BANDITS SWEEP LOONS, WIN FIFTH STRAIGHT
Quad Cities (13-9) moved four games over .500 for the first time this season thanks to a season-high five game winning streak, improving to 5-1 on their current, season-long nine-game homestand. Great Lakes (11-11) was held in check by Blake King, Pete Parise, and J.D. Stambaugh, who combined to strike out 12 and allow just three hits on the afternoon.
With their eyes set on the potential series sweep, the River Bandits jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first. Adron Chambers reached on a one-out single and advanced from first to third on an errant pickoff attempt. There were two outs when Charlie Kingrey checked in with a single to left, driving in his 16th run of the year for a 1-0 lead.
The Loons tied the score with a run in the top of the second, but Pete Kozma's RBI-double in the bottom half of the frame gave Quad Cities the lead right back. One inning later, Osvaldo Morales blasted a solo homer that banged off the batter's eye in straightaway center, pushing the score to 3-1 with his first longball since joining the River Bandits on Thursday.
Parise (1-1) earned the win out of the bullpen, needing just eight pitches to get through a perfect fifth inning. Stambaugh (1) took it the rest of the way for his first save of the year, striking out three over four shutout frames and allowing two hits. King started the game but did not figure into the decision, striking out eight and allowing just one unearned run on one hit over four innings despite issuing five walks.
Quad Cities added some insurance in the eighth inning. Kozma singled with one out and Andrew Brown drew a walk with two away, setting the stage for Matt Arburr to extend his hitting streak to eight games with a run-scoring single to left. Morales followed suit with a liner of his own to left field, driving home his second run of the game for the 5-1 lead.
Bryan Morris (0-2) took the loss for Great Lakes. The 26th overall pick in the 2006 draft, Morris struck out six in six innings while allowing three runs - two earned - on five hits.
UP NEXT: The River Bandits continue their season-long nine game homestand with a three-game set against the Lansing Lugnuts. The series begins with Chiropractor Appreciation Night on Monday and continues on Tuesday with a Noon game courtesy of a River Bandits Book Buddies Day. The homestand concludes with Ladies Night featuring a Teeth Whitening Giveaway and FREE MANICURES on Wednesday, April 30, which is also an IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union Night. Merchandise featuring the new team name and logo is currently available by visiting the Modern Woodmen Park team store, and season ticket packages, mini-packages, and the popular You-Pick-10 Plan are on sale at the park or by calling (563) 3-BANDITS!