MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Three runs in the ninth not enough; Quad Cities falls to 0-2

Published on April 7, 2006 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


The Swing of the Quad Cities mounted a rally Friday night at Elfstrom Stadium, but it was too little too late as the Kane County Cougars held on to win, 8-6. With the loss Quad Cities drops to 0-2 on the season, while Kane County improves to 2-0 in the season-opening four-game series.

Down 8-3, A.J. Van Slyke led off the ninth with a double that dropped just inside the left field line. While that turned out to be the only hit in the inning, Quad Cities took advantage of three walks, an error, and a hit batsman to plate three runs. Trailing 8-6, however, Randy Roth grounded softly to the second baseman with the bases loaded and two outs, stranding the potential game-tying run in scoring position.

The Swing started off the game on a high note, jumping out to an early lead in the top of the first. With one out, Casey Rowlett doubled in his first at-bat of the season. After advancing to third on a wild pitch, he would eventually trot home on a groundout by Colby Rasmus.

Kane County came right back, however, in their first offensive half-inning. Mike Massaro led things off with an infield single up the middle, and Nick Blasi followed with a bunt single down the third base line. Raul Padron then grounded a ball to first, but Adam Rodgers' errant throw to second base ended up in the outfield and allowed the Cougars to tie the game. After a sacrifice fly gave Kane County the lead, Jose Pineda's double spotted the home team a 3-1 lead.

In the top of the fourth Quad Cities went back to work, as Rodgers led off the frame with his third double the season. He would advance to third on Randy Roth's groundout, and score on the first of two sacrifice flies in the ballgame by Van Slyke.

With a slim 3-2 lead heading into the bottom of the fifth, however, the Cougars pulled away for good. Kane County put men on second and third with nobody out for the second consecutive inning. After a popout and an intentional walk, Swing starter Phillip Andersen tried to get out of the jam against Jeff Bieker. The Cougars shortstop was up to the task, though, jumping all over the first pitch he saw and blooping it into right-center for a 4-2 lead. With reliever Matt Trent in the game, an RBI groundout by Frank Martinez was followed by a two-run single off the bat of Steve Kleen, and Kane County was well on their way to a five-run, five-hit inning that gave them an 8-2 advantage.

Andersen (0-1) suffered the loss for the Swing, allowing seven runs - five earned - on nine hits in only 4.1 innings. Trent then allowed one run in .2 innings, before Trey Hearne, Jason Cairns, and Scott Vander Weg combined for five strikeouts and three scoreless frames from that point on.

For Kane County it was 19-year-old Vince Mazzaro (1-0) earning the win in his professional debut, thanks to a five-inning performance in which he gave up two runs on four hits and fanned a pair. Steve Sharpe (2) took the save for the second consecutive night, entering the game with two outs and the bases loaded in the ninth inning. After walking Rasmus to force in a run, the former starter induced the game-ending groudout from Roth.

UP NEXT: The Swing and Cougars play game three of the season-opening series on Saturday afternoon, when Quad Cities sends RHP Mark McCormick (1-2, 5.48 with QC in 2005) to the mound against RHP Jeff Gray (4-2, 2.51 in 2005). First pitch is scheduled for 2:00, and pre-game coverage on WKBF AM-1270 will begin at 1:45.

NEXT HOMESTAND: The Swing will open the home portion of the schedule at John O'Donnell Stadium on Monday, April 10, at 6:30 against the Clinton LumberKings. LHP Jaime Garcia, 19, will be on the mound making his professional debut for the Swing. Tickets are available to all 2006 home games, as well as the Midwest League All-Star Game, by calling the Swing ticket office at (563) 328-2000.

PROMOTION: Monday's game will feature a magnet schedule giveaway, as well as a season-long Q106.5 Dollar Mondays promotion that offers fans hot dogs, soda, and popcorn for only $1 each. Magnet schedules will also be given away before Tuesday's game, and Wednesday's contest will include a farewell to Wednesday Night Beverage Nights, sponsored by 97 Rock and Pluckers, with half-price drink specials starting when the gates open and lasting until 8:00 p.m. For the rest of the season, drink specials will be available on 97 Rock/Pluckers Thirsty Thursdays. y calling (563) 328-2000.

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Midwest League Stories from April 7, 2006


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