Sunday, July 29, 2007

Game Recap - Rochford Rocked as Bandits Lose to Bulldogs.

More to come as time permits....it was a blow-out

Rochford threw 91 pitches in 3 innings and gave upwards of 11 earned runs. Bandits got their first baserunner and hit in the 7th and final inning. Trevor Todd recorded a walk and Troy DeSmet wound up with a broken bat infield single. SS Chad Hollister from Chisago was all over the place taking away hits from the Bandits.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Siren Game Rained Out

Next game is Friday 7/27 @ Chisago - 7:30 start

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Final Eastern Minny Standings

Eastern Minny North

LeagueOverall
TeamRecordHomeAwayRFRAGBWin %StreakRecordRFRA
Hinckley Knights19-312-17-218282-.864Won 1521-8209116
Mora Blue Devils16-68-38-3154763.727Lost 119-717484
Quamba Cubs5-143-72-75016112.5.263Lost 17-32118342
Isle Outlaws0-00-00-0008

0-000
Eastern Minny West

LeagueOverall
TeamRecordHomeAwayRFRAGBWin %StreakRecordRFRA
Princeton Panthers19-310-19-218479-.864Won 1623-4221100
Isanti Redbirds17-512-15-4140562.773Lost 123-8189106
Nowthen Pioneers10-114-06-111211098.5.476Lost 413-11142115
Milaca Stingers5-142-53-95311612.5.263Lost 55-1453116
Eastern Minny Central

LeagueOverall
TeamRecordHomeAwayRFRAGBWin %StreakRecordRFRA
Chisago Lakes Bulldogs15-77-48-315858-.682Won 417-818363
Pine City Pirates10-106-54-5111964.500Won 110-1011196
St. Croix River Bandits8-145-43-10951347.364Won 111-19147203
Braham Stars5-152-83-7571539.250Lost 95-1557153

Game Preview - @ Siren 7/26 7pm, @ Chisago 7/27 7:30pm

The St. Croix River Bandits (8-14, 11-19) hit the road for 2 games this week. Thursday night the Bandits will take on the Siren Steelers in Siren. The Bandits won the first game against the Steelers via forfeit and the 2nd game they won 12-9 in a sloppily played game by both teams, combining for 17 errors....no joke. The Bandits defense has much improved since then and hope they can take another one from the reeling Siren Steelers, who have been struggling this season.

The Bandits travel on Friday into Chisago (15-7, 17-8) for there final meeting against the Bulldogs this season. The Bulldogs have beaten the Bandits 12-6 and 8-3 in their earlier meetings this season. However, in both of those games the Bulldogs have scored 4 runs in the last 3 innings to blow the games open, which were neck and neck. The Bandits look to minimize errors and play some smart baseball against this playoff bound team. Jim Rochford figures to take the mound for the Bandits. Rochford is 3-6 this season, but his ERA over the last month and a half has been 3.51 with 24k and only 12BB in 43 1/3 IP. Rochford gave up 4 earned in just over 6 IP in his last start in Chisago.

Monday, July 23, 2007

Game Recap - Bandits Win Last League Game of Season, Defeat Playoff Bound Isanti 4-2

The St. Croix River Bandits (8-14, 11-19) got an early lead on the Isanti Redbirds (17-5, 23-8) Sunday, and managed to keep it, despite 4 fielding errors on the day. Jay Gagner pitched a near flawless game by Bandits standards, giving up only one earned run off of a solo homerun by soon to be all-league catcher Kyle Johnson. Gagner struck out 13, gave up only 3 hits and 2 walks in 9 innings pitched.

The game didn't look like it was going to get under way at first. Rain was threatening for the first 7 innings of play, and a few players coming from up North from the weekend said it had been raining for hours, as close as Siren. But the rain only delayed the game for about 5 minutes, and the rest of the storm seemed to literally go around the baseball diamond.

The Bandits struck first in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Troy DeSmet led off with a walk, followed by a a grounder to third by Mitch Thompson. However, the Redbird third baseman, Tyler Schaff, threw wide, allowing DeSmet to reach 3rd and Thompson to 2nd. Curtis Roebuck was able to hit a groundout to deep short, allowing DeSmet to score. Michael Chelberg hit a single which allowed Mitch Thompson to score from 2nd.

The Bandits scored again in the bottom of the third. Preston Langer hit a double to left, however was hung up after a Scott Lindholm single, and which the third baseman dove and knocked the ball down, and looked like had caromed off his glove into center. The shortstop came out of nowhere to slide in and stop the ball, and ended up throwing Langer out at 2nd. "Incredible play by the shortstop," said Jim Rochford, who was coaching first. Lindholm then stole 2nd base, and advanced to third on a Jesse Hartel single. Isanti pitcher Ben Lind threw a wild pitch that allowed Lindholm to score and at the end of the inning, the Bandits led 3-0 and the clouds looked like we wouldn't even make it to 5 innings.

Isanti got one back in the top of the fourth with a 2-out solo home run Redbirds starting catcher (who happened to be starting 1B today) Kyle Johnson. Johnson is batting .375 on the year with now 4 home runs and 26 RBI.

The Bandits got another run in the fifth. Kyle Kahl got on base from another wild throw from the Redbird third baseman. Langer hit a single, and with first and third loaded, Lindholm hit the ball to deep enough 3rd to score Kahl with a fielder's choice.

The Redbirds only got one more run off of some sloppy defense by the Bandits, but they were able to lock it up and get Jay Gagner the win.

Next game is at Siren at 7:00 - the drive isn't that far.......show up!!! It should be a good one. Either Jim Rochford or Michael Chelberg will likely start for the Bandits. The Bandits then play Chisago on Friday night in Chisago 7:30pm. After those 2 games there are only 3 more left on the year!! Check out the team website for stats and schedules.

*Other Notes*

*Preston Langer went 2-3 today with a walk, Troy DeSmet and Mitch Thompson each went 1-3 with a walk and a run scored.

*Brandon Pederson was at the game but got some much needed rest.

*Jay Gagner broke his own record of 10 strikeouts in a single Bandits game, and set the new mark at 13.

*Single game, and single season records will be tabulated and be hitting the team website soon

*Also this week I'll list the Bandits choices for All Eastern Minny League....don't be suprised if a Bandit or two makes the 2nd team all conference.

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Game Recap - Bandits Give Up Only 3 Earned, but Lose by 7 to Braves

The St. Croix River Bandits (7-14, 10-19) are still trying to find there way in their inaugural season. The Bandits lost 14-7 to the Osceola Braves on Saturday afternoon, in a game where they pounded out 9 hits and 7 runs, but unfortunately they made 6 fielding errors, which led to 11 unearned runs. "It was very disappointing, we always seem to play much below our level when we play the Braves." said Bandits player, Jim Rochford. Brandon Pederson took the mound for the Bandits and while he did allow 11 hits and walked 4, the Bandits had many chances to get out of jams with little damage done.

Scott Lindholm, Jesse Hartel, and Michael Chelberg contributed with 2 hits a piece. Jesse Hartel and Curtis Roebuck scored twice, and Preston Langer had 2 RBI.

The River Bandits just can't seem to play to their full potential when playing the Braves.

*Other Notes

*Boxscore found HERE

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Game Recap - Bandits have late lead again, but lose 8-5 v. Hinckley

The St. Croix River Bandits (7-14, 10-18) are just having troubles closing the doors on teams this week. The Bandits were only able to bring 10 guys up to Hinckley's magnificent Brennan Field (a sight I implore you to go see during this year's playoffs). Previous to the game Hinckely was 17-3 in league play, a team full of good hitting, and good pitching. Jim Rochford took the mound for the River Bandits and due to lack of young catchers, Brian Jacobson put on the gear and called to game from behind the plate. Rochford pitched 8 innings giving up 12 hits, 8 runs (5 earned), while walking only 3, and striking out 5.

The first action of the game was in the bottom of the third, the Knights were able to score a run off of a 1-out walk and a pair of singles. In the fourth the Knights added 2 more runs with 2 more singles, a sac bunt, a squeeze bunt that ended up being a bunt single, and a sacrifice fly. The sixth inning led to another run for the Knights with a 1-out walk, and was able to move around the bases and score on some infield errors later in the inning. After the game Rochford just shook his head and said, "It doesn't matter how many outs there are, it just seems whenever I walk a guy, he scores, and that's why you've got pound the strike zone and not give up free bases."

With the Knights leading 4-0, and the Bandits managing only 3 hits in the first 6 innings, it was starting to look bleak for the double-digit Bandits fans that had traveled all the way up to Hinckley. Then Brian Jacobson led the inning off with an absolute shot to left field that somehow stayed in the park. Jacobson was able to "wheel" in with a lead off double. After a Kyle Kahl flyout, Curtis Roebuck was hit by a pitch. Michael Chelberg then singled to load the bases. Nick Hartman was hit by a 3-0 pitch to score Jacobson. Scott Lindholm came through with a 2-RBI single in which was misplayed the left fielder so Lindholm was able to take 2nd base. Matt Vold struck out and then Jesse Hartel walked. With 2 outs Troy DeSmet hit a 2-RBI single, and the Bandits took the lead 5-4.

The Hinckley Knights quickley answered back with back to back doubles in the bottom of the seventh by soon to be All Eastern Minny players, Mike Rote and Shawn Ausmus, and a couple of untimely Bandits later, the Knights had regained the lead 7-5. The Knights added 1 more in the eighth with a successful squeeze bunt after two singles to give you your end score of 8-5.

The Bandits gave the Hinckley Knights a scare, as they have to a bunch of Eastern Minny teams in this late season. "We are so close to having everything gel together, we make a few plays and that game is ours. We have had many close games, early against Quamba and Nowthen, then Mora, and now Hinckley where we just let the game get away from us and we had a real good chance of winning." said Jim Rochford.

*Other Notes*

*Full Boxscore HERE

*7 different Bandits had base hits.

*Jim Rochford has pitched 73 2/3 innings this season to lead the Eastern Minny Conference...goals for next year is to get that 4.40 ERA down to 3.5 or below. Rochford's Eastern Minny pitching stats since June 15th: 43.2 IP 3.51 ERA 24k 12 BB. Not dominating....but he'll give you a chance to win.

Friday, July 20, 2007

Game Recap - Bandits Can't Keep Lead, Lose 12-6 v. Chisago

The St. Croix River Bandits (7-13, 10-17) lost 12-6 Friday night against Chisago in Oakey Park.
It was for some reason a very heated intense game between the border rivals as both teams struggled to throw strikes and make plays. Chisago struck first in the top of the 1st inning, scoring 3 runs off of 4 hits. The Bandits manufacturd 1 run back in the bottom of the first via a walk, error, sac bunt, and sac fly.

The Bandits scored again in the 3rd from 2 more Chisago walks, a wild pitch, and throwing error on a routine grounder to shortstop. Chisago was able to score in the top of the 4th via defensive errors by the Bandits, and again in the 5th via a walk, sac bunt, and then a deep double by cleanup hitting catcher Kyle Collins. Going into the bottom of the 5th, the Bulldogs were leading 5-3.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Bandits finally got their bats swinging. Singles by Mitch Thompson, Jesse Hartel, a Kyle Kahl walk, Curtis Roebuck RBI-single, Preston Langer, and Brandon Pederson's 2-RBI single brought the Bandits in front with a 6-5 lead.

After a lead-off walk in the 6th, Trevor Todd was able to strike out DH Jon Kent. This led to some clamoring in the Bulldogs dugout and umpire Ben Wolcyn ejected starting shortstop Jimmy Achartz from the game. At this point it appeared the Bandits had all the momentum they would need...It just didn't turn out that way. After inducing a flyout, Todd hit the next batter. Achartz's replacement got an RBI single, and an error later, the Bandits were back down 7-6. The Bandits bats never got going again after Chisago turned to pitcher Chip Bemlott, who pitched fantastically, striking out 7 while walking only 1 and giving up 3 hits.

Bandits pitchers struggled the rest of the game to located in the strike zone, leading to 5 more runners scoring off of free bases, as Chisago took the game 12-6.

Lots of games this week: @ Hinckley Fri 7/20, v. Osceola Sat 7/21, v. Isanti Sun 7/22

*Other Notes

*Boxscore is Here

*MIA - SS Jordan Martel, 3B Troy DeSmet, P Mike Leahy

*Scott Lindholm may have gone 0-2, but he walked 3 times and scored twice. Curtis Roebuck had a phenomenal 3-5 night with an RBI and run scored.

*Thanks to Oakey Park for letting us play at their beautiful field.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Game Recap - Bandits Pull Through v. Nowthen, 3-2

The St. Croix River Bandits (7-12, 10-16) were able to get a win at home versus a tough Nowthen team on Sunday afternoon by a score of 3-2. Jay Gagner made his first official start for the River Bandits and went eight strong innings, giving up six hits and walking five while striking out ten and only giving up two earned runs.

The Bandits scored all of their runs in the 3rd inning off of Nowthen's Tony Jarmoluk. Brandon Pederson started with a walk, and Jordan Martell's sac bunt ended up being a bunt single. Trevor Todd then walked, so like on Friday night, the Bandits had the bases loaded with no outs. This time, the Bandits came through. Mitch Thompson and Jesse Hartel hit back to back RBI singles, and with two outs Matt Vold was able to get an RBI single, giving the Bandits a 3-0 lead.

The Nowthen Pioneers then lifted Jormoluk in favor of ace pitcher Danny Ebner who allowed only three hits in the next five innings. The Pioneers got their two runs in the top of the seventh inning with a single and walk, followed by a Danny Ebner double scoring both runners.

With the Bandits leading 3-2 going into the ninth, and Jay Gagner having thrown just over 110 pitches the Bandits opted for Trevor Todd in relief. After falling behind early in the count to the #9 hitter Ostein, Todd battled back, and on a 2-2 pitch he threw a close pitch that appeared to be a strike and was called ball, after Ostein just got wood on two foul balls, he took ball four and first base. Todd then hit lead off batter Danny Ebner and was lifted for Curtis Roebuck. The first batter Roebuck faced bunted the runners over. Scott Levine who has been batting over .500 for the season, but was 0-3 today was due up. The brain trust inside the Bandits dugout decided to throw to Levine and Roebuck was able to induce a ground ball out to third base. Roebuck was then able to strike out clean-up hitter Bob Tokar to get the save and end the game. Congrats River Bandits for being able to pull out a close one!

Next game is v. Chisago @ Chisago Thursday 7/19 7:30 pm

*Other Notes

*MIA - Troy DeSmet, Brian Jacobson, Michael Chelberg, Alex Sullivan, Sean Weinberg

*Curtis Roebuck got his 2nd save of the season, and leads the Eastern Minny League in that category.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Game Preview - Nowthen Pioneers 2pm Sunday 7/15 @ SCF

The St. Croix River Bandits hose the Nowthen Pioneers in hopes of splitting the season series. The Bandits dropped a tough game in Nowthen earlier this season 10-9 and are hoping for some revenge. More to Come! Game time 2pm sunday 7/15

Game Recap - River Bandits Squander Chances in Chisago, lose 8-3.

The St. Croix River Bandits (6-12, 9-16) couldn't execute when it mattered against the Chisago Lakes Bulldogs and suffered a 8-3 loss in Chisago.

The first three innings flew by as Jim Rochford for the River Bandits and Tim Swenson for the Bulldogs allowed only 1 hit between the two. The Bandits jumped on the board first with Jesse Hartel getting a two-out single followed by a Troy DeSmet single. On DeSmet's single, Jesse Hartel attempted to take third base, the Chisago shortstop, Jimmy Achartz, cut off the outfielder's throw and tried to gun down Hartel at third. However, the throw went off track and Hartel was able to score on the throwing error.

The Bulldogs struck back in the next inning. Kohl Agre started things with a lead-off single. Rochford was able to strike out two of the next three batters, and beaned one with an inside breaking pitch that forgot to break. With runners on first and second and two out, Dan Harmon hit a fly ball to right field which looked like a routine out. However, the ball got lost in the lights and landed in for a single, scoring Agre from 2nd base. The Bulldogs were able to get another single and another run in the inning, breaking the tie for a 2-1 lead.

The Bulldogs were able to get 2 more off of Rochford in the bottom of the 5th inning. Just-graduated Jeff Hollister hit a solo homerun to lead off the inning, and a couple of singles, a sac bunt, walk and an error later, the Bulldogs had a 4-1 lead. The Bandits got 2 back in the top of the 6th. Alex Sullivan and Jordan Martell walked and Trevor Todd reached by an error, allowing Sullivan to score. Jesse Hartel then hit a ball towards the 2nd baseman, however, the ball hopped up and hit baserunner Trevor Todd, causing him to be out. Troy DeSmet kept things alive with an RBI single to cut the Bulldog lead down to one. However, the Bandits could not keep the rally going, striking out twice to end the inning.

Things started getting out of hand for the Bandits in the bottom of hte seventh inning. After Rochford induced a fly ball out to right, he walked a batter and was lifted for Michael Chelberg. Chelberg was able to throw strikes but for some reason the Chisago Bulldogs had his number. Chelberg pitched to 6 batters and 4 of them were able to hit for singles. Trevor Todd came in to close out the inning, but the damage had been done and the Bandits trailed 8-3.

The Bandits had another chance in the top of the eighth. With no outs the Bandits had the bases loaded off of a walk, error and single by the flaming hot Troy DeSmet. However, it wasn't meant to be as the Bandits struck out twice and hit into a 6-3 groundout to end the inning.

While the Bandits are definetely progressing, they have to work on getting those timely hits when it matters and not let the little things become huge rallies on defense.

Next game is v. Nowthen at home 2pm Sunday 7/15

*Other Notes

*Boxscore is HERE

*Troy DeSmet is 9-10 in his last three games with 2 walks......wow!

*Jesse Hartel will be representing the St. Croix River Bandits in the Eastern Minny All Star Game on Saturday

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Game Preview - @ Chisago Lakes Friday 7/13 7:30pm

The St. Croix River Bandits are making their closest league away appearance this year in Chisago. St. Croix has won 4 of their last 5 games and hope that their win streak can stay alive at division leader Chisago's stomping grounds. The Bandits play 9 games in the next 15 days, as do the Bulldogs. The River Bandits are in third place in the Eastern Minny Central Division, trailing Pine City by 1.0 game and Chisago by 4.5. The Bandits only have 5 league games remaining this season and Chisago have 8 remaining, and will get a win from the Isle Outlaws forfeit, all but mathematically eliminates the Bandits from finishing in first. The Bandits would have to win each game and the Bulldogs would have to lose 7 games, which does not seem likely.

The Bandits do have a shot (although a tough assignment) to catch the Pine City Pirates for 2nd place in the division. Pine City has 7 games remaining (2 automatic wins vs. Isle) and they hold the tie breaker against the Bandits for their regular season sweep against St. Croix. The Bandits have to win 3 more games than Pine City to pull it off. Despite starting the season 2-12, the Bandits have had a strong 2nd half going 7-3 in their last 10 games. With twelve games left on the schedule the Bandits are shooting for finishing the season at .500 which means they would have to go 9-3 for the rest of the season. It will be difficult but definetely something to shoot for.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Game Recap - Bandits Take Win in Cumberland, 17-2

Mike Leahy pickey up his 2nd win of the season yesterday as the St. Croix River Bandits (6-11, 9-15) defeated the Cumberland Old Timers 17-2. Leahy pitched 5 innings, gave up 6 hits, 4 walks, and 2 earned runs, while striking out 1. Brian Jacobson was behind the plate for the Bandits for the first time this season, and looked very sharp.

The Bandits led off the 1st inning in an storming fashion, scoring 3 runs off of 5 singles. The Bandits scored 3 more in the 4th inning, 4 more in the 5th, and 7 runs in the 6th. Offensively, all 15 players that made a plate appearance got a hit, combining for 25 hits total. Troy DeSmet went 5-5 with 2 runs, 2 RBI, a double and a triple. Curtis Roebuck had 3 hits in 5 at bats with an RBI while scoring twice on the day.

Troy DeSmet and Brian Jacobson each pitched an inning of relief, allowing no runs in the last two innings.

Next game is in Chisago against the Bulldogs Friday night at 7:30.

*Other Notes*

*Boxscore can be found HERE

*Bandits have won their last 4 of 5 and 5 of 8.

*Jim Rochford kept his 1.000 OBP alive, going 1-1 w/ an RBI and run scored, also increasing his BA to 1.000 (1-1 on the year w/ 2 BB)

*Missing in action: Nick Hartman, Sean Weinberg, Matt Vold, Michael Chelberg, and Jay Gagner

*Can only hope that SCF can get as nice of a field as the one in Cumberland....or Osceola....or Princeton

Monday, July 9, 2007

Game Preview - @ Cumberland 7/10 Tuesday 6pm

The Bandits, winners of 3 of their last 4 travel to Cumberland Tuesday night to take on the Old-Timers. Cumberland native Mike Leahy plans to take the mound for the Bandits in hopes of winning his second game this season in as many starts. Gametime is 6pm

New Bandits hats and T-shirts are in..check em out!

Game v. Chisago at Oakey Park rained out.

The Bandits and the Bulldogs almost made a game out of it on Sunday. The game start was at 2pm and the game was finally called around 5:30pm after completing only 4 1/3 innings. The game is being re-scheduled, check back for more info.

Next game is at Cumberland v. the Old Timers on Tuesday night.

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Game Preview - Chisago Lakes Bulldogs @ Oakey Park in Osceola 7/8 2pm

The St. Croix River Bandits (6-11, 8-15) come home, atleast home to Oakey Park in Osceola, after winning two on the road to face Central Division leaders Chisago Lakes Bulldogs (8-5, 10-6). This will be the last Bandits home game in Oakey this season and the Bandits thank the Braves and Braves management for their hospitality. The Bulldogs have a solid all around team, led by Kohl Agre both at the plate and on the mound. Agre is batting .333 in 48 AB with 14 R and 15 RBI. On the mound he was a 1.64 ERA, with a WHIP hovering around 0.60, 20 K and only 1 BB. If Agre doesn't take the mound chances are the Bulldogs will go with Steve Christiansen (1.99 ERA) or lefty Tim Swenson (3.13 ERA)

The Bandits plan to counter with Jay Gagner, a new acquisition picked up before the June 30th deadline, which will be his first start for the Bandits. Gametime @ 2pm.

Forecast: high 80’s 20-30% chance of scattered thunderstorms

Game Recap - Bandits Take Two From Milaca

The St. Croix River Bandits (6-11, 8-15) took two games in Milaca against the Stingers (5-12) on a hot Saturday afternoon, 2-1 and 9-3. Michael Chelberg threw the first game for the Bandits, and it was a much different Michael Chelberg than we had seen earlier in the year. Chelberg went the full seven innings, giving up only four hits and four walks while striking out six, and giving up only one earned run.

Nate Gruber pitched the first game against the River Bandits and the Bandits never felt too comfortable at the plate., and unable to score a run in the first six innings of the game. Down to their seventh and last inning, Bob Todd pinch hit for Scott Lindholm to lead off the inning and hit a scorcher down to third base which was able to get through the infield. Scott Lindholm re-entered to run and was able to steal second on a very close call, where instead of sliding into 2nd he did a little pirouette around the tag. Michael Chelberg flied out to centerfield. Jordan Martell then hit a ball to the shortstop who mishandled the throw and Martell was safe at first while Lindholm advanced to third. Lindholm was able to score on a wild pitch, which was a close play at the plate. Lindholm ended up sliding into the pitcher Gruber who could not hold onto the ball from the throw from the catcher. Martell made it to third on the play and was knocked in by a Jesse Hartel groundout RBI, to make the game 2-1 Bandits. Chelberg got into some trouble in the bottom of the seventh. After getting the first two outs on three pitches, Dom Ruis singled to the outfield. The Bandits then decided to intentionally walk Ben Johnson, the St. Cloud St. P/IF, who is batting .353 this year and who had hit a gapper to left center his first time at the plate. Chelberg then walked Todd Larsen after a 7-pitch at bat. With the bases loaded and two outs, Chelberg was able to strike out Cody Stewart for the victory.

The second game was a little less dramatic, atleast the later innings. Jim Rochford took the mound for the Bandits coming off a performance against Braham which he gave up only one earned run, one walk, and seven hits in nine innings pitched. Although the game was played in Milaca, St. Croix was given the distinction of home team, as per doubleheader rules in the Eastern Minny League. In the first inning, after striking out the lead-off batter, Rochford gave up a double, hit a batter, and gave up a single which scored a run. Ryan Bremer hit a sacrifice fly to give the Stingers and early 2-0 lead.

The Bandits countered right back in the bottom of the first, putting together four hits by Jordan Martell, who was sac'd to 2nd by a Trevor Todd bunt, a Jesse Hartel RBI double, Mitch Thompson's RBI single, and a Troy DeSmet RBI single. The Bandits added two more in the bottom of the second. Curtis Roebuck reached on an error and stole a base. Alex Sullivan walked but ended up getting forced at 2nd on a fielder's choice by Jordan Martell, who was able to get the 2nd base on a steal/error by shortstop. Trevor Todd hit the first pitch he saw for a single and scored the two runners.

Meanwhile, Rochford gave one back in the top of the third, allowing two lead off hits, making it first and third with no outs. A wild pitch allowed a runner to score. However, Rochford was able to induce a groundout to short and strike out the last two, to strand the runner at third base. From that point Rochford only gave up three more hits over his last four innings, and not allowing another run. Final line on Rochford: 7IP, 8H, 1BB, 3ER, 8K.

The Bandits were able to score four more in the bottom of the fourth to put the game away. The runs came from a Milaca pitching collapse, that the Bandits only know too well from earlier games this season. A bevy of Milaca pitchers were sent in but no one could seem to locate. The Stingers walked six Bandits and hit another, while also giving up an error. The four Bandits that did score were off wild pitches and passed balls, making the final damage 9-3 in favor of the Bandits. Quick work was made in the last two innings of Bandits batting, but they still took the game 9-3.

Next Game is vs. Chisago Lakes at Oakey Park in Osceola

*Other Notes

*Bandits Boxscore Game 1
Bandits Boxscore Game 2

*The Bandits, have climbed out of last place in the Central Division of the Eastern Minny League, a half game up on Braham.

*MIA for the Bandits: Nick Hartman, Sean Weinberg, Matt Vold, Mike Leadhy, Jay Gagner.

*Offensive MVPs of the Day: Jesse Hartel 3-8 2BI, 2R and Bob Todd, 1-1, with a clutch base hit to start a rally in game 1.

*Milaca's field may look nicer than St. Croix's but the bad hops and uneven ground make it all too familiar.

*It was hot, if I didn't mention it. .....Hot!



Friday, July 6, 2007

St. Croix River Bandits Hosting 6th Grade Tournament

The St. Croix River Bandits will be hosting this year's 6th grade baseball tournament held at St. Croix Falls on Saturday, July 14th. There are still a few spots that need to be filled by volunteers, including some concessioneering and umpiring. If you are interested in volunteering your time for the 6th graders (and our wooden bat fund) please give Jim Rochford an email. Thanks!

Game Preview - @ Milaca 2pm and 4pm 7/7

The St. Croix River Bandits (4-11, 6-15) look to get back on track after suffering a big loss in Princeton on Thursday by playing two in Milaca against the Stingers (5-10) on what should be a hot Saturday afternoon. This is Milaca's first year also in the Eastern Minny League. Offensively, the Stingers are led by St. Cloud State's Ben Johnson who is batting .353 with 1 HR in 34 AB.

The Bandits will be playing 2 seven inning games in Milaca. Expected to take the mound for the Bandits will be Jim Rochford (who came off a stellar performance at Braham, and a not so stellar performance at the North v. South all-star game) and Michael Chelberg (looking to find a groove, and a spot in the rotation).

Forecast: HOT low 90's and slight chance of rain at 2pm but 0% chance after. (Hopefully we get some rain to cool the temp down a little!)

Game Recap - Princeton Panthers Maul River Bandits, 13-0

When I stated earlier this week that Princeton (13-3, 16-4) could hit the ball....I guess that was an understatement. The St. Croix River Bandits (4-11, 6-15) were manhandled 13-0 on Thursday night. As starting pitcher Brandon Pederson said, "anything I threw down the heart of the plate was just crushed." The Panthers were able to knock out eleven hits in six innings of batting, which included 2 home runs, 3 doubles, and a multitude of singles and hard hit outs. When the dust had settled Princeton had scored thirteen runs and the River Bandits struggled at the plate, recording only two hits (by Jordan Martell and Jesse Hartel).

Princeton's coach Jules Zimmer said, "our number 3 and 4 hitters are very tough outs, they both played D1 collegiate baseball, and could be playing even farther along if not for some bad timing with injuries." Jesse Zimmer and Tony Stay looked in mighty fine shape to the Bandits, going 4-7 and a walk combined and scoring 5 runs with 6 RBI.

The Panthers have won 10 straight, including victories over top league teams such as Chisago, Isanti and Mora. The last loss the Panthers suffered was back on June 5th to Hinckley in an 8-9 loss; where Hinckley scored 2 runs in the top of the ninth to take the lead.

Not much info for the Bandits, except (not to jinx anything) they have been playing some exceptional defense as of late. Once again they commited no errors for the second straight game and only have 1 error in their last 5 games. Pretty good turn-around for a team that had 56 errors in the first 14 games.

*Other Notes

*Bandits Boxscore click HERE

*Curtis Roebuck threw an inning of relief and did not give up a home run

*Missing in action on Thursday was Mitch Thompson (playing in a legion all star game) Mike Leahy, Sean Weinberg, and Nick Hartman

*Princeton has one of the nicer fields in the league

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Game Preview - @ Princeton, Thurs 7/5 7:30pm

The St. Croix River Bandits (4-10, 6-14) are coming off of a win last Saturday, and hope to continue their winning ways Thursday night against a tough Princeton Panthers team (12-3, 15-4). The Panthers outscored the Bandits in their first outing earlier this year 10-7 in a game that was sloppily played by both teams, combining for eight errors. However, the Panthers were also without their star middle infielder, Jesse Zimmer, who leads the Eastern Minny League with 9 home runs and 22 RBI. Zimmer's closest competitor in the home run race is also his teammate, Tony Stay (4 HR). Princeton's team batting average is .285. If the Bandits want to win, they better be ready to swing the bats.

The Bandits plan to throw recent Amery graduate Brandon Pederson, who made his first pitching performance earlier this year versus Mora. Pederson threw 8 innings in relief and gave up only 2 earned runs while striking out 7.

Monday, July 2, 2007

North v. South Game in Oakey Park, Osceola 7/3 7:15 start

Come out and watch some of your favorite River Bandits play in the North-South game on Tuesday at Oakey Park. In attendance should be Brian Jacobson, Jordan Martell, Scott Lindholm, Trevor Todd, and Jim Rochford. Should be a fun all-around event.

Don't forget the Bandits play 4 games this weekend 1 Thursday @ Princeton, 2 Saturday @ Milaca, and 1 Sunday v. Chisago at Oakey Park!