Game Recap - Sharks Come Back in Late Innings to Foil Bandits Bid For First Win

The St. Croix River Bandits (0-3 conf, 0-6 overall) had their first win within grasp to have it pulled away by the Tri Metro Sharks in the Bandits final game of the Ken Staples tournament held in Osceola this weekend. Trevor Todd took the mound for the River Bandits and had a good outing in the early innings. The Bandits had a 6-2 lead going into the bottom of the fifth inning, led by two Brian Jacobson doubles. In the bottom of the fifth, the Sharks finally got their bats rolling, getting a couple of walks and couple of well hit balls to bring them to within one, with the score 6-5.

The Sharks brought in their relief pitcher who had a late breaking ball and a 90 mph fastball. The Bandits went down quietly in the top of the sixth. Todd took the mound to start the bottom of the sixth but got into some trouble early. The Sharks again put the bat on the ball for some good hits and soon had a 7-6 lead with runners on second and first with only one out. Jim Rochford was brought in for relief and managed to pitch to only one batter who grounded into a double play.

The Bandits attempted a rally in the top of the seventh, with Trevor Todd (who switched from P to LF) earning a walk, and Chad Allram being hit by a pitch. However, the Bandits could not capitalize, stranding both runners.

The Bandits played a solid game, and it was definetely a tough loss. But spirits are high as the Bandits played great baseball this weekend. The Bandits only have to learn to minimize damage and not give up those "big" innings. Out of 20 innings played this weekend, only 3 were regrettable, and while they may not have come away with a win, they certainly played well enough to.

The Bandits next game will be in Siren at 7:00pm on Wednesday. The forecast is for cloudy skies and the temp in the mid-high 60's, and a slight chance of rain.

*Other Notes

*2B Chad Allram was hit by a pitch for the 5th time in 4 games. Congrats..I guess

*DH Brian Jacobson definetely found his stroke Sunday, crushing two doubles to left center.

*Attendance was great all weekend for the Bandits games and sold about 20 t-shirts, we appreciate all the support from St. Croix and Osceola fans alike!