1998. A wild pitch brought home Hammond for a 4-1 Swing lead.

Quad Cities added two more runs in the top of the fifth inning, as Simon Williams walked and scored and Hoffpauir's two-out single plated Matt Lemanczyk to give Quad Cities a 6-1 lead.

But the Bees responded with a four-run bottom half of the inning, powered by Geraldo Valentin's three-run triple. Quad Cities reliever Justin Knoff came on with the tying run at third and only one out and promptly struck out Mario Lisson before coaxing a popup to end the threat.

The Swing extended their 6-5 lead by scoring twice in the top of the seventh inning. Williams singled and Lemanczyk reached when his sacrifice attempt was mishandled. After Shepherd dropped down a bunt, Patrick had a two-run single for an 8-5 Swing advantage.

The Bees got a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh inning, but Hoffpauir answered with a solo homer leading off the ninth inning to provide the game's final margin.

Knoff picked up his second victory for the Swing, working one scoreless frame. Knoff has not allowed any of the 14 baserunners he has inherited to score on the season. Michael Gross worked 0.2 scoreless frames, and Jaymie Torres allowed a solo homer in two innings of work. Torres had not allowed a run over his previous nine outings, a streak that began on April 28.

Mike Sillman worked a perfect ninth inning to pick up his 11th save, striking out Lisson to close the door.

UP NEXT: The Swing and Bees closer out the series on Sunday afternoon, as Quinton Robertson (0-0, 4.50) to the hill against lefty Matt Campbell (0-5, 4.71). First pitch is scheduled for 2:00, and pregame coverage on Progressive Talk AM 1270 will begin at 1:45.

NEXT HOME GAME: The Swing return to John O'Donnell Stadium on Monday, May 23, to begin an eight game homestand and a four-game series against the Lansing Lugnuts. Tickets are available to all Swing games by calling (563) 328-2000.

PROMOTION: Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins will be at John O'Donnell Stadium on Monday night, signing autographs and meeting with fans.

UPCOMING HOMESTAND: The Swing are back in town for an eight-game homestand that starts Monday, May 23, and runs through May 30. The stand will feature numerous promotions, including a special appearance from BirdZerk! Saturday night. The Wednesday night ball game will be a Hooters/97 Rock beverage night as usual. Friday night will feature the Dispatch/Argus Swing T-shirt giveaway and Sunday night will be a 7:00 start time followed by post-game fireworks, courtesy of KWQC-TV6.

Check out the Quad Cities River Bandits Statistics

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



Midwest League Stories from May 21, 2005


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