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The St. Croix River Bandits have definitely had an up and down season this year. The Bandits started the season by going 4-2 in their first 6 games, including a conference win over perenial powerhouse Prescott Pirates. The Bandits dropped their next 6 games, before the finishing 2nd in the Bandits Bash Tournament in Cambridge. The Bandits dropped their next 3 games, before a great 4-2 victory over the Bay City Bombers in Bay City. The Bandits unfortunately couldn't carry that momentum over to Wanigan Day's weekend where they lost close games to Osceola and New Richmond.
The Bandits look to close out the season against Menomonie (Friday night @ Menomonie at 7:30pm), the SCF Legion team (Saturday, @ SCF 1pm), and an exhibition versus the Braves at Osceola (Wednesday, @ Osceola 7:00pm)
The Menomonie Eagles have already locked up there spot in the state playoffs 12-1 conference record. The Eagles beat the Bandits 4-1 in their first meeting. No word as to whether the Eagles will look to give their starters a rest or if they will be going full tilt into the playoffs. The Bandits will have Jay Gagner on the mound but unfortunately will be missing some key batters such as OF Mitch Thompson, IF Kyle Kahl, and C Jake Larcom.
The Bandits will try their luck in the battle of SCF on Saturday versus the 18-9 SCF legion team, the Blue A's. The Blue A's are led by Soph. Gus Koecher and Soph. Matt Vold, each batting over .520 for the season. The legion team lost their 9 games this season by a total of 11 runs. Head coach Scott Lindholm says, "There is no reason why this team couldn't have easily gone 26-1, or even 27-0."
The Bandits last game of the season will come against the Osceola Braves in their 3rd meeting of the season. The Braves defeated the Bandits 11-3, and 11-6 in their previous meetings, and hold the historical advantage of winning 4 of 5 games the two teams have played against each other.
Other Notes:
Scott Lindholm is posting a .295 batting average, 54 points higher than last season.
After a cold streak to start the season Curtis Roebuck is batting .315 (6/19 ) in the past 7 games, with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI.
Jay Gagner is averaging 1.4 strikeouts per inning, thats roughly 12 a game.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Wannigan Days Games
Unfortunately I won't be there to watch as I will be in a wedding in Chicago, but the Bandits take on the Osceola Braves on Saturday at 1:00pm and the New Richmond Millers at 1:00pm on Sunday. The Bandits lost the previous meeting to each team by scores of 11-3 and 9-5. The Bandits hope to continue their winning way from last weekend where they defeated conference opponent Bay City 4-2. Good Luck Bandits!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Game Recap - Bandits win as Lewis hits 1st homerun in Bandits history.
It was an exciting day for the Bandits on Sunday as they won there 2nd conference game of the season bringing there conference record up to 2-10, and overall record to 7-12. The Bandits traveled down to Bay City and came out victors of a 4-2 game on a beautiful day for baseball. Jim Jim Rochford started on the mound for the Bandits, coming off an outing against Elmwood where he struggled. Rochford allowed a run in the first inning, after getting 2 outs, Bombers LF Nance, hit a line drive that connected solidily with Rochford's left knee. Nance was able to reach 2nd, as the ball richocheted into foul territory past 3B Kyle Kahl. After a few minutes of testing out his leg, Rochford decided he would try to continue the game. The Bomber cleanup hitter DH Ulvenes followed with a single to right center which scored Nance from 2nd base. The Bombers next batter 1B Wood, hit a double down the right field line, however, RF Mitch Thompson was able to throw Ulvenes out at the plate as he was trying to score from 1st. Rochford faced only 13 batters over the next 4 innings, with only 1 batter reaching on an error.
The Bandits broke out the sticks in the top of the 5th inning. LF Trevor Todd led reached on a one-out single, and was followed by CF Curtis Roebuck flyball to right field that Bombers RF Christianson attempted to dive for. The ball bounced past Christianson and Roebuck ended up with a triple, scoring Todd from 1st. 2B Preston Langer then hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield, scoring Roebuck from 3b, and the Bandits took a 2-1 lead.
The Bombers struck back in the bottom of the 6th inning. Bombers catcher Eaton drew a walk and then stole a base. He was able to score on a 2-out hit by Ulvenes, the only batter that really got to Rochford going 3-4 on the day, and tying the game 2-2.
The Bandits scored again in the top of the 7th inning, Todd reached on a walk, Roebuck reached on a single. 2B Preston Langer dropped a sacrifice bunt to move the runners over but the Bombers pitcher fielded the ball nicely and was able to force Todd out at 3B. After RF Mitch Thompson grounded into a fielder's choice, moving Roebuck over to 3b, SS John Peterson hit a sacrifice fly to LF, scoring Roebuck from third.
The Bandits took their 3-2 lead into the 8th inning when Adam Lewis gave the Bandits cushion by driving a 1st pitch fastball over the right center field fence for the Bandits 1st home run in the 49 game history of the Bandits franchise.
Rochford was lifted in the 9th inning after giving up the a lead off single, to the Bomber's Ulvenes, he finished the day with 8 IP, 5 hits, 1 BB, and 5 K. Adam Lewis finished off the game. Lewis did walk the first batter he faced, putting the tying run on on first base. Lewis was able to strike out the next two batters and then induced a flyout to CF Curtis Roebuck to finish the game.
Highlights/Notes
*MVP of the game, many nominations but Adam Lewis gets the nod here as hit hit the first even Bandits homerun, congrats Adam!
*Curtis Roebuck finished a close 2nd going 2-4 with a single, triple, and 2 runs scored.
*The Bandits are 2-0 in conference play when accompanied by an amateur photographer
*The Bandits missed starting LF and CF Michael Chelberg and Scott Lindholm in field and at the plate but Trevor Todd filled in great going 1-3 with a run scored an walk
*The Bandits are a career 3 for 3 in save opportunities.
The Bandits broke out the sticks in the top of the 5th inning. LF Trevor Todd led reached on a one-out single, and was followed by CF Curtis Roebuck flyball to right field that Bombers RF Christianson attempted to dive for. The ball bounced past Christianson and Roebuck ended up with a triple, scoring Todd from 1st. 2B Preston Langer then hit a sacrifice fly to centerfield, scoring Roebuck from 3b, and the Bandits took a 2-1 lead.
The Bombers struck back in the bottom of the 6th inning. Bombers catcher Eaton drew a walk and then stole a base. He was able to score on a 2-out hit by Ulvenes, the only batter that really got to Rochford going 3-4 on the day, and tying the game 2-2.
The Bandits scored again in the top of the 7th inning, Todd reached on a walk, Roebuck reached on a single. 2B Preston Langer dropped a sacrifice bunt to move the runners over but the Bombers pitcher fielded the ball nicely and was able to force Todd out at 3B. After RF Mitch Thompson grounded into a fielder's choice, moving Roebuck over to 3b, SS John Peterson hit a sacrifice fly to LF, scoring Roebuck from third.
The Bandits took their 3-2 lead into the 8th inning when Adam Lewis gave the Bandits cushion by driving a 1st pitch fastball over the right center field fence for the Bandits 1st home run in the 49 game history of the Bandits franchise.
Rochford was lifted in the 9th inning after giving up the a lead off single, to the Bomber's Ulvenes, he finished the day with 8 IP, 5 hits, 1 BB, and 5 K. Adam Lewis finished off the game. Lewis did walk the first batter he faced, putting the tying run on on first base. Lewis was able to strike out the next two batters and then induced a flyout to CF Curtis Roebuck to finish the game.
Highlights/Notes
*MVP of the game, many nominations but Adam Lewis gets the nod here as hit hit the first even Bandits homerun, congrats Adam!
*Curtis Roebuck finished a close 2nd going 2-4 with a single, triple, and 2 runs scored.
*The Bandits are 2-0 in conference play when accompanied by an amateur photographer
*The Bandits missed starting LF and CF Michael Chelberg and Scott Lindholm in field and at the plate but Trevor Todd filled in great going 1-3 with a run scored an walk
*The Bandits are a career 3 for 3 in save opportunities.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Concession Help Needed, Saturday 7/19
The Bandits run the concession stand for the 6th grade tournament next weekend at SCF. However, since the Bandits are playing a game that day against Osceola we are going to need some help running the concession stand for the little kids tournament.
We only need three (2 hour) shifts of 2 people between the hours of 10:30am and 4:30pm. 1 person will cook and the other will sell goods. We will assist in the set-up and take down of the concession area which will be by the HS softball field.
The following times need to be filled
10:30am - 12:30pm
12:30pm - 2:30pm
2:30pm - 4:30pm
please contact a Bandits or leave a message on this site. Support your Bandits!
We only need three (2 hour) shifts of 2 people between the hours of 10:30am and 4:30pm. 1 person will cook and the other will sell goods. We will assist in the set-up and take down of the concession area which will be by the HS softball field.
The following times need to be filled
10:30am - 12:30pm
12:30pm - 2:30pm
2:30pm - 4:30pm
please contact a Bandits or leave a message on this site. Support your Bandits!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Game Recap - Bandit's O spoils Gagner's gem of a game, lose 1-0 to Ellsworth.
The St. Croix River Bandits just could not find a way to score Wednesday night against Ellsworth. Jay Gagner threw a complete game for the Bandits, allowing only 1 unearned run, 5 hits, 2 walks, and 13 strikeouts. The Bandits offense was stymied for most of the night by Hubbers pitcher Mitch Johnson. Johnson allowed only 4 hits, including a lead off double by CF Scott Lindholm in the top of the 5th inning. However, Johnson was able to make a brilliant play, catching a line drive back up the middle that would have scored Lindholm from 2nd base, and was able to double of Lindholm instead as he had broke for 2nd. The Bandits threatened again in the top of the ninth inning. RF Mitch Thompson drew a 1-out walk and LF Michael Chelberg had his 1st hit of the night, a blooper in front of the left fielder. 3B Kyle Kahl hit a bouncer back up the middle that was stopped by the pitcher. However, the pitcher was unable to handle the ball, and could only throw to 1st base to get the 2nd out of the inning instead of turning the double play. Scott Lindholm came up to bat again with runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs. Johnson was able to get Lindholm to chase on a 1-2 breaking ball and the game was over.
Notes/Highlights
*Michael Chelberg could very well have had 4 hits today, 2 on very close calls at 1st base where he could have been called both safe or out, and another lined shot to centerfield where the ball kept carrying in the air and the centerfielder for Ellsworth was just able to get under to catch it.
*The Bandits played a good defensive game with only 1 error and unfortunately 1 passed ball that lead to the only run of the game, but the Bandits offense has to step up and get some runs.
Notes/Highlights
*Michael Chelberg could very well have had 4 hits today, 2 on very close calls at 1st base where he could have been called both safe or out, and another lined shot to centerfield where the ball kept carrying in the air and the centerfielder for Ellsworth was just able to get under to catch it.
*The Bandits played a good defensive game with only 1 error and unfortunately 1 passed ball that lead to the only run of the game, but the Bandits offense has to step up and get some runs.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Game Recap - Bandits Offense stymied again, lose lead in late innings to River Falls in 8-2 loss.
The Bandits dropped another game Tuesday night to the River Falls Fighting Fish. The Bandits carried a 1-0 until the top of the 6th inning where the Fish were finally able to get to starting pitcher Adam Lewis. The Fish scored 3 runs off of 3 hits, a walk, hit batsman, and sac fly. The Fish added three more in the 7th after some Bandits defensive miscues. The Fish capped off the Bandits night by scoring a single run in each of the last two innings.
The Bandits were scored the first run of the ball game in the 2nd inning. 3B Kyle Kahl singled and was bunted over by Adam Lewis. Kahl reached third after a 1B Jesse Hartel walk, which led to CF Curtis Roebuck grounding into a fielder's choice, forcing out Hartel at 2nd. 2B Preston Langer hit an RBI sinlgle that score Kahl.
The Bandits managed to score again in the 8th inning, however by that time it was already 7-1. Pinch hitter Jake Larcom led off the inning by being hit with a pitch, followed by RF Mitch Thompson walking. C Steve Siquieros hit an RBI single with 1 out that scored Larcom from 3rd base. With the bases loading and the Bandits threatening, pinch hitter Mitch Klatt grounded into a double play, the 2nd time that has happened in the last 2 games.
Notes/Highlights
The Bandits continue to put runners on the basepaths but cannot manage to score runs.
The Bandits only struck out 3 times and walked 4 times.
Brandon Pederson looked good on the mound during his 1.2 innings of relief. While he did allow a run, his control was good, he struck out 2 and walked none.
The Bandits were scored the first run of the ball game in the 2nd inning. 3B Kyle Kahl singled and was bunted over by Adam Lewis. Kahl reached third after a 1B Jesse Hartel walk, which led to CF Curtis Roebuck grounding into a fielder's choice, forcing out Hartel at 2nd. 2B Preston Langer hit an RBI sinlgle that score Kahl.
The Bandits managed to score again in the 8th inning, however by that time it was already 7-1. Pinch hitter Jake Larcom led off the inning by being hit with a pitch, followed by RF Mitch Thompson walking. C Steve Siquieros hit an RBI single with 1 out that scored Larcom from 3rd base. With the bases loading and the Bandits threatening, pinch hitter Mitch Klatt grounded into a double play, the 2nd time that has happened in the last 2 games.
Notes/Highlights
The Bandits continue to put runners on the basepaths but cannot manage to score runs.
The Bandits only struck out 3 times and walked 4 times.
Brandon Pederson looked good on the mound during his 1.2 innings of relief. While he did allow a run, his control was good, he struck out 2 and walked none.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Game Previews - Tuesday v. River Falls @ Oakey in Osceola 7:30pm / Wednesday @ Ellswoth 7:30pm
The St. Croix River Bandits are in desperate need of some conference wins. Although they are mathematically eliminated from post season play, they are looking to instill more confidence in their players with some key victories in the coming weeks, and hopefully play spoiler to some other teams that may be on the fence.
The Bandits will play the River Falls Fighting Fish on Tuesday night at Oakey Park. The Fish won their first game against the Bandits 5-1, while 4 runs came in the first inning of that game. The Fish had a rough weekend, losing to Menomonie in 15 innings 3-2, then losing to Prescott 5-3, dropping their conference record to 5-6. With only 5 games left, the Fish can only afford to lose 1 more game, or they will be eliminated from playoff contention. The Bandits expect to see either Dan Morgan on the mound tonight for the Fish (4-4, 3.82 ERA) or possibly Rick Wells who pitched 2 innings against the Bandits in their last outing, striking out 5 batters. The Fish are led by their 1-2-3 hitters Clint Kempf, Adam Steussel, and Brian Giebel. The 3 combine for a .302 BA, 3 HR, 40runs, 31 RBI, and 15 stolen bases.
The Bandits will send Adam Lewis to the mound. Lewis won his last start against the Staples Lumberbats in a 9-5 victory. Lewis is 1-1 this year with a 2.78 ERA.
On Wednesday that Bandits travel to Ellsworth to play the Hubbers at 7:30pm. The Bandits will have ace Jay Gagner pitching (1-1, 1.52ERA) in hopes that he can throw a gem.
The Hubbers just came off of an 11-10 victory over a powerful Hudson River Rats team, bringing their conference record to 4-3. Unfortunately I don't see stats up for the Hubbers so the Bandits are going in somewhat blind, with only 1 Bandits player having played against Ellsworth in the past.
The Bandits will play the River Falls Fighting Fish on Tuesday night at Oakey Park. The Fish won their first game against the Bandits 5-1, while 4 runs came in the first inning of that game. The Fish had a rough weekend, losing to Menomonie in 15 innings 3-2, then losing to Prescott 5-3, dropping their conference record to 5-6. With only 5 games left, the Fish can only afford to lose 1 more game, or they will be eliminated from playoff contention. The Bandits expect to see either Dan Morgan on the mound tonight for the Fish (4-4, 3.82 ERA) or possibly Rick Wells who pitched 2 innings against the Bandits in their last outing, striking out 5 batters. The Fish are led by their 1-2-3 hitters Clint Kempf, Adam Steussel, and Brian Giebel. The 3 combine for a .302 BA, 3 HR, 40runs, 31 RBI, and 15 stolen bases.
The Bandits will send Adam Lewis to the mound. Lewis won his last start against the Staples Lumberbats in a 9-5 victory. Lewis is 1-1 this year with a 2.78 ERA.
On Wednesday that Bandits travel to Ellsworth to play the Hubbers at 7:30pm. The Bandits will have ace Jay Gagner pitching (1-1, 1.52ERA) in hopes that he can throw a gem.
The Hubbers just came off of an 11-10 victory over a powerful Hudson River Rats team, bringing their conference record to 4-3. Unfortunately I don't see stats up for the Hubbers so the Bandits are going in somewhat blind, with only 1 Bandits player having played against Ellsworth in the past.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Game Recap - Schmidt, Elmwood Baffle Bandits
The St. Croix River Bandits had a tough go round Sunday afternoon against the Elmwood Expos under the hot sun. The Bandits started off well, taking a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st inning off of Elmwood starting pitcher Perry Schmidt. John Peterson scored from 2nd off of a Scott Lindholm RBI single to left center field. However, with runners on 1st and 2nd and with two outs the Bandits were not able to capitalize. Unfortunately that would be the story of the day. The Bandits had 7 hits in the game, drew 8 walks, had 1 hit batsmen, and had two batters reach on errors. However, the Bandits could not get timely 2-out hits that they needed, stranding 10 runners on 2nd and 3rd base, and leaving the bases loaded 3 times.
Bandits starting pitcher Jim Rochford had a less than stellar performance. Rochford was hit all over the field for 6 hits in 5 innings, and also had some control issues, allowing 5 walks, and giving up 7 runs (6 earned). 3 of those walks came around to score later in the inning, "That's why we can't afford to give up walks , if I make those guys put the ball in play, chances are 66% of the time they are going to get out. If I would have gone out there and given up no walks we probably let up 1 run, instead of 7.
Elmwood scored 4 runs in the top of the 2nd inning, to take the lead 4-1. Their runs came off of 2 walks, a double, and 2 singles. Elmwood struck again in the 4th inning, scoring 3 runs off of a Rochford walk, 3 singles, and a sacrifice fly.
The Bandits did score another run in the 5th and 9th. Both runs were scored by starting LF Michael Chelberg. A 3B Kyle Kahl double in the 5th allowed Chelberg to score, and a passed ball in the 9th brought the Bandits run total up to 3.
Trevor Todd relieved Jim Rochford in the 6th inning, and threw 2 innings. Todd did not fair much better than Rochford, giving up 4 hits and 4 runs (3 earned) to the Expos hot bats. Curtis Roebuck pitched the final two innings for the Bandits and had the most success. Roebuck walked 2, allowed only 1 hit, and no runs.
The Bandits hope to rebound Tuesday with Adam Lewis on the mound versus River Falls @ Oakey Park in Osceola at 7:30pm.
Bandits starting pitcher Jim Rochford had a less than stellar performance. Rochford was hit all over the field for 6 hits in 5 innings, and also had some control issues, allowing 5 walks, and giving up 7 runs (6 earned). 3 of those walks came around to score later in the inning, "That's why we can't afford to give up walks , if I make those guys put the ball in play, chances are 66% of the time they are going to get out. If I would have gone out there and given up no walks we probably let up 1 run, instead of 7.
Elmwood scored 4 runs in the top of the 2nd inning, to take the lead 4-1. Their runs came off of 2 walks, a double, and 2 singles. Elmwood struck again in the 4th inning, scoring 3 runs off of a Rochford walk, 3 singles, and a sacrifice fly.
The Bandits did score another run in the 5th and 9th. Both runs were scored by starting LF Michael Chelberg. A 3B Kyle Kahl double in the 5th allowed Chelberg to score, and a passed ball in the 9th brought the Bandits run total up to 3.
Trevor Todd relieved Jim Rochford in the 6th inning, and threw 2 innings. Todd did not fair much better than Rochford, giving up 4 hits and 4 runs (3 earned) to the Expos hot bats. Curtis Roebuck pitched the final two innings for the Bandits and had the most success. Roebuck walked 2, allowed only 1 hit, and no runs.
The Bandits hope to rebound Tuesday with Adam Lewis on the mound versus River Falls @ Oakey Park in Osceola at 7:30pm.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Game Preview - Bandits vs. Elmwood Expos, Sunday, 7/6 1pm
The St. Croix River Bandits (1-7 conf, 6-9 overall) will host the Elmwood Expos (3-5 conf, 4-13 overall) 1 week after the Bandits took 2nd place in the Bandits Bash tournament in Cambridge, WI. The Elmwood expos played in the Ellsworth tournament last weekend and took 6th place. The Expos also have a game on Saturday against Bay City. The Expos will likely send Perry Schmidt (1-2, 5.40 ERA, 33 1/3IP) or Mike Brunner (1-0, 3.60 ERA 10IP) out on the mound. Offensively the Expos are anchored by 3B Boomer Keys. Keys is batting .303 for the Expos this season with 5RBI, and 3 runs scored in 33AB.
The Bandits will counter with Jim Rochford (2-4, 3.03ERA 29 2/3IP), who in his last outing pitched a strong 7 innings, scattering 3 hits and 4 walks while striking out 8 against the Rum River Bandits. Expect to see OF Mitch Thompson in the lineup, Mitch is hitting .429 in his 4 games from the Bandits this year with 2 SB, and 2 runs scored. Curtis Roebuck went 2-5 in his last 2 games this weekend. We expect to see a good crowd on this 4th of July weekend!
The Bandits will counter with Jim Rochford (2-4, 3.03ERA 29 2/3IP), who in his last outing pitched a strong 7 innings, scattering 3 hits and 4 walks while striking out 8 against the Rum River Bandits. Expect to see OF Mitch Thompson in the lineup, Mitch is hitting .429 in his 4 games from the Bandits this year with 2 SB, and 2 runs scored. Curtis Roebuck went 2-5 in his last 2 games this weekend. We expect to see a good crowd on this 4th of July weekend!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Bandits Take in Legion All Star Game
Although the Bandits could not stay for the entire game, the legion all star game held in Osceola on Monday was a doozy. Athletes from St. Croix Falls, Cumberland, Grantsburg, Unity, and Luck made up the North Squad and Amery, Osceola, Baldwin, New Richmond and Somerset. With towns such as Luck, Unity, Amery, Osceola, New Richmond, and Somerset being within the needed 25 mile radius of St. Croix Falls, this Bandits was able to look at the local bright young talent and see who would look the best in a Bandits uniform in the future.
Here are the rosters for each team.
NORTH ROSTER
Cumberland:
Ryan Behling Fr. OF/2B
Graham Miller So. P/OF
Tommy Zappa Fr. OF
Grantsburg:
Trent Bonneville Jr. SS/P
Thane Larson Jr. p/3B
Luck:
Jamison Gross Jr. 2B
Harry Severson-Dickinson Jr. P/1B
Colin Svoboda So. SS/P
St. Croix Falls:
Cory Gebhard So. 2B
Gus Koecher So. OF/C
Matt Vold So. SS/P
Unity:
Brady Flaherty Fr.
Luke Nelson Fr. SS/C/P
Jason Vlasnik Fr.
SOUTH ROSTER
Amery:
Brock Luehman Jr.
Jared Nelson Fr.
Joe Rubenzer Fr.
Baldwin:
Jason Geurkink Jr. P/IF
Bryce Lunzer Jr. OF
Luke Trickle Jr. IF
New Richmond:
Corey Berger Jr. OF/IF/P
Michael Jansen So. OF/P
Danny Leavens So. IF
Osceola:
Ryan Burkhamer So. OF/P
Ian Kalata Jr. C/1B
Darby Nelson So. SS/2B
Somerset:
Dakota Belter So.
Josh Baillargeon So. 3B
Rocky Larson So. C
The game ended up going 11 innings, final score North 11 South 10. The last 3 innings were jam packed with action, the South team held the North to a 6-5 going into the top of the ninth. The North team was able to get the tying run across and then score 3 runs in the top of the tenth. The South team countered with 3 runs of their own in the bottom of the inning. The North bats came out swinging again in the 11th scoring 2 more runs. The South team only managed to get 1 more run across, ending the game 11-10.
SCF's (and future full-time Bandit) Gus Koecher was a homerun shy of the cycle, went 4-5 and reached base 6 times, and was named game MVP. I didn't keep books but I will have some more detailed game info later.
Opinions / Scouting - I will only comment on the players I noticed from teams within the 25 mile radius who will be Seniors next season - excluding New Richmond (a fairly young town team - who can offer starting roles to incoming players) and including Osceola (a somehow underachieving team with experience and decent depth).
Trent Bonneville - Grantsburg - SS/P. Bonneville batted in the 4 slot for the North team, had some good at bats, hit the ball hard. Well built, large frame guy - something the Bandits seem in short order of. If we were interested in playing with the Bandits, we would like to slide him over to 3rd base and see how we does, and he would bat anywhere from 4-7 if he could show power with a wood bat.
Thane Larson - Grantsburg - P/3B Saw him pitch, he pitched well, not over powering but consistently near the plate, breaking ball comes in a lot slower than fastball, so if its not picked up by the batter they swing at it like a changeup. Although I only have 2 years of experience looking at town ball pitchers, you never quite know which pitchers will fair well in town ball. Some "finesse" pitchers do work out better than hard-tossers, depending on their pitch movement and location. Possible pitching prospect for the Bandits.
Harry Severson-Dickinson - Luck - P/1B. One, tall athletic ballplayer, great build for 1st. Threw some gas while on the mound, pitched well in this game, if he pitched at the next level he would need to be able to keep his pitches low and throw strikes with movement. Town-ball hitters seem to high 70's to low/mid 80's heat down the pipe. Unfortunately i wasn't sitting in a location where I could properly judge fastball movement. Hit in the #3 slot for the North team. Had a great day at the plate, sprayed the ball to all fields, hit line drives. If indeed our right side of the infield moves on to greener pastures in La Crosse next season, HSD could have a shot a starting 1B and making the pitching staff.
Jamison Gross - Luck - 2B - still compiling notes
Brock Luehman - Amery - still compiling notes
Ian Kalata - Osceola - C/1B. Probably one of the most athletic builds at the legion game. Kalata hit in the 3 hole for the South team, and looked great hitting for contact and power, if he could keep it up with a wood bat he could bat anywhere from 3 to 6 in the Bandits lineup. I heard that he had played some 3B this year, not sure if that true, if it is and he opted to join the Bandits, he would probably be the starting 3B next season. Otherwise he would get a solid look at playing 1B with some departures likely on the Bandits roster.
Exception - I was told that I had to list Sophomore Colin Svoboda, pitcher, from Luck by another Bandit who attended the game. I had left before Svoboda entered as a pitcher, but from the sounds of it, his movement is filthy. I was told that he is dropping his breaking pitches into the strike zone at will, that they move fast, break hard, and he throws them early in counts. Backing that up with a sneaky fastball that he uses for his out pitch to mix up batters. I didn't see it myself, but my source is pretty honest.
Here are the rosters for each team.
NORTH ROSTER
Cumberland:
Ryan Behling Fr. OF/2B
Graham Miller So. P/OF
Tommy Zappa Fr. OF
Grantsburg:
Trent Bonneville Jr. SS/P
Thane Larson Jr. p/3B
Luck:
Jamison Gross Jr. 2B
Harry Severson-Dickinson Jr. P/1B
Colin Svoboda So. SS/P
St. Croix Falls:
Cory Gebhard So. 2B
Gus Koecher So. OF/C
Matt Vold So. SS/P
Unity:
Brady Flaherty Fr.
Luke Nelson Fr. SS/C/P
Jason Vlasnik Fr.
SOUTH ROSTER
Amery:
Brock Luehman Jr.
Jared Nelson Fr.
Joe Rubenzer Fr.
Baldwin:
Jason Geurkink Jr. P/IF
Bryce Lunzer Jr. OF
Luke Trickle Jr. IF
New Richmond:
Corey Berger Jr. OF/IF/P
Michael Jansen So. OF/P
Danny Leavens So. IF
Osceola:
Ryan Burkhamer So. OF/P
Ian Kalata Jr. C/1B
Darby Nelson So. SS/2B
Somerset:
Dakota Belter So.
Josh Baillargeon So. 3B
Rocky Larson So. C
The game ended up going 11 innings, final score North 11 South 10. The last 3 innings were jam packed with action, the South team held the North to a 6-5 going into the top of the ninth. The North team was able to get the tying run across and then score 3 runs in the top of the tenth. The South team countered with 3 runs of their own in the bottom of the inning. The North bats came out swinging again in the 11th scoring 2 more runs. The South team only managed to get 1 more run across, ending the game 11-10.
SCF's (and future full-time Bandit) Gus Koecher was a homerun shy of the cycle, went 4-5 and reached base 6 times, and was named game MVP. I didn't keep books but I will have some more detailed game info later.
Opinions / Scouting - I will only comment on the players I noticed from teams within the 25 mile radius who will be Seniors next season - excluding New Richmond (a fairly young town team - who can offer starting roles to incoming players) and including Osceola (a somehow underachieving team with experience and decent depth).
Trent Bonneville - Grantsburg - SS/P. Bonneville batted in the 4 slot for the North team, had some good at bats, hit the ball hard. Well built, large frame guy - something the Bandits seem in short order of. If we were interested in playing with the Bandits, we would like to slide him over to 3rd base and see how we does, and he would bat anywhere from 4-7 if he could show power with a wood bat.
Thane Larson - Grantsburg - P/3B Saw him pitch, he pitched well, not over powering but consistently near the plate, breaking ball comes in a lot slower than fastball, so if its not picked up by the batter they swing at it like a changeup. Although I only have 2 years of experience looking at town ball pitchers, you never quite know which pitchers will fair well in town ball. Some "finesse" pitchers do work out better than hard-tossers, depending on their pitch movement and location. Possible pitching prospect for the Bandits.
Harry Severson-Dickinson - Luck - P/1B. One, tall athletic ballplayer, great build for 1st. Threw some gas while on the mound, pitched well in this game, if he pitched at the next level he would need to be able to keep his pitches low and throw strikes with movement. Town-ball hitters seem to high 70's to low/mid 80's heat down the pipe. Unfortunately i wasn't sitting in a location where I could properly judge fastball movement. Hit in the #3 slot for the North team. Had a great day at the plate, sprayed the ball to all fields, hit line drives. If indeed our right side of the infield moves on to greener pastures in La Crosse next season, HSD could have a shot a starting 1B and making the pitching staff.
Jamison Gross - Luck - 2B - still compiling notes
Brock Luehman - Amery - still compiling notes
Ian Kalata - Osceola - C/1B. Probably one of the most athletic builds at the legion game. Kalata hit in the 3 hole for the South team, and looked great hitting for contact and power, if he could keep it up with a wood bat he could bat anywhere from 3 to 6 in the Bandits lineup. I heard that he had played some 3B this year, not sure if that true, if it is and he opted to join the Bandits, he would probably be the starting 3B next season. Otherwise he would get a solid look at playing 1B with some departures likely on the Bandits roster.
Exception - I was told that I had to list Sophomore Colin Svoboda, pitcher, from Luck by another Bandit who attended the game. I had left before Svoboda entered as a pitcher, but from the sounds of it, his movement is filthy. I was told that he is dropping his breaking pitches into the strike zone at will, that they move fast, break hard, and he throws them early in counts. Backing that up with a sneaky fastball that he uses for his out pitch to mix up batters. I didn't see it myself, but my source is pretty honest.
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