Game Preview - Bandits @ Hager City Sat. 5/31 5:00pm

The St. Croix River Bandits (3-2 overall, 1-1 conference) go to Hager City and take on the upstart Skeeters. The Bandits understand much about 1st season team's hardships, as our inaugural season was last summer. The Skeeters have fared very well so far this year going 5-3 in their first 8 games. Adam Lewis figures to be at his first Bandits game this Saturday and will probably see some time on the mound. Bandits plan on starting Brandon Pederson. The Skeeters are a complete question mark to the Bandits, and we expect a very competitive game.

The weather in Hager City for Saturday looks sunny in the morning, with a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms in the late afternoon.

The Bandits have 3 games next week, all conference games. Wednesday @ New Richmond 7:30, Friday 7:30 @ Osceola, Saturday 7:00pm vs Hudson @ Oakey Park in Osceola.

Bandits take early 4-0 lead, long ball haunts Bandits again in 14-4 loss.

The St. Croix River Bandits (3-2 overall, 1-1 conf) had a rough outing in the final half of their game in Isanti on Saturday night. The Bandits got out to an early lead in the 2nd inning when shortstop John Peterson hit a bases clearing double, scoring 3 runs. Peterson then scored in the 5th inning after a lead off hit, he was bunted over by left fielder Mitch Thompson, and then scored on a Troy DeSmet hit that was then misplayed by the Isanti 2nd baseman.

Through 5 innings starting pitcher Jim Rochford (1-1) had given up 0 earned runs, struck out 5 while walking 2 batters and giving up 5 hits, and had a 4-2 lead. However, in the 6th inning the Redbirds came out raking. Rochford was missing the zone by fractions of an inch, walking lead-off hitter Nate Brutsman. Rochford then induced Jake Yatoske to ground out. Redbirds lead-off hitter Packy Lind singled to left center. Rochford then walked Bryan Schultz where 3 of the balls could have gone either way. Rochford continued to be just off the corner to Tyler Schaff with the bases loaded falling behind in the count 3-1. Rochford grooved a fastball down the middle thigh high and Schaff took him deep to left center for a grand slam. Rochford then gave up a first pitch shot to Kyle Johnson that may land sometime tomorrow. After all was said and done in the 6th inning the Bandits trailed 7-4.

The Redbirds brought in pitcher Nate Brutsman (2007 stats: 7-1 64.1IP 46k and 2.10ERA) to pitch the rest of the game and effectively shut down the Bandits in the 6th, 7th, and 8th inning, letting up only 1 hit in the 3 innings.

After Rochford left the game in the middle of the 6th the Redbirds bats caught fire. Michael Chelberg and Kyle Kahl were the unfortunate recipients. The Birds had 6 more hits in late innings, including another Tyler Schaff homerun. Both Chelberg and Kahl looked good on the mound but the Birds were hitting line drive singles all over the field. The Bandits will meet the Redbirds again in Osceola later in July.

Next game is in Hager City for another non-conference match before league play starts to heat up.

On a side note Go St. Croix Falls Saints, playoff game Tuesday at SCF against Osceola, be there in support!

*Notes/Highlights
*Mitch Thompson made his 2008 Bandits debut and it was a good one, 2 for 3 including a sac bunt.
*Redbirds catcher Kyle Johnson (1-4 w/HR) plays ball for Concordia-Moorhead in the MIAC and was named all conference for the 2nd consecutive year. Rochford claims to have given all the gas to that 994ft homerun he gave up to Johnson.
*Missing from the game: Trevor Todd, Brandon Pederson, Brian Jacobson, Mike Leahy, Adam Lewis, all them high school boys.
*Word has it that 2008 Luck grad Mitchell Klatt and Amery grad Matt Rubenzer may make a run at a spot on the Bandits roster.

Bandits tack up 15 against Steelers.

The St. Croix River Bandits (3-1 ovr, 1-1 conf) added another non conference win Thursday night with a 15-2 win up in Siren. Trevor Todd started the game for the Bandits and threw 4 strong innings, giving up only 1 hit and 2 walks while striking out 6 batters. The Bandits offense managed 10 hits, and took 13 free bases from walks and hit batsmen. Trevor Todd also had a 3 run scoring triple in the 2nd inning that broke the game wide open for the Bandits giving them a 7-0 margin. Preston Langer had a 3 RBI double in the 7th inning. 8 different Bandits had hits, and 10 Bandits reached base. Brandon Pederson threw the 5th and 6th inning. Pederson some had some trouble locating his fastball, everything was near the plate, just missing corners and high/low. Pederson did only give up 1 hit, but a slew of walks allowed 2 runners to score. The Bandits are supremely confident that he will find the zone and continue pitching like he left off last year. Curtis Roebuck came in to pitch a 1-2-3 7th inning, striking out 2.

Next game is Saturday, May 24th in Isanti at 7:30. Jim Rochford (1-0) will be starting the game on the mound. Michael Chelberg and Kyle Kahl should see some time on the mound as well.

Mitch Thompson (2008 Amery grad - who signed a letter of intent to play baseball for U-MN Crookston) will be returning to the Bandits lineup Saturday, however LF-P Trevor Todd will be absent, meaning the starting line-up for the Bandits may look something like this.

SS John Peterson
DH Michael Chelberg - P Jim Rochford
3B Troy DeSmet
C Steve Siqueiros
LF Mitch Thompson
1B Jesse Hartel
CF Scott Lindholm
RF Kyle Kahl
2B Curtis Roebuck

Highlights/Notes
*Curtis Roebuck manager to play 8 positions on Thursday; just missing the catcher position.
*If Trevor Todd can continue to pitch like he did in Siren, the Bandits will be in great shape

Game Preview - Bandits start Non-Conference Road Trip 5/18-5/31

The Bandits (1-1 conf, 2-1 overall) look to get back on the winning track as they go on a 3 game non-conference road trip over the next 10 days. First on the chopping block is the Siren Steelers, Thursday May 18th at 7:30pm up in Siren. The Bandits plan on working in a bunch of pitchers like in the previous non-conference game versus Quamba. The Steelers struggled last year going 0-12 in the Independent League, and also a 8-5 loss to the Bandits. Expected pitchers are Jim Rochford, Brandon Pederson, and Trevor Todd.

The Bandits will travel to Isanti on Saturday to face the Redbirds. The Redbirds play in the Eastern Minny League, where the Bandits played last season. The Birds and the Bandits split 2 close games, each winning at home. Unfortunately starters Scott Lindholm and Trevor Todd will not be able to make the game in Isanti. Expected pitchers are Adam Lewis, Michael Chelberg, Kyle Kahl, and Curtis Roebuck. Isanti is 2-2 in non conference play this season, wins versus East Bethel and Albertville and losses to Weber Rocks and Sauk Rapids.

The Bandits game versus Hager City on May 31st will be previewed next week.

Game Recap - Bandits beaten by the long ball, lose 6-2 to Plum City.

The St. Croix River Bandits (1-1 conf, 2-1 overall) battled some tough competition Sunday, the bats of the Plum City Blues. The Blues had 2 home runs that accounted for 5 of their 6 runs, the wind was blowing out Sunday, but the Bandits could not capitalize. The Blues struck first with a Tony Garner, two-run shot off of starting pitcher Jay Gagner. Gagner pitched 7 strong innings only giving up those 2 runs, and 3 hits total while striking out 12. The Bandits came back in the bottom of the 6th inning, drawing the bases loaded with 3 walks in an inning where Blues pitcher Tony Garner started to fatigue as he passed the 100 pitch mark. Jesse Hartel came through with a 2-out, 2-run single, tying the game at 2-2. The Bandits threatened again in the 7th and 9th inning but could not get another run across the plate. Brandon Pederson entered the game in the 8th inning. He fell behind and walked the first batter, the next batter reached on by an error. Pederson struck out the third batter and then gave up a run scoring single before Cory Breidung hit a 3-run homerun to break the game open. Jim Rochford pitched a scoreless 9th to finish the game.

The Blues played a great game, the Bandits made some mental mistakes at the plate and on the base paths, but played much better than a year prior where they lost an early home game 7-0 to a Braham team no longer in existence. Next game is @ Siren on Thursday May 22nd. Expected pitchers are Trevor Todd, Brandon Pederson, and Jim Rochford.

Notes/Highlights
*The Bandits got their 1st, and 2nd extra base hits of the year, courtesy of Troy DeSmet and Steve Siqueiros, who came about 3 inches from hitting the first Bandits homerun.
*Despite what the final score indicates, this was definitely the pitcher's duel we expected; both teams combined for a whopping 27 strikeouts. (there are only 27 outs per team in a 9-inning game)
*Another great crowd at SCF today, thanks to all of the fans who came out in the sub-par May weather.

Game Preview - Plum City Blues - Sunday May 18th 1:00pm

The St. Croix River Bandits (1-0 conf, 2-0 overall) are looking to extend their winning streak against the Blues of Plum City this Sunday afternoon. The Blues are off to a rocky start this year dropping their first 2 games, to Elmwood and a 14 inning marathon to Prescott. The Blues finished 7-6 in conference last season and boasted on of the leagues best pitchers, Tony Garner. Look for the Bandits to pitch Jay Gagner (1-0) for his 2nd start of the season. Weather for Sunday looks to be in the mid 60's with a fair to slight chance of rain early in the day.

Other Notes
*Adam Lewis looks to be a week or 2 away from joining the Bandits after his injury.
*Scott Lindholm leads the team with a .778 On Base Percentage
*The Bandits have given up 3 runs in 2 games this year, as compared to 15 runs in their 1st 2 games last year.

Game Review - Bandits travel to Historic Quamba Field with Bats Blazing, Win 17-3.

The St. Croix River Bandits (1-0 conf, 2-0 overall) raced to an early lead at Quamba on Friday night. SS John Peterson led off the Bandits night with a base hit, followed by walks to OF Trevor Todd and 3B Troy DeSmet. C Steve Siqueiros looked like he grounded into a double play with the bases loaded, however the Cubs shortstop threw wide to 2nd base, a run scored, and the bases were still loaded. OF Scott Lindholm drew a walk to drive in the 2nd run of the inning. DH Michael Chelberg laced a fastball back up the middle to score 2 more Bandits runs, and anover run came in, later in the inning off of OF Kyle Kahl's fielder's choice. The Bandits spotted 5 runs before even taking the field. The Bandits added 2 more runs in the 2nd; highlighted by Peterson, Todd, and Siqueiros singles, and 8 more runs in the 3rd, capped by another 2RBI single by Michael Chelberg. The Bandits struck again in the 4th with 2 more runs, at the time leading 17-0.

The pitching staff for the Bandits faired well, throwing 4 men over 7 innings. Jim Rochford pitched the first 3 innings, let up 2 hits and 3 walks while striking out 1. However, Rochford didn't let any runs, and only 1 man got past 2nd base. Brandon Pederson took the mound for the 4th and 5th inning, letting up 3 runs, only 1 earned, and striking out 3. Pederson had some early season jitters in the first inning he pitched, but calmed down nicely and had a 1-2-3 5th inning. Trevor Todd and Michael Chelberg finished off the game, each pitching an inning, and letting up no runs.

It was a great game for the Bandits, showing patience at the plate, and solid defense. There are also little things to work on but they are eager for their next game at SCF against Plum City, May 18th. Jay Gagner (1-0) is slated to be the starting pitcher for the Bandits, so come out and enjoy the game.

Highlights/Notes
*Curtis Roebuck turned 21 on Saturday - Go Curtis
*It took the Bandits 15 games (June 17th) to win 2 games last season, with 1 year under out belt, we are looking very competitive
*The Bandits tied their all time record with runs in a game with 17.
*Michael Chelberg broke the all time Bandits record for RBI in 1 game with 4.
*Scott Lindholm is working on an On Base Percentage of .778
*The Bandits will never get enough of playing at Quamba where all 98 people in town come to watch the game which including bonfires, and a lit baseball field.
*At the rate the Bandits are breaking bats we are going to have to take out a 2nd mortgage



*Missing the Game
Preston Langer - college
Trygve Chinander - HS senior
Jake Larcom HS senior
Mitch Thompson - HS senior
Mike Leahy - out and about
Adam Lewis - injury

Game Preview @ Quamba Cubs - Friday, May 9th

The St. Croix River Bandits (1-0 conference, 1-0 overall) travel North to play the Quamba Cubs (0-0) for their second game of the season. Quamba is a quaint town of 98 near Hinckley. However, not only are they able to generate enough interest to have a baseball team, they even have lights on their field. Quamba is an experience no Bandit should miss. Last season the Cubs and Bandits were in the same league and split the season series, each team winning at home. Offensively, the Cubs are led by outfielder Leroy Haugen who hit .325 last year in 83 at bats, scored 14 times, and stole 7 bases. The ace on the mound was Quinn Pederson who's 2.11 ERA was tops among Cubs pitchers. Pederson also had 34 strikeouts in his 42 and 2/3 innings pitched.

Last year Jesse Hartel was 4 for 8 against the Cubs in the two games played, with 2 runs scored and a whopping 5 RBI. Mike Leahy pitched 11 innings against the Quamba Cubs last year giving up only 4 earned runs in his 2 appearances, while striking out 6.

The weather looks to be decent, a high of 63 and a low of 38. There is also a slight chance of precipitation but not too likely.

Bandits Home Opener a Success

The St. Croix River Bandits (1-0, 1-0) won their first game of the season Sunday afternoon in front of a great crowd in St. Croix, versus Prescott by a score of 4-0. Jay Gagner pitched a complete game shutout, allowing only 1 hit, walking 0, and striking out 8. With the wind blowing hard in from the outfield today neither team managed more than a single, and any ball hit in the air seemed to get hung up. The Bandits struck for two runs in the 4th and 7th inning. Troy DeSmet led off the 4th with a single, followed by a Steve Siqueiros walk. Jesse Hartel managed a bloop infield hit to load the bases. DeSmet scored on a wild pitch, followed by Siquerios scoring on a Scott Lindholm fielder's choice. The bottom of the 7th inning started with consecutive walks to second baseman Curtis Roebuck and new shortstop John Peterson. Trevor Todd attempted a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners, and instead laid down a perfect bunt down the 3rd baseline, Trevor ended up with an infield hit and the Prescott third baseman ended up errantly throwing the ball to 1B, allowing Curtis Roebuck to score. Troy DeSmet added another base hit to load the bases and Steve Siqueiros hit a rbi sacrifice fly four the Bandits 4th and last run.

The Bandits only had 1 error on a day of well played defensive baseball, most likely the most solid defensive effort seen in the Bandits tenure. The Bandits will travel to Quamba to play the Quamba Cubs Friday nite at 7:30. Pitchers seen will be a mix of Jim Rochford, Trevor Todd, Kyle Kahl, Brandon Pederson, and Michael Chelberg.

NOTES/HIGHLIGHTS

*Brian Jacobson's first official managerial stint couldn't have gone better, we love ya Jake!
*3B Troy DeSmet went 3/4 with 3 singles and a run scored to go with a solid defensive day
*Newcomer SS John Peterson had a successful day going 1/3 with 2 walks and a run scored.
*Bandits P/1B Adam Lewis is out 3-6 weeks with a broken finger on his throwing hand
*As Steve Siqueiros was giving advise to some guys in the dugout, P Jim Rochford responded, "I know Steve".. Steve responded, "I was talking to the younger guys who actually hit."

More Cancellations

Our game against East Bethel will not take place Friday nite at Oakey, however the game for Sunday against Prescott still looks like we are good to go. Hope the Pirates will be as rusty as we are.

Games This Weekend - Preview

The Bandit are scheduled to play 2 games this weekend. Friday night they play against East Bethel in a non-conference game at Oakey Park in Osceola. Sunday afternoon's scheduled game is the Bandit's first conference game in the St. Croix Valley Baseball League against Prescott. Prescott was last year's state runner up, however, as with the Bandits, many collegiate athletes are still in school and may not attend this game. On the bump for the Sunday game for the Bandits will be Jay Gagner. Friday's game against East Bethel will feature a plethora of Bandits pitchers including Jim Rochford, Trevor Todd, Kyle Kahl, and Curtis Roebuck to name a few. The weather looks awful so hopefully things clear up!