Pair of Four-Run Innings Send Quad Cities to 9-2 Win

Bowling Green, Ky. - A pair of four-run inning for the Quad Cities River Bandits (Class-A/Houston Astros) made it tough for the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Tampa Bay Rays) to mount a comeback, and the River Bandits took the opener of a three-game set at Bowling Green Ballpark, 9-2. A total of 5,012 fans turned out for Saturday night's game.

Bowling Green held a 1-0 lead entering the top of the fifth inning, but a pair of two-run home runs changed the score-line. J.D. Davis led off the frame with a double, and he was sent home when Ronnie Mitchell followed with a home run to right field. Two outs later, Thomas Lindauer reached on an error, and Brett Phillips doubled the inning's run total with a two-run homer to right-center field. The River Bandits led 4-1 after the surge.

The Hot Rods pulled a run back in the bottom of the fifth, but Quad Cities plated four more runs in the sixth. Chase McDonald led off with a double, and he moved to third on a single by Brian Holberton. Davis then singled to score McDonald and advance Holberton to second base. Later in the inning, Dayne Park singled home Holberton, and the frame was capped when Lindauer doubled home a pair of runs. The lead swelled to 8-1.

Quad Cities would plate an insurance run late en route to their 9-2 win. Bowling Green's two runs came on a run-scoring single by Ty Young in the first inning, and a sacrifice fly by Oscar Hernandez in the bottom of the fifth.

Three different River Bandits batters enjoyed games of more than one hit, including Parker who amassed three. Phillips, Mitchell, and Lindauer finished the night with two runs batted in apiece.

Blaine Sims (2-2) used his knuckleball to work six innings and allow just two runs (one earned) in the triumph. He walked seven batters, but held the Hot Rods to just five hits. Andrew Walter worked the final three innings to earn his ninth save of the season.

D.J. Slaton (0-1) was dominant through four innings, but he picked up the loss after exiting the game in the sixth. Josh Kimborowicz tossed three innings out of the bullpen, and Andrew Hanse threw the ninth.

The Hot Rods will look to even the series with Quad Cities on Sunday afternoon. Gates will open at Bowling Green Ballpark at 1 p.m. CT, and first pitch will be hurled at 2:05 p.m. CT. Kids can run the bases after the game thanks to Smucker's Uncrustables, just like their favorite Hot Rods. Select ice cream will also be half price on a Family Sundae. For tickets to any Hot Rods game, or for more information, fans can visit BGHotRods.com, call 270-901-2121, or visit the Bowling Green Ballpark box office.

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