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MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Swing rally falls short

August 6, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


Despite managing only an infield single through the first eight innings, the Swing of the Quad Cities showed late spunk on Friday night as they were defeated, 3-1, by the Clinton LumberKings at John O'Donnell Stadium. Chris Patrick's infield popup single stood as the only Quad Cities hit until the bottom of the ninth, when the Swing put the tying run on base but could not manage to even the score.

With only one hit until the ninth inning, Quad Cities mounted a threat on reliever Marc LaMacchia. Matt Shepherd drew a leadoff walk, and Jake Mullinax replaced him at first on a fielder's choice. After a strikeout, Eric Verbryke lined a single to right, the Swing's first hard-hit single of the night. Patrick then roped a single into center field to score Mullinax, slicing the deficit to 3-1. But LaMacchia struck out Mike Ferris to end the threat and to close the door on a Swing defeat.

The Swing (60-51, 24-18) lost three of four to the LumberKings (58-54, 20-22), and lose the season series, 7-5. This marks the first time all second half the Swing have lost a series, as their last series loss came when South Bend took three of four from then from June 9 through June 12. Because the Burlington Bees were defeated, 12-4, at Lansing on Friday, the Swing maintain a one-game lead over the Bees as Burlington comes to town Saturday.

19-year-old Clinton starter Eric Hurley was fantastic, allowing only one base hit through seven scoreless innings. Quad Cities' lone early hit came due to confusion on a seemingly routine popup from Patrick. With the ball in the air between the plate and the mound, Hurley watched as both corner infielders charged. Hurley was late to get out of the way, and the ball fell in front of oncoming first baseman Jim Fasano for a two-out single.

Quad Cities never mounted a serious threat against Hurley, who struck out five and walked four in his seven innings. Spencer Wyman drew a leadoff walk in the third, but was immediately erased on a double play ball from Matt Lemanczyk. Mike Ferris drew a one-out walk in the fifth inning, but was thrown out at second on a failed hit-and-run with Juan Lucena. Hurley closed his night with a three-flyout seventh inning, closing the door on the best outing of his career.

Michael Cooper nearly matched Hurley pitch for pitch, allowing only one run on three hits in 6.2 innings. The 17th-round pick allowed only three hits, all for extra bases. Striking out three and walking two, Cooper was removed from the game with a 1-0 deficit after allowing a two-out double in the top of the seventh inning.

A scoreless tie through five full innings, the game's first run did not come until the top of the sixth inning. With one out, Clinton leadoff hitter Brandon Cashman turned on a 2-1 pitch, crushing it out of the park beyond the right field fence.

In the eighth, Cashman went back to work. With one out and one on, he sent an RBI double into right-center field, and one batter later stole third base. Brandon Boggs bounced out to third to bring him home for a 3-0 LumberKings edge.

Bo Dickerson retired the only man he faced in a brief relief cameo for Quad Cities. Matt Trent, called up from New Jersey on Friday morning, allowed two runs in his Swing debut. Jaymie Torres sparkled in a scoreless ninth, striking out a pair.

UP NEXT: The Swing open a four-game series with the Burlington Bees on Saturday, when the Swing send Mark McCormick (1-0, 1.80) to the mound against Patrick Hicklen (6-4, 3.81). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00, and pregame coverage on Progressive Talk AM 1270 will begin at 6:45.

UPCOMING PROMOTION: Saturday will be a return appearance of the zany ZOOperstars, featuring hilarious skits and funny dances. Tickets are available for all Swing games by calling (563) 328-2000.

Check out the Quad Cities River Bandits Statistics



Midwest League Stories from August 6, 2005


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