Bandits have disappointing end to a great weekend.

The Bandits lost the championship game in the Bandits Bash Tournament in Cambridge, MN Sunday to the Bloomington Bandits. While I would like to say the Bandits lost only 5-4, in fact they lost 15-4. The Bloomington Bandits came out swinging the bats today, and unfortunately recent SCF grad Trygve Chinander was the recipient of the offensive attack. Chinander pitched a total of 1 inning letting up 7 hits, and 7 earned. He was replaced by Michael Chelberg in the 2nd who threw 2 2/3 innings, allowed 6 hits and 7 runs. John Peterson got the final out on the mound in his first pitching appearance of the season.

After this Bloomington Bandits went up 10-0 after the 2nd inning the River Bandits of St. Croix did respond. 2B Preston Langer led the inning off with a single, followed by SS John Peterson walking. LF/P Michael Chelberg hit an RBI single, and Pederson was able to score on a throwing error by the Bloomington Right Fielder. The Bloomington pitcher Cliff Christopherson walked the next 3 batters, allowing another run to score and to cut the Bloomington lead down to 7. The River Bandits posted another run in the top of the 4th inning, Langer scoring from third on a sacrifice fly to left field by John Peterson. Unfortunately some things neither Bandits could control got in the way of the baseball game. Bloomington came out the superior team today and by far deserved their 1st place victory, but the score could have been much more respectable and the game lasted the full 7 innings in the mind of this Bandits reporter.

The Bandits next game is next week, Sunday, a conference game versus Elmwood (3-5 conference) at St. Croix Falls at 1pm. Expect either Jay Gagner or Jim Rochford to start on the mound for the Bandits, hoping to approve their dismal 1-7 conference record.

Notes & Highlights
*Preston Langer went 2-2 today and Curtis Roebuck went 1-2 in the 8th and 9th spot.
*The Rum River Bandits deserve props for putting on a fine tournament.
*The Bandits missed Torii in the dugout today. Bring back Torii, Michael!
*In 5 innings of work the Bandits did get 6 hits in 18 at bats and drew 4 free bases, not a bad day offensively - unless you are comparing us to the team we just played.
*Scott Lindholm made a wild diving catch in center field, ask anyone.

Bandits Take Two at Cambridge Tournament

The Bandits (1-7 conf, 6-8 overall) are hoping to cap off a great weekend on Sunday as they will take on the Bloomington Bandits in the championship game of the Bandits Bash (7-inning) Tournament in Cambridge, MN.

GAME 1:The Bandits had their 1st game of the weekend Saturday against the Staples Lumberbats. The Bandits scored first with a lead off double by shortstop John Peterson. Rightfielder Mitch Thompson followed with a single. Leftfielder Michael Chelberg knocked Peterson in off of a fielder's choice and then an ensuing error left Chelberg at 2nd. Centerfielder Scott Lindholm then had an RBI single to cap a 2 run inning. The Lumberbats came roaring back in the top of the 2nd inning. Starting pitcher Adam Lewis (1-1), who pitched fairly well in his 7 innings of work, had a batter reach by error, then walked the next batter. After a stolen base, the Lumberbats were able to get a 2 run single tying the game. With a man on third base, a Lumberbat hit a fly ball to Mitch Thompson, who caught the ball and threw out the baserunner at home plate who was tagging up. The Lumberbats scored yet another run that inning to make it a 3-2 deficit for the Bandits. The Bandits ended the inning by Mitch Thompson catching a fly ball and throwing out the baserunner at home plate who was tagging up.

The Bandits scored 2 more in the bottom of the 2nd. Second baseman Preston Langer reached by error, and Mitch Thompson hit another single. With runners on 1st and 3rd, Mitch Thompson stole 2nd, enticing a throw by the catcher, where Preston Langer then stole home to tie the ball ballgame at 3-3. Catcher Steve Siquieros hit an RBI single to but the Bandits back in the lead.

The Lumberbats regained the lead in the top of the 3rd inning, scoring 2 runs of a couple of errors, a stolen base, and base hit and the Bandits were once again looking at a 1 run deficit, trailing 5-4. The Bandits did not score again until the 5th inning, Kyle Kahl had a 1 out base hit to left field, followed by back to back doubles by first baseman Jesse Hartel and Adam Lewis. John Peterson drove in the go ahead run, with a single to center, scoring Jesse Hartel from third. Adam Lewis shut down the Lumberbats from there, allowing only 2 hits over the last 4 innings of work. The Bandits would score 3 more runs to cement their lead in the 6th inning, winning the game 9-5. The Bandits ended up rocking out 13 hits, including 3 doubles. Adam Lewis got the win, pitching 7 strong, letting up 3 earned runs, striking out 6 and walking 4.

GAME 2:The Bandits played their 2nd game against host Rum River Bandits. Rum River won the coin toss and were the home team. The Rum River Bandits had a freshman pitcher from Mankato State on the mound, Tom Kordiak, and he was throwing gas early, reportedly clocked at 91-92 mph. He was a little wild in the top of the first though. After striking out SS John Peterson and CF Scott Lindholm, Kordiak walked LF Michael Chelberg and DH Steve Siqueiros, and hit 3B Kyle Kahl loading the bases. A passed ball allowed Chelberg to score from 3rd and take the early 1-0 lead. Kordiak only went 3 innings struck out 6 and allowed only 1 hit, a lead off double to rookie catcher Jake Larcom.

Jim Rochford started the mound for the Bandits (2-4), while struggling for the 1st inning, walking 2 of the first 3 batters, Rochford really settled into a groove for the rest of the game. The Rum River Bandits scored their 1st and only run in the 3rd inning. Jesse Jacobson and Adam Berg reached by error. Rochford struck out the clean up hitter Blake Karas, but threw an errant pitch to Tom Kordiak allowing Jacobson to score from 3rd. Rochford induced a fly out to end the inning. Around the end of the third inning a fine mist started coming out of the sky. Neither team had seen anything quite like it. The mist rain lasted for 2 innings, making for some wet baseballs.

The Bandits scored again in the top of the 4th inning. 1B Jesse walked and Jake Larcom came through with another hit. After a passed ball 2B Curtis Roebuck hit in the go ahead run with an RBI single to left field. John Peterson followed with another single, scoring Jake Larcom. Michael Chelberg finished off the scoring by hitting a difficult fly to center that was misplayed by the defense allowing Roebuck to score from 2nd. Jim Rochford pitched phenomenally the rest of the way. He struck out 8 batters and allowed his 1st hit with only 2 outs left in the ball game. In the bottom of the 7th the Rum River Bandits were finally able to knock out a few hits. With 1 out and the bases loaded, Rochford was able to induce a foul ball pop out and then strikeout the last batter of the game.

NOTES:
Great Day for Baseball for the River Bandits of St. Croix River!
Mitch Thompson (played only game 1) went 3-4, R, 2SB
Jake Larcom (played only game 2) went 2-3, 2B, R, HBP

Friday's Game Rescheduled - 10pm Saturday Nite

The rain caused the 1st game of the Cambridge tournament to be delayed yesterday, thus the Bandits will play Rum River tonight at 10:00pm.

Weekend Prevew - Bandits Bash Tournament

The St. Croix River Bandits will be traveling to Cambridge MN, this weekend for a 3 game tournament. The games will each be 7 innings long and the Bandits will play 8pm on Friday 6/27, and 1:00pm Saturday 6/28. Sunday's game time will be determined later. The Bandits are prepared to throw Adam Lewis in their first game against the Rum River Bandits. Saturday's game against the Staples Legionnaires the Bandits plan on having Jim Rochford take the mound. There will be many Bandits playing in these games so come out and enjoy the fun.

6/20 Weekend Recap

I was unable to make either of the games this last weekend since I was out of town. The Bandits lost to Menomonie 4-1 on Saturday and lost 3-1 to Hudson on Sunday, pretty fair outcomes considering those are the best 2 teams in the league. Adam Lewis pitched on Saturday, Jay Gagner on Sunday. The Bandits had troubles against the Menomonie pitching getting only 4 hits all day. However, against Hudson the Bandits knocked out 7 hits but were only able to score the 1 time. Steve Siqueiros broke out of a slump and hit 3-6 in the 2 games. Kyle Kahl and Michael Chelberg also each had hits in both games.

Weekend Preview

Sorry for the delay to all of our loyal web-readers, The Bandits go into this week facing 2 of the toughest conference opponents in Menomonie (Saturday) and Hudson (Sunday). Friday's game versus Ellsworth was rescheduled, and the Bandits are very appreciative that the Ellsworth Hubbers let us reschedule so late.

Saturday's game versus Menomonie is at Oakey park at 4pm. It is the front end game of a double header, where the Osceola Braves will play the 2nd game at 7pm. The Bandits plan on throwing Adam Lewis, who has shown some flashes of brilliance on the mound. However, he will need to bring his A game as the Menomonie Eagles are 6-0 this season in conference play.

Sunday the Bandits travel down to Hudson for a 1:00pm afternoon game versus the River Rats. The Rats gave the Bandits a thumping the last time they met, scoring 16 runs in 7 innings. The Bandits will have ace Jay Gagner on the mound, in hopes that he can turn things around against Sean Parnell, Joel Schafer and company. More in depth coverage of games and reviews next week!

Bandits let another game slip away.

The Bandits (1-5 conf, 4-6 overall)let up an early lead and couldn't get it back Sunday against the River Falls Fighting Fish. Jim Rochford started on the hill for the Bandits and had an awful 1st inning. The 1st batter hit a fly ball to center field that popped out of the glove of starting CF Scott Lindholm. Rochford proceded to walk the next 3 batter consecutively, 2 singles, and a walk later the Bandits were down 4-0 in the 1st. Rochford, however, was able to bounce back, giving up only 1 more run in the next 7 innings he pitched. The Bandits finished the game with only the 1 error from the 1st inning.

The Bandits were unable to capitalize on the offensive side on Sunday. The Bandits scratched out 5 hits, 2 in the first inning. The Bandits threatened in the top of the 7th inning, after a Michael Chelberg and Jesse Hartel single and walk by Steve Siqueiros. 2B Curtis Roebuck hit a ground ball to the River Falls shortstop that ended up being a double play, however, a run scored on the play.

The Bandits were unable to get anything going in the 8th or 9th against River Falls' big lefty reliever who struck out 5 of 6 Bandits.

The Next Bandits game is Friday at Ellsworth, which is the start of 3 consecutive days of conference action.

BANDITS GARAGE SALE

Friday and Saturday June 13th and June 14th from 8AM to 5PM. Support your local baseball team and buy their stuff!

Bandits travel to River Falls; Sunday June 15th - 1pm start

The St. Croix River Bandits (1-4 conf, 4-5 overall) are looking to snap a 3 game losing streak and travel down to River Falls for a Father's Day game. The River Falls Fighting Fish (3-3 conf, 8-7-1 overall) has had fairly steady season so far this year, never winning or losing more than 3 in a row. The Fish are coming off of defeating the Osceola Braves for the 2nd time in 12 days. The Bandits on the other hand have lost their last 3 games to New Richmond, Osceola, and Hudson. The Fish are the Bandits only game this week and before another 3 grueling conference games next weekend. The Bandits intended to throw starting pitcher Jim Rochford Sunday afternoon. Rochford last pitched against New Richmond on the 4th, giving up 1 earned run over 5 innings. Rochford did pitch 1/3 of an inning against the Braves giving up a run before intended starting pitcher Jay Gagner could enter the game. The Bandits welcome back starting SS John Peterson who has been out of town with work, OF Mitch Thompson and P Trygve Chinander who have finished their graduation ceremonies and parties, and the Bandits are hoping to have slugger Michael Chelberg back from a hyper-extended left shoulder he sustained in pre-games warm-ups vs. Osceola (Chelberg did go on to bat 3-5 that game).

Expected Line-up

pos. name. batting avg.
SS Peterson .286
RF Thompson .333
CF Lindholm .393
LF Koecher --
3B Kahl .261
1B Hartel .237
C Siqueiros .182
DH Langer .333
2B Roebuck .077

Bandits have a dismal weekend performance.

The St. Croix River Bandits (1-4 conf, 4-5 overall) had a disappointing 2 games this weekend, both held at Oakey Park. The Bandits lost 11-3 Friday night to the Braves. Defense was the key issue, as the Bandits committed 3 errors that led to 4 early unearned runs. Michael Chelberg and Scott Lindholm combined to go 5 for 9 in the game, however, the rest of the team struggled at the plate getting only 2 hits in 25 at bats. The Braves came out hitting the ball, and putting the ball in play and the Bandits could not counter.

Saturday evening was somehow even worse. The Bandits played a tough Hudson River Rats team which features some of the marquee hitters of the SCVBL. The Bandits lost 15-0, allowing a whopping 11 runs in the first 3 innings. Adam Lewis came in for the Bandits and pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings in the late 3rd, 4th, and 5th, solidifying his spot as the Bandits #2 pitcher. The Bandits were without starting shortstop John Peterson this week and will be thankful to have the return his services and leadership. The Bandits also missed 3B Troy De Smet, OF Mitch Thompson due to prior engagements. Of Michael Chelberg was also unavailable due to a pre-game injury suffered the evening before. Rookie Bandit Jake Larcom broke up a bid at a perfect game in the bottom of the 6th inning with a line drive single into right center.

Game Preview - @ Osceola Braves Friday June 6th 7:00pm

The St. Croix River Bandits (1-2 conf, 4-3 overall) are looking to bounce back after Wednesday's loss to New Richmond against the rival Osceola Braves (0-1 conf). The Bandits will be starting ace Jay Gagner on the mound. Gagner has thrown 2 games this year, giving up only 2 earned runs over 16 innings pitched with 20 strikeouts. The Bandits hope that the weather will stay clear and that their defense will pick up their game. Bandits will be without starting shortstop John Peterson for this game and will be inserting OF Kyle Kahl into the SS slot. Kahl has been outstanding over the past 3 games batting .375.

Bandits give one away in New Richmond

The Bandits let up 9 runs and only 3 earned Wednesday night in a 9-5 loss to New Richmond. The Bandits belted out 8 hits, 2 each by Scott Lindholm and Troy DeSmet. However, the defense was shaky for the 2nd straight game, this time bringing about a loss. Of the 9 runs allowed, only 3 were earned. Pitchers Jim Rochford and Adam Lewis pitched well, mostly scattering 9 hits, walking 4 and striking out a combined 10, but the Bandits fell victim to 5 fielding errors, which led to 6 unearned runs. More tomorrow in the morning when I get some sleep.

Game Preview- Bandits @ New Richmond -Wednesday 6/4 7:30pm

The St. Croix River Bandits (4-2 overall, 1-1 conference) take on the New Richmond Millers (3-4 overall, 1-3 conference) for the first time on Wednesday, which starts off a week of 3 conference games. The Millers are led by 2007 NR Grad, Blake Berger (2-4 this season) and Ryan Stephens (batting .389 7/18). The Millers are expected to either Tim Brown or TJ Wink. The Bandits will be starting Jim Rochford (1-1). Rochford pitched 5 solid inning for the Bandits last Saturday before giving up a huge 6th inning. Rochford and the Bandits are confident they won't let the game get that out of control again. Starting SS John Peterson is most likely not going to be available, nor is outfielder Trevor Todd.

Projected Lineup:
CF Scott Lindholm
LF Mitch Thompson
3B Troy DeSmet
DH Michael Chelberg/Adam Lewis
C Steve Siqueiros
RF Kyle Kahl
1B Jesse Hartel
SS Matt Vold
2B Curtis Roebuck

Game Recap - Bandits swat Skeeters 6-2.

The St. Croix River Bandits (4-2 overall, 1-1 conference) bounced back after a rough loss last weekend versus Isanti and beat the Hager City Skeeters 6-2 in Hager City. Brandon Pederson started for the Bandits on the mound and had his best outing of the year. The Skeeters took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, but Pederson settled down, allowing only 2 runs over 6 innings (1 earned) and striking out 2. The Bandits came right back with 3 runs in the top of the 2nd inning with singles by Steve Siqueiros, Kyle Kahl, and Scott Lindholm. Michael Chelberg was hit by a pitch which drove in a run, and John Peterson knocked in a 2RBI double for the 3-1 lead. The Bandits scored a run in the 4th, 8th, and 9th inning. The Bandits ended up with 14 hits on the day, the most hits compiled by the Bandits this season.

Adam Lewis made his 2008 debut for the Bandits, Lewis struggled at the plate (however it was the first time swinging the bat since last summer) but shined on the mound. Lewis threw 3 innings, gave up only 3 hits, struck out 5, and let up 0 runs.

This next week the Bandits have 3 huge conference games. Wednesday @ New Richmond - 7:30, Friday @ Osceola 7:00, Saturday vs. Hudson @ Oakey Park in Osceola. Come out and support the Bandits!

Highlights/Notes
*Scott Lindholm led the Bandits going 4-4 with a run scored and RBI
*Michael Chelberg increased his hitting streak to 5 games this season.
*Brandon Pederson notched his 1st win as a Bandits. Congrats BP
*Hager City leads to some fun and wild times.