Bandits run out of innings in Menomonie, lose 5-2.

The St. Croix River Bandits (1-8, 2-13) could not overcome a 5 run deficit Friday night versus the Menomonie Eagles (6-4). On a night that was promising rain earlier in the day, it turned out to be a gorgeous evening in Menomonie under the lights. Trevor Todd started on the mound on for the Bandits making his 3rd start this season. Todd was coming off of 2 straight wins over Siren and River Falls last week, and looking for a similar result against Menomonie.

Todd and Eagle's pitcher Rob Heller went toe to toe for the first 3 innings, with each pitcher only giving up a single hit. In the 4th inning the Eagles took the lead. Two hits by 3B Brandon O'Connell and RF Andy Lorenzen and a CF Tanner Vavra walk loaded the bases with one out. While Todd was pitching to 1B Mickey Boyle, Todd fumbled the ball while in the stretch on the rubber. Todd was able to regain the ball but the home plate umpire called a balk allowing all runners to advance a base. Lorenzen would later score on a past ball, giving the Eagles a 2-0 lead after 4.

The Eagles tacked on 3 more runs in the 6 inning with 3 hits, a hit batsmen, and an error all contributing to the big inning.

Todd was able to refocus and finished the game allowing only two more batters to reach base.

The Bandits had a threat in the 7th inning with runners on the corners with 1 out. Eagles pitcher Rob Heller was able to safely get out of the inning, getting Jeff Johnson and Curtis Roebuck to groundout and fly out respectively.

The Bandits were finally able to score in the 8th inning. Left Fielder Tim Wampfler reached base with a one out bunt single. Scott Lindholm ripped a double to the fence, scoring Wampfler from 1st base. Lindholm was not able to advance further than 2nd though, as Heller - once again - minimized the damage and retired the next two Bandit batters.

The Bandits tried to rally again in the top of the ninth inning. Catcher Steve Siqueiros hit the Bandits second double of the game to lead off the inning, taking over the Bandits career leader position in doubles. 1B Michael Chelberg followed with a tapper back to the mound and was thrown out at first base. 3B Jeff Johnson singled, advancing Siqueiros to third base. 2B Curtis Roebuck hit an RBI single to score Siqueiros. The Bandits had runners on first and second with only 1 out, bringing the tying run to the plate. However, the Bandits could not muster another hit, ending the game 5-2.

The Bandits and SP Trevor Todd put up a great effort, but could not string together hits until the final innings of the game. The Bandits are now 0-3 lifetime versus the Menomonie Eagles, but have only allowed a total of 10 runs in those 3 games. "We have really struggled swinging the bats against Menomonie for some reason, well besides good pitching obviously that is. But, honestly, we have scored 3 runs in 3 games versus that team. We get them again later this season at home, I hope we can put something together," said Bench Coach Jim Rochford.

*NOTES*

Game Balls

1) Scott Lindholm - 2/3, 2B, RBI, BB

2) Trevor Todd - 8IP, CG, 8Hits allowed, 5runs, 7K

3) Steve Siqueiros - 1/4, R, 2B, RBI - took over career doubles leader in Bandits history

Unheralded Hero of the Day: The boots at a certain Menomonie establishment

WOW Play of the Day: A certain Bandit may have broken a BRAND NEW bat on the GROUND!!! AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!

Players Missing in Action: - the all nerd edition
Adam Lewis - at a Trekkie convention
Jim Rochford - playing Pokemon with his son
John Peterson - wrestling a wookie
Matt Vold - looking for parts for his lightsaber
Gus Koecher -building a farm robot
Michael VanderPlas - dressing up like Frodo Baggins
Jay Gagner -practicing his wolverine moves
Will Ball - anime marathon