Snappers' Secure Season Split After Rocking River Bandits

DAVENPORT, IA - The Snappers secured their 4th straight victory over the River Bandits tonight with a 6-2 routing of the Astros affiliate. While Quad Cities is the team with the best Western Division record, the Snappers continue to be a thorn in their side with tonight's win.
 

Beloit jumped out in front quickly with a pair of 2-out RBI doubles by Designated Hitter Santis Sanchez and First Basemen Nick Ward in the second inning. Second Basemen Joseph Pena would add another run to that total with a single in the 4th to score Skyler Weber. 
 
Reid Birlingmair was originally slotted to piggyback today, as he has done many times this year, but a late decision was made to allow Birlingmair to pitch with the aid of the bullpen instead. Birlingmair would thrive only allowing 1 hit through 6 innings striking out 9 batters. Unfortunately, h is 1 hit was a 2-run home run in the 4th to bring the River Bandits within 1 run.
 
Thankfully, Snappers' sluggers would have their starters back as they would tack on another 3 runs in the next two innings. Nick Osborne in the top of the 5th would drive in a run on an RBI single, and Devin Foyle would drive in 2 runners on his own RBI Single in the 6th.
 
The Snappers bullpen was then lights-out to finish the contest providing 3 innings of support. Brandon Withers through 2 of those innings would only allow 1 hit and strike out another 5 batters, while Calvin Coker would finish the game with an inning for himself allowing a hit of his own and striking out 1.
 
With tonight's win, the Snappers secure at least a season split with the River Bandits, and they Snappers look to secure the series win tomorrow with their 2nd game of their 3 game set in Davenport. The Snappers are set to throw Rafael Kelly tomorrow, who has had great success in the 3 games he's pitched against Quad Cities. He has earned 3 wins through 17 innings of work and only allowed 3 earned runs in those 3 games versus the River Bandits. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM CST again at Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport.
 
The Beloit Snappers are a member of the Midwest League and have been the Single-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. For more ticket information, contact the Snappers office at (608) 362-2272 or visit our website, www.snappersbaseball.com