BANDITS DROP RUBBER MATCH

Bandits starter Anthony Ferrara (6-4) allowed only two runs on two hits in six innings of work Wednesday night against Cedar Rapids. However, the Bandit offense managed to muster only one run on five hits and the Kernels beat the Bandits 7-1 to take the rubber match of the series.

Ferrara was relieved by Angel DeJesus. The right-hander left in the eighth inning after allowing two runs in the eighth without recording an out. DeJesus went officially one inning allowing two runs on one hit while walking two. Iden Nazario made his first appearance of the season for the Bandits and went 1.2 innings allowing three runs on three hits including a three-run homer in the ninth inning to David Harris (1-for-4, 3 RBI). Dean Kiekhefer replaced Nazario in the ninth inning with two outs, and retired one batter with a strikeout.

Offensively, the Bandits struggled for the second game in a row. Chris Edmondson went 2-for-3 with a double and scored a run. Geoff Klein went 2-for-3 as well, and had an RBI. Victor Sanchez got the only other hit in the game and went 1-for-3 with a single. Kolten Wong went 0-for-4 in the game but reached base once on an error by the first baseman.

Ferrara was opposed by Cedar Rapids starter Heath Nichols (4-5) who pitched a complete game. The right-hander went the full nine innings allowing one run on five hits while striking out three. Nichols also walked two in the game.

The Bandits open a new series tomorrow with the Clinton LumberKings on Blood Center Week. The Bandits will send Ryan Copeland (0-0, 3.43) to oppose Clinton starter George Mieses (1-9, 5.58). 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.