MWL1 Quad Cities River Bandits

Velasquez, Minaya Dominate in 4-1 Bandits Win

June 25, 2013 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Quad Cities River Bandits News Release


PEORIA, Ill. (JUNE 25, 2013) - Vincent Velasquez struck out eight Peoria Chiefs in five shutout innings, and Juan Minaya kept the home team from putting a runner in scoring position until one out in the ninth inning of a 4-1 victory for the Quad Cities River Bandits, who matched a season high with their sixth straight win Tuesday night at Dozer Park.

After the offense impressed in a four-game home sweep of Kane County at Modern Woodmen Park coming out of the All-Star Break open the second half at Modern Woodmen Park, the pitching was superb in the second half road opener. Velasquez (6-3) started the game by striking out three of the first four batters and only allowed two hits - each of which came with two outs. Chiefs first baseman Jeremy Schaffer and center fielder Nick Martini singled in the second and fifth innings, respectively. The right-hander finished his third five-shutout-inning performance of the season and struck out eight batters for the fourth time in an appearance this season.

Quad Cities (5-0 second half, 43-31 overall) had two first-inning hits but did not reach the scoreboard until the third inning against right-hander Brad Watson (0-1), who faced his former team in his Midwest League season debut. River Bandits center fielder Brett Phillips drew a leadoff walk, went to second base on a balk and advanced to third on a wild pitch. With one out, Watson then hit shortstop Carlos Correa with a pitch on the right forearm. Correa stayed in the game to run the bases and would play one-half inning on defense before giving way to a pinch hitter in the fourth. Jesse Wierzbicki brought in Phillips with a sacrifice fly to left field the moved Correa to second. Pena drove home Correa with a single to left field.

In the fourth inning, Austin Elkins hit a leadoff triple, and left fielder Jordan Scott brought him home with a single. Scott later stole second and went to third on an infield single by center fielder Teoscar Hernandez. Then Jobduan Morales pinch hit for Correa with an RBI single to right field for a 4-0 lead. In the bottom of the inning, Morales went to play first base for the first time this season, as Wierzbicki moved to second, and Elkins shifted to shortstop.

Minaya started the sixth inning and allowed one hit and one walk in his first three innings. Jacob Wilson doubled in the ninth and scored on a Patrick Wisdom sacrifice fly to make it 4-1. The Chiefs (1-4, 39-33) used three relievers to no-hit Quad Cities the final five innings.

Tuesday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Wednesday, June 26. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Wednesday, June 26.

The River Bandits continue their series in Peoria Wednesday night at 7 p.m., when All-Star right-hander Jordan Jankowski (3-0) opposes Chiefs right-hander Cory Jones (2-1).

UP NEXT: The first 2,000 fans to Modern Woodmen Park on Saturday will receive a Rascal the River Bandit Gnome, courtesy of Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center and CBS4. Social Media Night and Seatbelt Awareness Night will also highlight 7 p.m. game. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com . Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa, as well as first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. The Astros also just made the very first selection in the major league draft June 6 and are expected to have top pick Mark Appel play in the Quad Cities later this season. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

Check out the Quad Cities River Bandits Statistics



Midwest League Stories from June 25, 2013


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