Bandits Toss 15th Shutout to Even Series in Michigan

The Quad Cities River Bandits made a first inning run hold up all night as they snapped a five-game losing streak with a 1-0 victory over the West Michigan Whitecaps on Thursday night at Fifth Third Ballpark. The shutout win was the 15^th of the season for the River Bandits pitching staff, tying them for the most in Minor League Baseball.
In the top of the first, the River Bandits (11-8, 54-32) mustered a run despite the first two batters of the game being retired by West Michigan starting pitcher Robbie Welhaf. Grae Kessinger poked a single into left to open the threat, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored when Cesar Salazar dumped an RBI single into shallow left field. Welhaf ended up allowing just that one run in 6.0 innings on the hill, but took the tough-luck loss.
The Bandits would not score again, but they didn't need to because of the work on the mound from right-handers Brett Daniels and Devin Conn. Daniels tossed 7.0 scoreless innings as the starter to pick up the win. He recorded a season-low two strikeouts, but had Whitecaps hitters off-balance all night as he limited them to five hits. Conn entered the game in the eighth inning and struck out five of the six batters he faced in 2.0 perfect frames to collect his fourth save of the season.

Kessinger was the only River Bandits player with multiple hits, finishing the night 2-4. Andre Lipcius had two hits for the Whitecaps (8-12, 29-60) who left eight men on base in the loss.
The Bandits and Whitecaps will meet for the final time in the 2019 regular season on Friday night at 6:05 p.m. RHP R.J. Freure (4-4, 3.86) will take the ball for the River Bandits in a showdown with West Michigan RHP Chance Kirby (3-4, 4.14).
All River Bandits games are broadcast on 1170 K-BOB and TuneIn Radio. Home games are also available with video on MiLB.TV.