Mistakes Add Up to Bandits' Second Straight Loss
Dragons right-hander Justice French (3-1) struck out six River Bandits while walking only one batter and allowed a run on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings. His only blemish was a home run by Quad Cities first baseman David Medina, who tied for the team lead with his third to lead off the sixth inning.
Dayton (8-8) scored two first-inning runs against River Bandits right-hander Sam Gaviglio (1-1). Designated hitter Theo Bowe hit a leadoff single, and shortstop Juan Perez reached on an error by left fielder Colin Walsh. Gaviglio then threw a wild pitch to advance both runners. On the play, catcher Juan Castillo made an errant throw to try to get Bowe, who instead was able to score because of the error. First baseman Robert Maddox later singled home Perez with one out to make it 2-0.
The Dragons extended the lead to 3-0 in the fourth, when catcher Yovan Gonzalez hit a leadoff single, advanced to second on Gaviglio's second wild pitch, advanced to third on a groundout and scored on center fielder Jefry Sierra's two-out single.
Trailing 3-1 after Medina's home run leading off the sixth inning, the River Bandits (10-6) chased French and loaded the bases with two outs against right-handed reliever Ryan Kemp. But shortstop Matt Williams popped out to second base to end the threat.
Dayton got the run back in the bottom half, though, as third baseman Junior Arias hit a one-out single, stole second base, advanced to third on a dropped strikeout, and scored on the third wild pitch by Gaviglio, who allowed six hits, a walk and three earned runs while striking out three batters in six innings and left trailing 4-1.
The River Bandits put in right-hander Robert Stock to start the seventh. Stock struck out four batters in two innings, but he allowed the final Dragons run in the eighth inning, when right fielder Kyle Waldrop hit a one-out double, advanced to third on a groundout and scored on a passed ball by Castillo.
Right-hander Carlos Contreras allowed two hits and a walk, but no runs, in the final two innings to earn his first save for Dayton, which won two of three against Quad Cities to take the regular season series for the first time since 2009.
The River Bandits continue their road trip at 5 p.m. Sunday in Bowling Green, Ky., where they will make their second-ever trip to Bowling Green Ballpark for a three-game series. Left-hander Dail Villanueva (1-1) will make his third start and face Hot Rods left-hander Felipe Rivero (2-1).
UP NEXT: The River Bandits will return to Modern Woodmen Park for a six-game home stand beginning Thursday, April 26, at 7 p.m. with College Night, Pro Sports Career Day, and Thirst-Day Thursday presented by Rock 104.9, the CW, and the River Cities' Reader. There will be $2 drink specials all night as the River Bandits host the West Michigan Whitecaps. Get your tickets now to watch the River Bandits in 2012. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at (563) 3-BANDIT 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: After four years of ballpark improvements, the River Bandits and the City of Davenport last summer unveiled some of the most impressive enhancements to Modern Woodmen Park yet. A brand new, state of the art, high definition 20' x 35' video board went live on June 7, and the newly enclosed glass Sky Deck on the suite level of Modern Woodmen Park was completed last August. Those improvements, in addition to new flood protection, a new front plaza, and a new parking lot directly across the street from the ballpark, are quickly making Modern Woodmen Park one of the premier facilities in all of Minor League Baseball. More improvements are scheduled for this coming season!