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BANDITS BREATHE RELIEF

June 17, 2011
The River Bandits pitching staff allowed only four hits in its 4-1 win against the Peoria Chiefs Friday night. The Bandits received a second consecutive solid start from right-hander Zach Russell (3-6), who made only one costly mistake, a solo home run to Greg Rohan (1-for-3). Russell allowed just one run on three hits while striking out four, for his second consecutive win.

The Bandits came into Friday's game with a 0.5 game lead on the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers for the second playoff spot, and will hold onto that lead. The Bandits magic number is now two.

Offensively, the Bandits collected only four hits of its own. Jonathan Rodriguez went 2-for-2 with a solo home run. Nick Longmire went 1-for-3 with a double and also scored a run. Oscar Taveras went 1-for-4 with a double and had the only other Bandit hit in the game.

Ryan Copeland came into the game to relieve Russell in the sixth, and went 2.1 hitless innings while striking out three. Aiden Lucas (5) came into the game in the ninth and went one scoreless inning allowing one hit while striking out one.

Russell was opposed by Chiefs starter Hayden Simpson (1-4). Simpson went 4.2 innings allowing three runs on four hits while striking out two.

The Bandits continue the series tomorrow when they send Boone Whiting (0-0, 1.83) to oppose Chiefs lefty Austin Kirk (4-2, 1.79). First pitch is set for 7 p.m. at Modern Woodmen Park.

UP NEXT: Now is the perfect time to lock-in your group outing for the 2011 season. Group packages start for groups as small as just 10 people. It's also not too late to pick out the ticket package that fits your schedule. Ticket plans start as low as $40 per seat. Ticket plans are a great way to ensure a seat for the 2011 Midwest League All-Star Game at Modern Woodmen Park on Tuesday, June 21.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The Quad Cities River Bandits opened the 2010 season by unveiling their brand new state-of-the-art field, and over the course of the season added a number of new improvements, including a new children's playground, new concession stands for both adults and children in the team's Picnic Plaza, a new "triple-suite" for small groups on the suite level, and a new group area just beyond the right-field fence. The 2011 season not only features the Midwest League All-Star Game right here in the Quad Cities, but also a number of spectacular new improvements to the ballpark that fans will not want to miss. Season and group ticket deposits for 2011 are currently being accepted, for more information call (563) 3-BANDIT or logon to RiverBandits.com.