Four-run fifth dooms River Bandits
DAVENPORT, IA. - The Kane County Cougars used a four-run fifth inning to take game one in the four-game series against the Quad Cities River Bandits on Thursday night in front of 1,952 fans at Modern Woodmen Park. Daz Cameron picked up his first extra-base hit of the season, an RBI-triple, scoring the River Bandits' first run in the contest. Osvaldo Duarte collected two extra-base knocks, a double and triple, in a 2-for-4 night at the plate.
Albert Abreu was dealing through four innings but faltered in the fifth. The righty loaded the bases with a walk and two infield singles and then gave up a two-run single to Matt McPhearson before exiting the contest. Jose Hernandez came on in relief and after recording one out, gave up a two-run triple to Luke Lowery to put Kane County (4-3) on top 5-1. Abreu (0-1) took the loss over four-plus innings, allowing five earned runs while striking out six. Hernandez allowed only one hit while striking out four in four innings.
The Cougars took the first lead of the game in the second inning. Joe Munoz worked a leadoff walk and later scored off the bat of Robelys Reyes, giving Kane County a 1-0 advantage. The River Bandits (2-5) evened the contest in the bottom of the third. Antonio Nunez singled and stole second to reach scoring position. Later in the frame Cameron connected for a triple to right field, scoring Nunez and bringing the game all-square at 1-1.
The River Bandits cut into the Kane County lead in the seventh. Duarte knocked a one-out double and Aaron Mizell followed with his own double to score Duarte and make it a 5-2 game.
Alex Young got no decision in his start for Kane County. The Diamondbacks' second round pick last year went four innings, giving up four hits and one run while striking out six Bandits. Gabe Speier (1-0) took the win in a 2 1/3-inning relief appearance for the Cougars. The lefty did not allow a run or hit and struck out three on the way to his first victory in 2016. Cameron Gann allowed a triple to Duarte in the ninth but did not allow a run in the final frame, picking up his first save of the season.
The River Bandits look to rebound Friday night with RHP Chris Murphy (0-1, 4.15) on the mound. Kane County counters with RHP Carlos Hernandez (0-0, 4.15). First pitch is set for 7:00 p.m. CT, with gates opening an hour prior to first pitch. The game will also be available on MiLB.TV and audio on K-BOB 1170 AM in the Quad Cities and online at riverbandits.com or on the TuneIn app. Jake Levy and Lance Ragland will have the call, beginning with the Lloyd Agencies Pregame Show at 6:45 p.m.