BG Falls as River Bandits Capture Game Two, 9-2

Bowling Green, Ky. - A fifth-inning rally brought the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Class-A/Tampa Bay Rays) back into the game on Sunday afternoon, but the Quad Cities River Bandits (Houston Astros) scored four times in the top of the eighth to seal the 9-2 victory.

The River Bandits went in front in the top of the second with three runs. Brian Holberton singled to start the frame, and he came around to score when J.D. Davis doubled to right-center field. Following a walk to Ronnie Mitchell and a sacrifice bunt, Brett Booth singled to center field to plate both Davis and Mitchell and give Quad Cities the 3-0 lead.

Two more runs crossed for Quad Cities in the second, as Chase McDonald hit a two-out double and came home on Holberton's single. Davis followed by reaching on an infield single, and Mitchell sent him home with a single.

The Hot Rods would get back into the game with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth. Julian Ridings led off with a single, and Alexander Simon moved him up to third base with a double to right-center field. One out later, Juniel Querecuto singled up the middle to plate both runs and cut the deficit to 5-2.

Quad Cities' advantage swelled after they survived Bowling Green's rally. In the top of the eighth, Davis led off the inning with a single, and later scored on Dayne Parker's base hit. After Booth reached on a fielder's choice to put runners at second and third, Brett Phillips capped the game for Quad Cities with a home run to right field. The lead expanded to 9-2, which turned out to be the game's final margin.

Edison Frias (7-5) survived a tough first inning to toss seven, and he allowed just two runs. Frias did not issue a free pass, and he struck out eight batters.

Jake Faria (6-6) took the loss for Bowling Green after conceding five runs, just three earned, on six hits. Willie Gabay was solid out of the bullpen, as he worked three scoreless innings and struck out five River Bandits.

The Hot Rods now look to salvage a game in their three-game set with Quad Cities in the finale on Monday afternoon. The game will begin at a special time of 12:05 p.m. CT, and gates will open at 11 a.m. CT. It will be the final home game of the month of July before the Hot Rods depart for a six-game road trip. For tickets to any Hot Rods game, or for more information, fans can visit BGHotRods.com, call 270-901-2121, or visit the Bowling Green Ballpark box office.

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