Wisconsin edges Bandits in series opener

DAVENPORT, Iowa - A ninth-inning run sank the Quad Cities River Bandits in a 2-1 pitcher's duel loss to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in front of 6,839 fans on Friday night at Modern Woodmen Park. The loss extends the season-long losing skid for Quad Cities to seven games. Enrique Chavez allowed only one run over seven innings in his start for Quad Cities and Bobby Wernes collected two of the Bandits' three hits and drove in the only run.

 

Tied 1-1 entering the final frame, Isan Diaz knocked a one-out single and moved into a scoring position on a passed ball. Later in the inning a single from Monte Harrison scored Diaz, pushing the Timber Rattlers (31-30, 65-66) on top 2-1 over the River Bandits (27-34, 58-72).

 

The Timber Rattlers struck first with a run in the fourth. Trent Clark worked a leadoff walk and moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt. Jake Gatewood connected for a soft single, scoring Clark to give Wisconsin the 1-0 edge over the Bandits.

 

Quad Cities evened the match in the sixth. Pat Porter drew a one-out walk and stole second base. Wernes knocked a single to bring home Porter, tying the game 1-1.

 

Both starting pitchers entered into a duel in the series opener, but both took no decision. Chavez allowed just one run over seven innings for Quad Cities. The Mexico native gave up only two hits and a walk while striking out three.  Jordan Yamamoto struck out a career-high ten batters over seven innings while allowing only one run. The Hawaiian gave up just three hits and walk for Wisconsin.

 

Miguel Sanchez (1-0) took the victory with two hitless, scoreless innings of relief for Wisconsin. Nick Hernandez (0-1) dropped the decision, allowing one run on three hits and two walks over two innings out of the bullpen for the Bandits.

 

The series continues on Saturday night with a 6:00 p.m. first pitch. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and the first 1,500 fans receive a River Bandits beer stein presented by Bier Stube. Yoanys Quiala (2-10, 5.25) takes the mound for Quad Cities opposing Wisconsin starter Jordan Desguin (0-1, 3.06). You can catch the radio broadcast with Jake Levy, starting with the River bandits On-Deck Show at 6:20 p.m. on 1170 AM K-BOB, riverbandits.com and the TuneIn app.