Vasquez blasts 2 to lead Bandits past Snappers
Quad Cities River Bandits left fielder Danry Vasquez had his first career two-homer game and helped his team build an 8-2 lead, which proved to be just enough in an 8-7 win over the Beloit Snappers in front of 3,522 at Modern Woodmen Park Sunday night.
Quad Cities (42-26 second half, 80-56 overall) has won 12 of 15 games and took a home game against Beloit (34-34, 77-61) for the first time since Aug. 19, 2012. The Snappers had won seven straight games in Davenport and took the game's first lead in the third inning against left-hander Josh Hader. Catcher Nick Rickles drew a one-out walk, and scored on a double by left fielder Ryan Mathews.
The River Bandits answered against right-hander Kyle Finnegan (1-1) with their largest inning since a season-high eight-run frame May 13 against Peoria. Second baseman Austin Elkins singled, and right fielder Jordan Scott drew a walk. After designated hitter Tony Kemp struck out, center fielder Teoscar Hernandez hit a ground ball stopped by diving third baseman Renato Nunez, whose throw past first base allowed Elkins to score the tying run. Shortstop Carlos Correa then hit a two-run single up the middle, and Vasquez followed by driving his first home run since his River Bandits debut July 31 off the top of the right-center field fence. Third baseman Rio Ruiz hit his second double of the game down the first-base line and later scored when catcher Roberto Pena put down a bunt to make it 6-1.
With a 6-1 lead, Hader worked around a fourth-inning double but walked four of the first six batters in the fifth inning to force home a run and leave after 4 2/3 innings, having allowed two hits, a career-high six walks and four strikeouts. Right-hander Patrick Christensen came in to retire Nunez on a flyout to center field, stranding the bases loaded with a 6-2 lead. Christensen allowed three singles to load the bases in the sixth inning but struck out the final two batters to work 1 1/3 shutout innings.
After Vasquez homered leading off the fifth, and first baseman Bobby Borchering drove in a run with his first triple since Aug. 16, 2012, the River Bandits held an 8-2 lead. In the seventh inning, however, right-hander Jorge Perez allowed a hit batter and walk before Snappers first baseman Matt Olson and right fielder John Wooten each hit RBI singles, and designated hitter Ryan Delgado hit a three-run home run to field to close within 8-7. Two more hits chased Perez, and right-hander Andrew Walter came in to strand two runners ending the seventh. Walter faced the minimum in the eighth and ninth, with the help of a double play, and earned his third save.
The River Bandits' scoring of at least seven runs activates the "Lucky Seven Run" promotion, as American TV & Appliance at 4800 Elmore Avenue in Davenport will offer a 40% discount on select furniture Monday, Sept. 2. Sunday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount Monday, Sept. 2. 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 Monday, Sept. 2.Quad Cities plays the regular season finale against Beloit at 1 p.m. Monday at Modern Woodmen Park. River Bandits right-hander Daniel Minor (7-3) is scheduled to face Snappers right-hander Deyvi Jimenez (2-5).
UP NEXT: The regular season concludes Labor Day afternoon at Modern Woodmen Park, where the River Bandits play a 1 p.m. game. Gates open at 11:30 a.m., and River Bandits players will sign autographs on the field from 12:25 p.m. to 12:35 p.m. as part of Fan Appreciation Weekend. A Munchie Monday presented by 97X means all-you-can-eat hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn and nachos with a $15 wristband. 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 the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. 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!