Bandits Bullpen Continues Dominance of Chiefs
The River Bandits bullpen ran its scoreless innings streak to 12 1/3 innings in two games against the Chiefs, and Tuesday night marked the longest that Quad Cities relievers have combined to hold a lead in 2012. They did so in superb fashion after Hald, who was struck by Chiefs second baseman Zeke DeVoss's first-inning leadoff single, allowed Peoria's only run to score on a sacrifice fly by Chiefs catcher Rafael Lopez later in the inning.
Right-hander Willy Paulino (1-1) entered with a 3-1 lead to start the bottom of the second inning, as the River Bandits answered Peoria's first-inning run by scoring three times in the top of the second on an RBI single by right fielder Roberto Reyes, an error by Chiefs left fielder Reggie Golden and a sacrifice fly by catcher Juan Castillo. The Quad Cities added to the lead in the third on an RBI single by first baseman David Medina and an RBI double by second baseman Luis Mateo, who also scored two runs and led the team with three hits and two doubles.
Paulino allowed one hit in three shutout innings and loaded the bases in the fourth with a walk and two hit batters but escaped the jam by inducing an inning-ending, ground-ball double play off the bat of Chiefs designated hitter Eduardo Gonzalez.
River Bandits left-hander Danny Miranda started the fifth inning and set down all nine batters he faced in order to hold the lead through the seventh. Right-hander Heath Wyatt allowed a hit to the first batter he faced in the eighth but retired the final five batters of the game.
After Chiefs left-handed starter Willengton Cruz (0-2) allowed five runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings, the Peoria bullpen was nearly as impressive as that of the River Bandits. Cruz, right-hander Scott Weismann and left-hander Jeffrey Lorick retired 17 consecutive Quad Cities batters before Mateo doubled to lead off the ninth inning against right-hander Luis Liria, who allowed two runs in the final inning.
The River Bandits will go for a three-game sweep of the Chiefs Wednesday night, when left-hander Dail Villanueva makes his first start against right-hander Michael Jensen, who pitched five shutout innings to win on Opening Night in Beloit.
UP NEXT: The River Bandits will return to Modern Woodmen Park to host the Clinton LumberKings Monday, April 16, at 7 p.m. for the first Buck Night of the season presented by Klement's and 97X. A full menu of $1 items will be available. 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!