MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Swing rally for ten-inning win

Published on September 3, 2004 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


Ryan Spataro scored from second base on a tenth-inning infield single from Scott Whitrock as the Swing of the Quad Cities defeated the Clinton LumberKings, 4-3, on Friday night at John O'Donnell Stadium. The Swing snapped a three-game losing streak to Clinton with the win, and are now in a three-way tie for the MWL-West wild card with three games to play.

With one out in the tenth frame, Spataro dropped a bunt base hit to the left of the pitcher's mound. Kyle Geiger followed with a groundball single through the left side of the infield, trickling into left to put Spataro into scoring position. Whitrock worked to a 3-1 count, and hit a sharp grounder down the first base line. First baseman Josh Kruezer's came up awkwardly on a backhand attempt, and the ball continued all the way into right field, allowing Spataro to score the winning run without a throw.

Julio DePaula, who had allowed a run in his previous three outings, picked up the win after throwing two scoreless innings for the Swing. He struck out three and walked one as he improved to 12-7 on the season. Because Beloit earned a come-from-behind win over the Peoria Chiefs in Beloit on Friday, the Swing, Chiefs and Snappers are all at 34-33 with three games left in the second half.

The LumberKings jumped out to the early lead, as Josh Kruezer blasted a solo homer and Kevin Richardson had an RBI double in the top of the fourth inning.

The Swing came back to tie it up and take the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. JR Taylor led off with a double into shallow center, and came around to score when Kyle Phillips hit into a fielder's choice. With two outs and baserunners at the corners, Mark Zamojc roped a double into left-center. Phillips came in from third and Scott Whitrock, who was running on the 3-2 pitch, scored to give the Swing a 3-2 lead.

But the LumberKings pushed across an unearned run to tie it up in the top of the eighth, when Antonio Pena reached on an error and later scored on Larry Grayson's sacrifice fly.

Swing starter Adam Harben struck out six men in five innings while picking up no decision for the Swing. Unless he works from the bullpen in either of the final three games, Harben will finish with 171 strikeouts on the season, the ninth-highest single-season total since the Quad Cities joined the Midwest League. Chris Schutt worked three innings of relief for the Swing, allowing an unearned run and striking out two.

UP NEXT: The Swing and LumberKings continue the series on Saturday night, as Glen Perkins (2-1, 1.43) gets the start against Brian Mattoon (10-6, 3.06). First pitch is scheduled for 7:00, and pregame coverage on Great Country 105 will begin at 6:45.

PROMOTION: Saturday night will be American Red Cross Day at the Ballpark, along with Keep Scott County Beautiful day. Both dates are makeup dates from earlier this season. Tickets are available to remaining Swing games by calling (563) 328-2000.

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Midwest League Stories from September 3, 2004


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