Posts
The St. Croix River Bandits (4-12 conf. 5-18 overall) played their final game of the season at Oakey Park on Sunday night versus their rival the Osceola Braves (8-8 conf.). A victory for the Braves would assure them a post season berth, and the Bandits were hoping to be the spoiler. The Braves defeated Ellsworth on Friday night but had lost to Menomonie earlier in the day on Sunday (score: 9-5) in a rain induced make-up game. The Braves record coming into this game was 8-7, and in WBA league play, generally only teams with above .500 records make the playoffs. The Braves had started the year out strong, 6-2 at the midway point, but took a nose-dive in the second half of the year - losing five of their last seven games prior to facing the Bandits.
Fans of both teams came out to enjoy the game on the clear, warm evening. Despite playing at Oakey Park, the Bandits were the designated home team - as the game had been rescheduled from its original date, time, and location in St. Croix Falls on Saturday.
The Bandits scored first in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Steve Siqueiros belted a double to right field to lead off the inning against Braves starting pitcher, and recent Braves Hall of Fame inductee, Dave Leske. Siqueiros was able to reach 3rd base on a passed ball and then scored when Kyle Kahl hit a fielder's choice grounder ball. At the end of the 2nd inning the Bandits led 1-0.
Trevor Todd started on the mound for the Bandits and pitched remarkably. Todd didn't allow a hit until the 4th inning, when Braves' Tyler Pilz hit a rocket double to left center field. Pilz reached 3rd base on a passed ball. With 2 outs in the inning, Pilz took off to home when another pitch by Todd looked to be headed for the backstop. The ball ricocheted off the plate, the glanced off of Siqueiros's chest protector, up and into the face of batter Ian Kalata. Siqueiros quickly picked the ball up off the ground and was able to tag out Pilz as he slid into home.
The Braves led off the top of the 5th inning with Kalata drawing a 3-2 walk. Pete Droher hit a double to left center field, scoring Kalata from first base. After a groundout, Collin Lehman placed a perfect squeeze bunt down the 3rd base line. Bandits third baseman Jeff Johnson tried to flip the ball to Siqueiros covering the plate, but the throw wasn't in time and the Braves took a 2-1 lead.
The score remained the same until the bottom of the 6th inning. Siqueiros, who was 2-2 with 2 doubles so far, hit yet another lead off double to right center field. Siqueiros was able to score when pitcher Trevor Todd aided his own cause by hitting the ball the opposite way, down the third base line. The Braves had a left handed batter outfield shift on - which allowed Todd to reach 2nd base, as the ball nearly went foul, but managed to stay in play. At the end of the 6th inning: Bandits 2 Braves 2.
Bandits Gus Koecher created a run of his own in the bottom of the 7th inning. Despite striking out on another curveball, the ball got away from catcher Ryan Rugg and Koecher was able to wheel safely down to first base. Koecher safely stole 2nd base, getting himself into scoring position. Matt Vold came to the plate (who previously had 10 hits in 21 at bats this season) and hit what would have been an infield single. However, the ball was played and thrown quickly and low by the Braves infielder, trying to get Vold out at first. Koecher, seeing the throw and expecting it not to be caught cleanly, kept sprinting, past third and down to home plate to score. Bandits lead 3-2.
Between the 6th and 9th inning, starting pitcher Trevor Todd allowed only 1 hit (a 2-out single to Droher in the 9th). Todd did walk three batters in that span, but two of them were caught stealing 2nd base by Bandits catcher Siqueiros. Todd completed the game by striking out Jon Anderson for the 2nd time that night, giving the Bandits their first conference win versus the Osceola Braves and knocking the Braves out of the playoffs. With the victory, the Bandits snapped a 4 game losing streak to the Braves, besting the Braves for the first time since August 3rd 2007.
In the post game press conference former coach Jim Rochford had this to say:
"It was great to come out here to Oakey Park and beat the Braves tonight and being the spoiler. They've still beat us 6 out of 8 games in 3 years, but we put together a great effort tonight, at the plate, on the mound, in the field, everywhere.....except maybe running the bases. Hats off to Braves pitchers Dave Leske and Ross Benitz, who was pitching on about 17 hours rest, and still got us out, they pitched a heck of a game... How about Steve Siqueiros though? Here's a guy that played for the Braves for what seems like 10 seasons but was scarcily used, especially in conference games, and he goes 3-4 tonight with 3 doubles, 2 runs scored, and throws out 2 guys trying to steal 2nd against his old team...amazing."
The Bandits finish the season 4-12 in conference and 5-18 overall, compared to 2008's record of 2-13, 8-16. More on the Bandits season review in the next article.
*NOTES*
Game Balls
1. TIE Steve Siqueiros - 3/4, 3 2B, 2R, 2 guys caught stealing, caught a big pop up bunt in the 9th, and quickly recovered in the 4th inning to tag out Pilz at home.
1. TIE Trevor Todd - 9IP, 4H, 2ER, 6BB, HBP, 7K and the Victory. Todd was also 2-4 at the dish with a double and RBI.
3. Gus Koecher - so maybe Koecher went 0-4 with 3Ks, well his legs got the winning run across the plate, and in a 1 run game - that's what really matters.
Unheralded Hero of the Game:
Jeanne Rochford and the Braves kid (name unknown) who helped out the Bandits by taking admission during the game. THANK YOU
WOW of the Game:
Ross Benitz to Dave Leske in the bottom of the sixth inning..."well as long as you don't give up another lead off double to Siqueiros..." Well Steve-O took the 2nd pitch he saw and crushed it to right center field for his 3RD double of the game. Afterwards, umpire Buck Schott stated, "Son, that's the first time I saw someone turn 3 triples into 3 doubles."
Players Missing in Action - All Career Bandit Finale
Allram, Chad - getting hit by a pitch...somewhere
Campbell, Dan - spectating (at least I thought I saw him over there), scouting for umpires for the next SCBA tournament.
Chelberg, Chris - digging wells, melding young baseball player's minds, and sneaking on to certain golf courses.
Chinander, Trygve - Excited to get back to school, dreading going back to class..
DeSmet, Troy - spectating: envisioning Jonah playing 13 years from now in AA ball
Ellefson, Mark - Mark went to the (noun)______ and decided to (verb) _____ (number) ____
(plural noun)_____ in the (noun) ______. That's just wrong.
Gagner, Jay - poisoning those foolish enough to enter his domain.
Hartel, Jesse - rocking out some new tats - maybe a mohawk, striking fear into those he punishes at the pool table
Hartman, Nick - pit fighting in Pakistan against a Mongol named Khan
Hehling, Callin - Parachuting somewhere over the Middle East and still throwing 90mph.
Holman, Joe - Poor Joe, had to go,
Where? I do not know.
Not at the diamond, nor on the field,
no glove, nor cap, nor bat to wield.
Jacobson, Brian - spectating: envisioning himself coaching/batting the Bandits to the playoffs in 2010.
Jensen, Brandon - a haiku
Your picture I saw
There at my son's new day care
These kids should be scared
Klatt, Mitch - don't be so down on yourself Mitch, your .059 batting average is still better than 8 former Bandits.
Leahy, Mike - spectating: envisioning when and how he is going to get his next beverage.
Lewis, Adam - performing surgery on under-privileged, special needs dogs who were mentally abused as puppies.
Lumsden, Dustin - currently missing in the UW education system...I'm pretty sure they have at least a 34% return rate - in baseball language thats pretty good.
Martell, Jordan - became the first pastor/starting SS to lead the Howard Lake Orphans to their first North Star League title.
Pederson, Brandon "BP"- body cast gets removed in a few weeks, good luck BP!
Peterson, John "JP" - wondering what the hell is going on down there!
Pilz, Travis - playing for the Osceola Braves.
Shores, Wade - at home with 4 women......yikes.
Smith, Nathaniel "Bubba" "B-Nippy" - working, only 1 more day left before everything is back to normal.
Sullivan, Alex - LOST - just like the TV show, except without the airplane crash, island, or sci-fi.
Svoboda, Collin - in Luck doing whatever those kids in Luck do.....hang out at the IGA???
Thompson, Mitch - left team because he got an intership at a hospital in the cities, little did he know then that he was the guy who gets to clean blood splatter.
Todd, Bob - spectating: watching his boy throw a gem.
Weinberg, Sean - recovering from the African version of an appendicitis.
Werner, Jack - whatever happened to Jack Werner....I have no idea. He retired after he was traded to the Siren Steelers in return for 2 hours of game time.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
St. Croix River Bandits Finale vs. Osceola Braves: Sun July 26th 7:30pm
The St. Croix River Bandits (3-12 conference, 4-18 overall) will once again travel to Oakey Park to face the Osecola Braves (7-6) this season, except this time as the home team. The original game was scheduled for Saturday afternoon at St. Croix Falls, but due to a scheduling conflict with many Braves players, the game has been rescheduled for the following evening at 7:30. The Braves have three remaining conference games (vs. Ellsworth (8-7) Friday night, @ Menomonie (8-7) Sunday noon, and then back to face the Bandits Sunday evening.) and as it stands they will need to win two of the remaining three games to be post-season eligible. The Braves face a daunting task as the Menomonie Eagles also need another victory to assure a playoff spot, and even though Ellsworth is guaranteed as playoff berth because they are hosting a regional, I'm sure they will want to finish the season out 9-7, proving to themselves that they belong.
The Bandits will try to play the part of the spoiler on Sunday evening, The Bandits will start Trevor Todd on the mound for the 2nd time this season against the Braves. Todd is 2-5 this season with an ERA of 3.42 in his last 4 starts, pitching 31 innings and striking out 32 batters. Todd faced the Braves last on July 8th, where he allowed 4 early runs, and shut down the Braves for the rest of the game. Unfortunately, Braves pitchers Ross Benitz and Jacob Kiehl bested the Bandits hitters, allowing only 6 baserunners and 2 runs in the 4-2 Bandits loss.
Projected Bandits Starting Lineup (7/23/09)
CF Gus Koecher .333
RF Scott Lindholm .247
SS Matt Vold .500
C Steve Siqueiros .225
3B Kyle Kahl .298
P Trevor Todd .243
2B Curtis Roebuck .178
1B Jeff Johnson .140
LF Michael Chelberg .167
P Trevor Todd .243
2B Curtis Roebuck .178
1B Jeff Johnson .140
LF Michael Chelberg .167
Monday, July 20, 2009
Game Recap - Bandits halt losing streak and Hudson's 10 game winning streak.
The St. Croix River Bandits (3-12 conf, 4-18) pulled off an upset yesterday of the Hudson River Rats (10-4 conf, 15-9) in game #2 of Wannigan Day's Weekend. The Bandits were stomped by the River Rats earlier in the year, 12-2 at Hudson in late May, and the Rats had won their previous 10 games dating back to June 20th. The Rats also defeated the Bandits in each of their games last season, including a 16-0 drubbing at Oakey Park.
Bandits superstar Kyle Kahl was scheduled to miss the game, but Bandits manager Jim Rochford received a call 2 hours before gametime. It was Kyle. "Jimmy," he said "Do you think you'll need me today?"
"Oh my god Kyle, that's ridiculous, can you actually make it?" Rochford replied.
"The game starts at 1pm?....I'll be there at 12:50 ready to go."
Sure enough, Kahl rolls in a little early, 12:47 and some change...and its a good thing.
The Bandits started pitcher Jim Rochford on the mound. Rochford came off one of his worst outings of the season, against the Hager City Skeeters, allowing 11 hits and 6 earned runs in only 5 innings pitched. Rochford's game did not start off any better this time around.
Lead off batter Jason Hollar hit a screamer to center field that was caught by CF Gus Koecher for the first out of the inning. Andy LaBrosse hit a sharp single to left field which was followed by Brent Blegan hitting a towering homerun off a hanging slider to left center field, giving the Rats a 2-0 lead. River Rat legend Joel Schaffer scalded another ball to center field that was caught for the 2nd out. Jason Bast hit a line drive to right field for a single, and finally DH Brian Rudesill got underneath a pitch and popped up a lazy fly to left field. Rudesill's hit was the only one of the first six that didn't leave a dent in the baseball. Rats 2 Bandits 0.
The Bandits came right back in the bottom of the 1st inning. Gus Koecher led off the inning with a walk, and then stole 2nd base. After a Scott Lindholm strikeout, Matt Vold lined an RBI single into the outfield grass. Steve Siqueiros walked. Trevor Todd hit a light grounder to the left of the 2nd baseman. The Rat's Mitch Lewis was unable to turn the doubleplay, and only was able to get Todd out at first, with Bandits now having runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs. Kyle Kahl, who wasn't even planning on playing hit an 0-1 stung line drive to center field, scoring both Vold and Siqueiros and the Bandits took the lead. Bandits 3 Rats 2.
Rochford got into more trouble in the top of the 2nd inning. The Rats 7-8-9 hitters each reached with singles, loading the bases with 0 outs. Hollar hit a lazy fly ball to LF Michael Chelberg who caught the ball, and it was too shallow for Kirk Krumrei to score from 3rd. LaBrosse hit what appeared to be a possible double to the left center gap in the outfield. Gus Koecher came sprinting over on a perfect line, dove to his right, and made an outstanding fully laid-out catch, nearly somersaulting back over to show the umpire he had the ball. Krumrei, on third base, had expected the ball to land in for a hit and was near home when the catch was made. Krumrei had to run back to third base, and had no chance to tag up and score because he was had wandered too far off the base. Blegan then came up with 2 outs, having homered in his last at bat. Blegan hit the first pitch he saw right to third base, where Kahl threw him out at first. 3 hits, 0 runs. Bandits 3 Rats 2.
That score would remain the same until the 7th inning. Jim Rochford became unhittable, allowing only 3 hits and 2 walks from the 3rd thru the 8th inning, at one point retiring 11 Rats in a row.
For really the first time this season, the Bandits poured on some runs against a conference opponent during the 7th inning. Micheal Chelberg led the fiesta off with a one-out infield hit. Koecher singled and Lindholm was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Vold got his 2nd hit of the day, knocking in Chelberg and Koecher. The Rats lifted starting pitcher Davis Lenzen in favor of reliever Brian Rudesill after Lenzen fell behind Siqueiros 3-1, and then opted to intentionally walk Siqueiros to load the bases. Rudesill had Todd down 0-2 in the count, but Todd singled on the next pitch to right field scoring Lindholm and Vold, and getting Siqueiros over to 3rd base. Kahl was once again up with a runner in scoring position. Kahl quickly got into hole with the count 0-2, but managed to foul off Rudesill's next 4 pitches. Kahl finally got a hold of one and grounded to shortstop LaBrosse. Third base coach Jim Rochford had Trevor Todd stealing 2nd on the play, so LaBrosse didn't have time to get both Todd and Kahl on a doubleplay, and threw Kahl out at first, allowing Siqueiros to score. The Bandits scored 5 runs in total and now lead by a score of Bandits 8 Rats 2.
Rochford started the ninth in what would unfortunately be an exciting inning. Rochford started by giving up an 0-2 double down the right field line to Mitch Lewis. Chris Klein grounded out to 2nd for the first out of the inning and Lewis advanced to 3rd. Hollar was able to draw into a full count and was finally walked by Rochford. Seeing signs of fatigue, catcher Steve Siqueiros summoned Trevor Todd to pitch the last two outs of the game. However, the outing did not start off gracefully. Trying to pick off Hollar at first base, Todd threw wide, allowing Lewis to score and Hollar to reach 2nd. Todd walked LaBrosse but was able to get Blegan to pop out to 2nd. Joel Schaffer then picked a good time to get his first hit of the day, hitting a blazing ground rule double to right field, and bouncing over the fence, scoring 2 more runs. The Rats had cut the lead to 8-5. Bast then singled for the 3rd time in the game, this time to left field, and the ball got away from LF Chelberg, allowing Schaffer to score. Todd then walked Rudesill on 4 straight pitches, putting the tying run one first base. Todd refound the strike zone and zipped his first pitch to LF Paul Rupert right down the heart of the plate. Todd's next pitch was tapped right back to him, where he flipped it over to first base for the third and final out.
"This was a great victory for us, our first win versus Hudson. With these young guys like Koecher and Vold (currently HS seniors) playing with us every game next year we can expect a lot more hitting, and a lot more running, and a lot more excitment," said pitcher Jim Rochford after the game.
Next Game IS RESCHEDULED: JULY 26TH SUNDAY VS OSCEOLA, AT OAKEY PARK - WE ARE STILL THE HOME TEAM.
BOXSCORES are HERE
NOTES
The Bandits are 3-3 in conference play at home this season (nevermind the 0-9 away record).
Matt Vold is 10-20 this season with 11RBI in 5 games.
Kyle Kahl has struck out only 5 times in 57 at bats.
Game Balls
IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER
Gus Koecher: 2-4, 2R, SB, Diving Catch, Diving Slides
Matt Vold: 2-4, 2R, 3RBI
Kyle Kahl: 2-4, 3RBI, 4A, 1PO, 0E
Honerable Mention:
Jim Rochford: 8 1/3 IP, 10H, 4ER, 3BB, 4K and a W
Unheralded Hero(es) of the Day:
The Fans. Lots and lots of fans out there today. We appreciate it.
WOW Play(s) of the Day:
Completely made up for that bore-fest which was Saturday.
Could be any of the following:
BANDITS
*Koecher's amazing diving catch to save 2+ runs in the top of the 2nd.
*Steve Siqueiros gets run OVER at the plate as he catches a relay from the outfield in the top of the 4th inning but hangs onto for the out.
*Koecher jumps over/around the catcher and tags homeplate, hyperextending his entire body, but scoring - none the less
*Kyle Kahl throwing one a bit short to Jeff Johnson at first base, who comes off the base and backhand swipes the back foot of Andy LaBrosse as he tries to leap away.
*Bandits hitting in general
*Jim Rochford giving up only 4 hits in 6 1/3 innings after giving up 6 in the first 2.
*Bases loaded, 0 outs, and giving up 0 runs.
RATS
Brent Blegan's blast-off homerun
Joel Schaffer's ground-rule double that took .73 seconds to leave the field once it hit the bat.
Diving catch in LF by Paul Rupert to take away a hit from Trevor Todd
Players Missing in Action
John Peterson - in Pain, lots of Pain
Estimated Attendance:
100-125
Bandits superstar Kyle Kahl was scheduled to miss the game, but Bandits manager Jim Rochford received a call 2 hours before gametime. It was Kyle. "Jimmy," he said "Do you think you'll need me today?"
"Oh my god Kyle, that's ridiculous, can you actually make it?" Rochford replied.
"The game starts at 1pm?....I'll be there at 12:50 ready to go."
Sure enough, Kahl rolls in a little early, 12:47 and some change...and its a good thing.
The Bandits started pitcher Jim Rochford on the mound. Rochford came off one of his worst outings of the season, against the Hager City Skeeters, allowing 11 hits and 6 earned runs in only 5 innings pitched. Rochford's game did not start off any better this time around.
Lead off batter Jason Hollar hit a screamer to center field that was caught by CF Gus Koecher for the first out of the inning. Andy LaBrosse hit a sharp single to left field which was followed by Brent Blegan hitting a towering homerun off a hanging slider to left center field, giving the Rats a 2-0 lead. River Rat legend Joel Schaffer scalded another ball to center field that was caught for the 2nd out. Jason Bast hit a line drive to right field for a single, and finally DH Brian Rudesill got underneath a pitch and popped up a lazy fly to left field. Rudesill's hit was the only one of the first six that didn't leave a dent in the baseball. Rats 2 Bandits 0.
The Bandits came right back in the bottom of the 1st inning. Gus Koecher led off the inning with a walk, and then stole 2nd base. After a Scott Lindholm strikeout, Matt Vold lined an RBI single into the outfield grass. Steve Siqueiros walked. Trevor Todd hit a light grounder to the left of the 2nd baseman. The Rat's Mitch Lewis was unable to turn the doubleplay, and only was able to get Todd out at first, with Bandits now having runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs. Kyle Kahl, who wasn't even planning on playing hit an 0-1 stung line drive to center field, scoring both Vold and Siqueiros and the Bandits took the lead. Bandits 3 Rats 2.
Rochford got into more trouble in the top of the 2nd inning. The Rats 7-8-9 hitters each reached with singles, loading the bases with 0 outs. Hollar hit a lazy fly ball to LF Michael Chelberg who caught the ball, and it was too shallow for Kirk Krumrei to score from 3rd. LaBrosse hit what appeared to be a possible double to the left center gap in the outfield. Gus Koecher came sprinting over on a perfect line, dove to his right, and made an outstanding fully laid-out catch, nearly somersaulting back over to show the umpire he had the ball. Krumrei, on third base, had expected the ball to land in for a hit and was near home when the catch was made. Krumrei had to run back to third base, and had no chance to tag up and score because he was had wandered too far off the base. Blegan then came up with 2 outs, having homered in his last at bat. Blegan hit the first pitch he saw right to third base, where Kahl threw him out at first. 3 hits, 0 runs. Bandits 3 Rats 2.
That score would remain the same until the 7th inning. Jim Rochford became unhittable, allowing only 3 hits and 2 walks from the 3rd thru the 8th inning, at one point retiring 11 Rats in a row.
For really the first time this season, the Bandits poured on some runs against a conference opponent during the 7th inning. Micheal Chelberg led the fiesta off with a one-out infield hit. Koecher singled and Lindholm was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Vold got his 2nd hit of the day, knocking in Chelberg and Koecher. The Rats lifted starting pitcher Davis Lenzen in favor of reliever Brian Rudesill after Lenzen fell behind Siqueiros 3-1, and then opted to intentionally walk Siqueiros to load the bases. Rudesill had Todd down 0-2 in the count, but Todd singled on the next pitch to right field scoring Lindholm and Vold, and getting Siqueiros over to 3rd base. Kahl was once again up with a runner in scoring position. Kahl quickly got into hole with the count 0-2, but managed to foul off Rudesill's next 4 pitches. Kahl finally got a hold of one and grounded to shortstop LaBrosse. Third base coach Jim Rochford had Trevor Todd stealing 2nd on the play, so LaBrosse didn't have time to get both Todd and Kahl on a doubleplay, and threw Kahl out at first, allowing Siqueiros to score. The Bandits scored 5 runs in total and now lead by a score of Bandits 8 Rats 2.
Rochford started the ninth in what would unfortunately be an exciting inning. Rochford started by giving up an 0-2 double down the right field line to Mitch Lewis. Chris Klein grounded out to 2nd for the first out of the inning and Lewis advanced to 3rd. Hollar was able to draw into a full count and was finally walked by Rochford. Seeing signs of fatigue, catcher Steve Siqueiros summoned Trevor Todd to pitch the last two outs of the game. However, the outing did not start off gracefully. Trying to pick off Hollar at first base, Todd threw wide, allowing Lewis to score and Hollar to reach 2nd. Todd walked LaBrosse but was able to get Blegan to pop out to 2nd. Joel Schaffer then picked a good time to get his first hit of the day, hitting a blazing ground rule double to right field, and bouncing over the fence, scoring 2 more runs. The Rats had cut the lead to 8-5. Bast then singled for the 3rd time in the game, this time to left field, and the ball got away from LF Chelberg, allowing Schaffer to score. Todd then walked Rudesill on 4 straight pitches, putting the tying run one first base. Todd refound the strike zone and zipped his first pitch to LF Paul Rupert right down the heart of the plate. Todd's next pitch was tapped right back to him, where he flipped it over to first base for the third and final out.
"This was a great victory for us, our first win versus Hudson. With these young guys like Koecher and Vold (currently HS seniors) playing with us every game next year we can expect a lot more hitting, and a lot more running, and a lot more excitment," said pitcher Jim Rochford after the game.
Next Game IS RESCHEDULED: JULY 26TH SUNDAY VS OSCEOLA, AT OAKEY PARK - WE ARE STILL THE HOME TEAM.
BOXSCORES are HERE
NOTES
The Bandits are 3-3 in conference play at home this season (nevermind the 0-9 away record).
Matt Vold is 10-20 this season with 11RBI in 5 games.
Kyle Kahl has struck out only 5 times in 57 at bats.
Game Balls
IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER
Gus Koecher: 2-4, 2R, SB, Diving Catch, Diving Slides
Matt Vold: 2-4, 2R, 3RBI
Kyle Kahl: 2-4, 3RBI, 4A, 1PO, 0E
Honerable Mention:
Jim Rochford: 8 1/3 IP, 10H, 4ER, 3BB, 4K and a W
Unheralded Hero(es) of the Day:
The Fans. Lots and lots of fans out there today. We appreciate it.
WOW Play(s) of the Day:
Completely made up for that bore-fest which was Saturday.
Could be any of the following:
BANDITS
*Koecher's amazing diving catch to save 2+ runs in the top of the 2nd.
*Steve Siqueiros gets run OVER at the plate as he catches a relay from the outfield in the top of the 4th inning but hangs onto for the out.
*Koecher jumps over/around the catcher and tags homeplate, hyperextending his entire body, but scoring - none the less
*Kyle Kahl throwing one a bit short to Jeff Johnson at first base, who comes off the base and backhand swipes the back foot of Andy LaBrosse as he tries to leap away.
*Bandits hitting in general
*Jim Rochford giving up only 4 hits in 6 1/3 innings after giving up 6 in the first 2.
*Bases loaded, 0 outs, and giving up 0 runs.
RATS
Brent Blegan's blast-off homerun
Joel Schaffer's ground-rule double that took .73 seconds to leave the field once it hit the bat.
Diving catch in LF by Paul Rupert to take away a hit from Trevor Todd
Players Missing in Action
John Peterson - in Pain, lots of Pain
Estimated Attendance:
100-125
Game Recap - Bandits bats struggle vs. Menomonie
The St. Croix River Bandits (2-12 conf. 3-17 overall) lost to the Menomonie Eagles (8-7 conf. 19-11 overall) on Saturday of Wannigan Days 8-3. The Bandits started lefty Trevor Todd who was 2-4 on the season with an ERA of 4.24 (ERA of 3.11 in his previous 8 appearances) making his 5th start of the season.
The first 3 innings flew by quickly as both Trevor Todd and Menomonie pitcher Ben Sivertson allowed only 2 combined baserunners. The Eagles scored in the top of the 4th inning. Todd walked #2 hitter Joe Mohr to lead off the inning. Luke Schultz grounded out to 2nd baseman Curtis Roebuck, advancing Mohr to 2nd. Mickey Boyle singled and Cory Hastings was plunked to load the bases with only 1 out. Trey Vavra hit a 1-1 pitch to shortstop Matt Vold, and it looked like the inning may end in a double play. However, the ball took a hop and skidded underneath Vold's glove, scoring 2 Eagles. The Eagles scored their third and last run of the inning on a fielder's choice groundout by Andy Lorenzen, scoring Hastings from 3rd. Eagles 3 Bandits 0.
The Eagles scored a single run in the top of the 5th, when Mohr lifted a flyball to deep left center field. The ball was hit as high as it was far, and was just far enough to clear the 330 foot fenceline for a solo homerun. Eagles 4 Bandits 0.
The Eagles tacked on another run in the next inning. A leadoff double by Boyle was almost squandered by the Eagles. Todd was able to strike out Hastings, and induce Trey Vavra into hitting a little dribbler back to the mound that Todd fielded to first base. Todd quickly got behind Lorenzen in the count, and Lorenzen was able to drive a 3-1 fastball for a single, scoring Boyle from 2nd base. Eagles 5 Bandits 0.
Until the bottom of the 8th inning the Bandits only managed 3 baserunners from 3 singles. Ben Sivertson proved to be a crafty righty. He mixed in a fastball, curveball, and changeup - all pitches he threw with accuracy, and had the Bandits off balance all day. However, in the bottom of the 8th inning he struggled with his control. After Jeff Johnson popped out to the shortstop, Will Ball was hit by a pitch. Then Curtis Roebuck was hit by a pitch. Then Gus Koecher was hit by a pitch. Three consecutive Bandits had reached base, all without swinging the bat. Scott Lindholm came to the plate, 0-3 on the day with 1 strikeout, and managed to rip a full-count line drive to left field, over the left fielder Ned Welch's head. Welch, who was playing deep, quickly recovered and was able to gun down Gus Koecher trying to make 3rd from 1st base. The Lindholm double drove in 2 runs. Matt Vold seemed to be the only Bandit that Eagles pitcher Sivertson could not get out. Vold dumped a 1-0 pitch to right center field, scoring Lindholm from 2nd base. Vold's final line for the day: 3-4, RBI. Steve Siqueiros came to the plate with 2 outs, representing the tying run. But Sivertson had already regained his composure and control and Siqueiros went down on 3 quick strikes. Eagles 5 Bandits 3.
The Bandits kept Todd in for the 9th inning, having retired the last 6 batters in a row, and may have made a mistake in doing so. Todd allowed a single to Lorenzen and then hit Alex Buckley. Bandits management turned to 18 year old Will Ball. Ball's first pitch was errant, allowing the runners to advance to 3rd and 2nd. Ned Welch then grounded to third base, but Johnson's throw was wide of 1st base. First baseman Michael Chelberg leaped for the ball but ended up only knocking the ball into the Bandits dugout, allowing both runners on 2nd and 3rd to score. Welch would later score on a sacrifice fly, and the Eagles got all 3 runs back in the top of the 9th. Eagles 8 Bandits 3.
The Bandits went down quietly in the ninth, getting only a walk off of relief pitcher Rob Heller.
The Bandits dropped their 5th game in a row and haven't won since coming off the 2 week hiatus during the 4th of July. "This was a pretty ugly game," said pitcher Jim Rochford. "By no stretch of the imagination we could have allowed only two runs today, however, if you look at it on the other side, if Sivertson doesn't bean three batters, we score only one instead of three. Trevor pitched absolutely great, its just amazing to me, what happens when our team gives up any free bases. We walked only two guys and beaned two. Three of those four guys scored."
BOXSCORE is HERE
The Bandits next game is Wannigan Days Game #2 - Sunday vs. Hudson.
NOTES
Game Balls
1. Matt Vold: 3-4, RBI
2. Trevor Todd: 8IP, 3ER, 6H, 5K, 2BB, 2HBP
3. Scott Lindholm: 1-4, R, 2B, 2RBI
Unheralded Hero of the Game:
All of the staff that worked the 4th/5th/6th tournament this weekend, you make it possible for the Bandits and the St. Croix Youth Baseball Association to exist. THANK YOU
WOW Play of the Day:
Not much action on the big boys field, most of the yelling and screaming came from the little kids fields, where numerous games ended in walk-off fashion. My favorite play of the day was when I was umping a 6th grade game behind the plate and the catcher would frame the ball when it was 8 inches outside or up near a kid's head. Then he would drop his head in disgust when I called it a ball. I thought he was going to try and fight me. Otherwise, I suppose three hit batsmen in a row is enough of a WOW for our game.
Players Missing in Action:
Kahl - Lost at a wedding
JP - Lost at a Perkins
Larcom - Lost at a little kids tournament
Svoboda - Lost at a tractor pull
Switala - Lost in a sweatshirt
Gagner - Lost in a motel bed
Estimated Attendance:
40-60
The first 3 innings flew by quickly as both Trevor Todd and Menomonie pitcher Ben Sivertson allowed only 2 combined baserunners. The Eagles scored in the top of the 4th inning. Todd walked #2 hitter Joe Mohr to lead off the inning. Luke Schultz grounded out to 2nd baseman Curtis Roebuck, advancing Mohr to 2nd. Mickey Boyle singled and Cory Hastings was plunked to load the bases with only 1 out. Trey Vavra hit a 1-1 pitch to shortstop Matt Vold, and it looked like the inning may end in a double play. However, the ball took a hop and skidded underneath Vold's glove, scoring 2 Eagles. The Eagles scored their third and last run of the inning on a fielder's choice groundout by Andy Lorenzen, scoring Hastings from 3rd. Eagles 3 Bandits 0.
The Eagles scored a single run in the top of the 5th, when Mohr lifted a flyball to deep left center field. The ball was hit as high as it was far, and was just far enough to clear the 330 foot fenceline for a solo homerun. Eagles 4 Bandits 0.
The Eagles tacked on another run in the next inning. A leadoff double by Boyle was almost squandered by the Eagles. Todd was able to strike out Hastings, and induce Trey Vavra into hitting a little dribbler back to the mound that Todd fielded to first base. Todd quickly got behind Lorenzen in the count, and Lorenzen was able to drive a 3-1 fastball for a single, scoring Boyle from 2nd base. Eagles 5 Bandits 0.
Until the bottom of the 8th inning the Bandits only managed 3 baserunners from 3 singles. Ben Sivertson proved to be a crafty righty. He mixed in a fastball, curveball, and changeup - all pitches he threw with accuracy, and had the Bandits off balance all day. However, in the bottom of the 8th inning he struggled with his control. After Jeff Johnson popped out to the shortstop, Will Ball was hit by a pitch. Then Curtis Roebuck was hit by a pitch. Then Gus Koecher was hit by a pitch. Three consecutive Bandits had reached base, all without swinging the bat. Scott Lindholm came to the plate, 0-3 on the day with 1 strikeout, and managed to rip a full-count line drive to left field, over the left fielder Ned Welch's head. Welch, who was playing deep, quickly recovered and was able to gun down Gus Koecher trying to make 3rd from 1st base. The Lindholm double drove in 2 runs. Matt Vold seemed to be the only Bandit that Eagles pitcher Sivertson could not get out. Vold dumped a 1-0 pitch to right center field, scoring Lindholm from 2nd base. Vold's final line for the day: 3-4, RBI. Steve Siqueiros came to the plate with 2 outs, representing the tying run. But Sivertson had already regained his composure and control and Siqueiros went down on 3 quick strikes. Eagles 5 Bandits 3.
The Bandits kept Todd in for the 9th inning, having retired the last 6 batters in a row, and may have made a mistake in doing so. Todd allowed a single to Lorenzen and then hit Alex Buckley. Bandits management turned to 18 year old Will Ball. Ball's first pitch was errant, allowing the runners to advance to 3rd and 2nd. Ned Welch then grounded to third base, but Johnson's throw was wide of 1st base. First baseman Michael Chelberg leaped for the ball but ended up only knocking the ball into the Bandits dugout, allowing both runners on 2nd and 3rd to score. Welch would later score on a sacrifice fly, and the Eagles got all 3 runs back in the top of the 9th. Eagles 8 Bandits 3.
The Bandits went down quietly in the ninth, getting only a walk off of relief pitcher Rob Heller.
The Bandits dropped their 5th game in a row and haven't won since coming off the 2 week hiatus during the 4th of July. "This was a pretty ugly game," said pitcher Jim Rochford. "By no stretch of the imagination we could have allowed only two runs today, however, if you look at it on the other side, if Sivertson doesn't bean three batters, we score only one instead of three. Trevor pitched absolutely great, its just amazing to me, what happens when our team gives up any free bases. We walked only two guys and beaned two. Three of those four guys scored."
BOXSCORE is HERE
The Bandits next game is Wannigan Days Game #2 - Sunday vs. Hudson.
NOTES
Game Balls
1. Matt Vold: 3-4, RBI
2. Trevor Todd: 8IP, 3ER, 6H, 5K, 2BB, 2HBP
3. Scott Lindholm: 1-4, R, 2B, 2RBI
Unheralded Hero of the Game:
All of the staff that worked the 4th/5th/6th tournament this weekend, you make it possible for the Bandits and the St. Croix Youth Baseball Association to exist. THANK YOU
WOW Play of the Day:
Not much action on the big boys field, most of the yelling and screaming came from the little kids fields, where numerous games ended in walk-off fashion. My favorite play of the day was when I was umping a 6th grade game behind the plate and the catcher would frame the ball when it was 8 inches outside or up near a kid's head. Then he would drop his head in disgust when I called it a ball. I thought he was going to try and fight me. Otherwise, I suppose three hit batsmen in a row is enough of a WOW for our game.
Players Missing in Action:
Kahl - Lost at a wedding
JP - Lost at a Perkins
Larcom - Lost at a little kids tournament
Svoboda - Lost at a tractor pull
Switala - Lost in a sweatshirt
Gagner - Lost in a motel bed
Estimated Attendance:
40-60
Monday, July 13, 2009
Game Recaps: A Weekend With Hagar City....Gone Wrong
The St. Croix River Bandits (2-11 conf, 3-17 overall) dropped a couple of games to the Hagar City Skeeters this weekend. The Bandits and Skeeters played a 7 inning non-conference game on Saturday at Hagar City and a conference game vs. Hagar City at home on Sunday.
So what happens when a team that's struggling to pitch the ball meets a team that's struggling to hit the ball? The answer is the Skeeters vs. the River Bandits.
Game 1. (Non Conference) Hagar City 6 - St. Croix River Bandits 4
Skeeters walks/HBP allowed/errors: 12
Bandits Hits: 5
The Skeeters were able to get 9 hits off of starting pitcher Will Ball, who struggled with control the entire day. However, even though Ball allowed 9 hits, and walked/plunked a combined 9 batters, only 3 of his 6 runs were earned, due to some shoddy defensive play. The Bandits offense did not come to the rescue, managing only 5 hits in 27 at bats, 2 by C Steve Siqueiros. The Bandits also stranded 3 runners in the 6th inning, having the bases loaded and 0 outs, and couldn't put the ball in play.
Game 2. (Conference) Hagar City 8 - St. Croix River Bandits 4
Skeeters walks/HBP allowed/errors: 14
Bandits Hits: 4
The Bandits gave up an early lead in the first inning as Skeeters lead off batter Lance Murphy singled to left field, stole 2nd base, and reached 3rd on a wild pitch. Bandits starting pitcher Jim Rochford, coming off of 2 consecutive quality conference starts (15.2 IP, 3ER), just didn't have his stuff. Rochford walked Elliot Foley. Rochford induced 3-hitter Mike Berg to hit into a possible double play grounder to 3rd base, but 3rd baseman Jeff Johnson's throw sailed on him, and into right field. Muphy was able to score. Rochford was able to get out of the inning without any further damage.
The Bandits tied the game in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Kyle Kahl led the inning off with a walk, and Jeff Johnson was able to single to right, but the ball was misplayed by the right fielder when getting the ball in. Kahl was able to reach 3rd base, however, then-3rd base coach Scott Lindholm sent Kahl home, as the infield/outfield still did not have control of the ball, and he was able to score. Bandits 1 - Skeeters 1
The Skeeters came roaring back in the top of the 3rd inning. Rochford gave up 3 straight singles to the 1-2-3 hitters, and let up a run before getting an out. Mike Maves singled softly to LF to load the bases with one out. Rochford walked Jeremy Werner on 4 straight pitches, walking in a run from 3rd base. The next batter, Cory Bratholl hit the first pitch he saw right at 3rd baseman Jeff Johnson, who threw home to Steve Siqueiros for the 2nd out of the inning, then Siqueiros was able to relay the ball down to 1st base to beat the runner for an inning ending doubleplay. Skeeters led 3-1.
The Skeeters scored again in the top of the 5th inning. Three runs in total, coming off of 3 hits and an error. Cory Bratholl got his revenge, as he crushed a ball to deep left center field with the bases loaded, and all three runners scored. Bratholl, however, was only make it to 1st base, making that hit one BIG single. Skeeters up 6-1.
The Bandits got two back in the bottom of the 5th inning. Skeeters pitcher Brady Brenner walked the bases loaded and with 1 out Kyle Kahl hit a single to centerfield scoring Lindholm and Todd. However, even with runners 1st and 3rd and one out, the Bandits were not able to score another run. Skeeters up 6-3.
Rochford came out to pitch the top of the 6th, which turned out to be a bad idea. Rochford let up a double to lead off hitter Lance Murphy and another single to Elliot Foley. Rochford was then lifted for Trevor Todd. Rochford's final line: 5IP, 11H, 8R, 6ER was far from ideal - after looking at the stat sheet Rochford's only comment was, "Well atleast the 4 thru 9 hitters were 4-17 against me - too bad those first three guys were 7-10." Trevor Todd relieved all 4 innings, and allowed only 1 hit, walked 2, and hit 2 batters. Both runners that Todd inherited did score in the 6th inning, and were charged to Rochford. Skeeters up 8-3.
Skeeters pitcher Brady Brenner settled down in the last 4 innings, walking only 4 Bandits, and letting up only 1 hit. Trevor Todd was able to score in the bottom of the ninth inning for the Bandits as he walked and Kyle Kahl's single got him over to 3rd base. Todd scored when Skeeters catcher Mike Maves tried to pick off Kyle Kahl from first base with 2 outs in the ninth inning. Kahl was caught in a run down but was able to escape back to first when the Skeeters infield mis-handled the ball, allowing Todd to reach home. Final Score Skeeters 8, Bandits 4.
The Bandits have managed only 12 hits in their last 3 games since the 4th of July break and if they hope to win any of their 3 remaining conference games, that number must improve - by a lot!
NOTES
Game 1
Game Balls:
1-3. Steve Siqueiros 2-4, R, 2B, 2 RBI
Unheraled Hero of the Day: Trevor Todd went 0-0 in 4 plate appearances, walking twice, getting hit by a pitch and hitting a sacrifice bunt. Very impressive Trevor
WOW Play of the Day: Perhaps something to do with defense, and flying as high as a kite, and sitting around on the field, and someone's dad yelling at all the little kids on the field. For you Bandits who were there, you know what I mean.
Players Missing in Action: just about everyone, we even had to recuit some kid from Lewis, WI named Bubba Smith, except he isn't the one that's 6'7" 260lbs and played pro football.
Estimated Away Attendance: 0 - for sure and a good thing
Game 2:
Game Balls
1. Kyle Kahl 2-4, R, 2RBI, BB, 5 assists
2. Trevor Todd 4IP, 1H, 2BB, 2HBP, 5K also 0-2 at the dish 2R, 3BB
3. Scott Lindholm 1-2, R, 2BB, HBP
Unheralded Player of the Day: Michael VanderPlas. Vandy played a phenonemal 2nd base, the first time in his Bandits career in the infield. In 3 innings, Vandy had 3 assists and a putout, no errors and 1 amazing play where he hustled to the ball, threw across his body, and made the out at first just in time.
WOW Play of the Day: I'd like to say its where pitcher Jim Rochford catches a line drive off the bat of Skeeter DH Tyler Frazier and then, not knowing if the ball had bounced or not, and Frazier taking off towards 1st base, Rochford throws /spikes the ball into the ground 10 feet wide of first base, then looks to the umpire and says, "Hey I caught that, it didn't hit the ground!....right??" But the happening of the day is when a friendly dispute about infield defensive positioning almost came to fisticuffs.
Players Missing in Action:
Matt Vold - sunday football camp, fun times....
Gus Koecher - trapping fish
Curtis Roebuck - if Curtis Roebuck "happens" in Vegas, does that mean he has to stay there?
Adam Lewis - stood us UP! I am crank calling you for the next 10 days LEW!
Estimated Attendance: 30-50
So what happens when a team that's struggling to pitch the ball meets a team that's struggling to hit the ball? The answer is the Skeeters vs. the River Bandits.
Game 1. (Non Conference) Hagar City 6 - St. Croix River Bandits 4
Skeeters walks/HBP allowed/errors: 12
Bandits Hits: 5
The Skeeters were able to get 9 hits off of starting pitcher Will Ball, who struggled with control the entire day. However, even though Ball allowed 9 hits, and walked/plunked a combined 9 batters, only 3 of his 6 runs were earned, due to some shoddy defensive play. The Bandits offense did not come to the rescue, managing only 5 hits in 27 at bats, 2 by C Steve Siqueiros. The Bandits also stranded 3 runners in the 6th inning, having the bases loaded and 0 outs, and couldn't put the ball in play.
Game 2. (Conference) Hagar City 8 - St. Croix River Bandits 4
Skeeters walks/HBP allowed/errors: 14
Bandits Hits: 4
The Bandits gave up an early lead in the first inning as Skeeters lead off batter Lance Murphy singled to left field, stole 2nd base, and reached 3rd on a wild pitch. Bandits starting pitcher Jim Rochford, coming off of 2 consecutive quality conference starts (15.2 IP, 3ER), just didn't have his stuff. Rochford walked Elliot Foley. Rochford induced 3-hitter Mike Berg to hit into a possible double play grounder to 3rd base, but 3rd baseman Jeff Johnson's throw sailed on him, and into right field. Muphy was able to score. Rochford was able to get out of the inning without any further damage.
The Bandits tied the game in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Kyle Kahl led the inning off with a walk, and Jeff Johnson was able to single to right, but the ball was misplayed by the right fielder when getting the ball in. Kahl was able to reach 3rd base, however, then-3rd base coach Scott Lindholm sent Kahl home, as the infield/outfield still did not have control of the ball, and he was able to score. Bandits 1 - Skeeters 1
The Skeeters came roaring back in the top of the 3rd inning. Rochford gave up 3 straight singles to the 1-2-3 hitters, and let up a run before getting an out. Mike Maves singled softly to LF to load the bases with one out. Rochford walked Jeremy Werner on 4 straight pitches, walking in a run from 3rd base. The next batter, Cory Bratholl hit the first pitch he saw right at 3rd baseman Jeff Johnson, who threw home to Steve Siqueiros for the 2nd out of the inning, then Siqueiros was able to relay the ball down to 1st base to beat the runner for an inning ending doubleplay. Skeeters led 3-1.
The Skeeters scored again in the top of the 5th inning. Three runs in total, coming off of 3 hits and an error. Cory Bratholl got his revenge, as he crushed a ball to deep left center field with the bases loaded, and all three runners scored. Bratholl, however, was only make it to 1st base, making that hit one BIG single. Skeeters up 6-1.
The Bandits got two back in the bottom of the 5th inning. Skeeters pitcher Brady Brenner walked the bases loaded and with 1 out Kyle Kahl hit a single to centerfield scoring Lindholm and Todd. However, even with runners 1st and 3rd and one out, the Bandits were not able to score another run. Skeeters up 6-3.
Rochford came out to pitch the top of the 6th, which turned out to be a bad idea. Rochford let up a double to lead off hitter Lance Murphy and another single to Elliot Foley. Rochford was then lifted for Trevor Todd. Rochford's final line: 5IP, 11H, 8R, 6ER was far from ideal - after looking at the stat sheet Rochford's only comment was, "Well atleast the 4 thru 9 hitters were 4-17 against me - too bad those first three guys were 7-10." Trevor Todd relieved all 4 innings, and allowed only 1 hit, walked 2, and hit 2 batters. Both runners that Todd inherited did score in the 6th inning, and were charged to Rochford. Skeeters up 8-3.
Skeeters pitcher Brady Brenner settled down in the last 4 innings, walking only 4 Bandits, and letting up only 1 hit. Trevor Todd was able to score in the bottom of the ninth inning for the Bandits as he walked and Kyle Kahl's single got him over to 3rd base. Todd scored when Skeeters catcher Mike Maves tried to pick off Kyle Kahl from first base with 2 outs in the ninth inning. Kahl was caught in a run down but was able to escape back to first when the Skeeters infield mis-handled the ball, allowing Todd to reach home. Final Score Skeeters 8, Bandits 4.
The Bandits have managed only 12 hits in their last 3 games since the 4th of July break and if they hope to win any of their 3 remaining conference games, that number must improve - by a lot!
NOTES
Game 1
Game Balls:
1-3. Steve Siqueiros 2-4, R, 2B, 2 RBI
Unheraled Hero of the Day: Trevor Todd went 0-0 in 4 plate appearances, walking twice, getting hit by a pitch and hitting a sacrifice bunt. Very impressive Trevor
WOW Play of the Day: Perhaps something to do with defense, and flying as high as a kite, and sitting around on the field, and someone's dad yelling at all the little kids on the field. For you Bandits who were there, you know what I mean.
Players Missing in Action: just about everyone, we even had to recuit some kid from Lewis, WI named Bubba Smith, except he isn't the one that's 6'7" 260lbs and played pro football.
Estimated Away Attendance: 0 - for sure and a good thing
Game 2:
Game Balls
1. Kyle Kahl 2-4, R, 2RBI, BB, 5 assists
2. Trevor Todd 4IP, 1H, 2BB, 2HBP, 5K also 0-2 at the dish 2R, 3BB
3. Scott Lindholm 1-2, R, 2BB, HBP
Unheralded Player of the Day: Michael VanderPlas. Vandy played a phenonemal 2nd base, the first time in his Bandits career in the infield. In 3 innings, Vandy had 3 assists and a putout, no errors and 1 amazing play where he hustled to the ball, threw across his body, and made the out at first just in time.
WOW Play of the Day: I'd like to say its where pitcher Jim Rochford catches a line drive off the bat of Skeeter DH Tyler Frazier and then, not knowing if the ball had bounced or not, and Frazier taking off towards 1st base, Rochford throws /spikes the ball into the ground 10 feet wide of first base, then looks to the umpire and says, "Hey I caught that, it didn't hit the ground!....right??" But the happening of the day is when a friendly dispute about infield defensive positioning almost came to fisticuffs.
Players Missing in Action:
Matt Vold - sunday football camp, fun times....
Gus Koecher - trapping fish
Curtis Roebuck - if Curtis Roebuck "happens" in Vegas, does that mean he has to stay there?
Adam Lewis - stood us UP! I am crank calling you for the next 10 days LEW!
Estimated Attendance: 30-50
Game Recap - Bandits drop close game to Rival Osceola
The St. Croix River Bandits (2-10, 3-15) struggled to hit after coming back from a 2-week holiday hiatus, and had their hands full with Ross Benitz and Jacob Kiehl of the Osceola Braves (6-4). The Braves quickly took the lead in the bottom of the 1st inning, when speedster LF Ryan Rugg poked a ball just past P Trevor Todd, towards second base. Bandits SS Matt Vold charged the ball and quickly relayed it to first base, but was unable to catch the speedy Rugg. Rugg was able to steal both 2nd and 3rd base on the Todd-Siqueiros battery, and then scored on a Tim Urban groundout to 2b.
The Braves rallied again in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Braves Brian Hauck led the inning off with a single. Trevor Todd was able to strike out Pete Droher and Steve Papke, but Hauck reached 2nd base on a passed ball. Travis Pilz hit a 2-out single to right field where Bandits RF Michael Chelberg fielded the ball and launched it towards home plate, trying to catch Hauck running in from 2nd. Siqueiros was able to catch the ball and tried to apply the tag to Hauck, who was attempting to slide under it. Dust and sand filled the air with the slide and it wasn't certain whether Hauck was safe or was the 3rd out of the inning. With everyone looking to the umpire, he raised out both arms out, indicating that Hauck was safe, giving the Braves a 2-0 lead. The inning dragged on, as Braves C Ian Kalata dropped a ball down the first base line for a double, scoring Pilz. Ryan Rugg then singled for the 2nd time in 2 innings, scoring Kalata, making the game 4-0. Todd was able to stop the bleeding, picking off Rugg at first base for the 3rd out of the inning.
While the Bandits were able to get runners on base in both the 1st and 2nd inning. Braves SP Ross Benitz was able to induce 2 groundball-inning-ending-doubleplays. So when Bandits RF Michael Chelberg reached in the 3rd with a walk to start the inning, 3rd base coach Jim Rochford states "There was no way he wasn't going to steal," and thats how Chelberg reached second base. Chelberg was able tag up and reach third base after Jeff Johnson flew out to deep left field for the 2nd out of the inning, which would have been a home run in any other park in the conference. Chelberg then scored without a Bandit even needing to touch the ball, as a Benitz/Kalata passed ball reached the backstop, Chelberg raced home and scored.
The Bandits scored again, mostly on Braves miscues in the 4th inning. Gus Koecher led off the inning by striking out, but the strikout pitch got past C Ian Kalata and Koecher was able to sprint down to 1st base and beat out the throw. Koecher then stole 2nd base and reached 3rd on another passed ball. Matt Vold came to the plate and laced a 1-1 fastball into right center field for a single, scoring Koecher, and cutting the Braves lead to 4-2.
Trevor Todd pitched the remainder of the game for the Bandits and surrendered only 4 more hits over 6 innings, and faced only 5 batters over the minimum. Unfortunately the Braves pitched just as well. Benitz needed only 19 pitches to get 6 outs in the 5th and 6th innings. Braves reliever Jacob Kiehl threw the last three innings and picked up the save. Kiehl allowed only 1 hit and 1 walk, while striking out 1.
The Braves and Bandits both played a clean game, with only 1 error being recorded between the two teams, and the evening which was dominated by good pitching. The Bandits play the Braves again at St. Croix Falls on Saturday July 25th.
NOTES
Game Balls
1. Trevor Todd: 8IP, 8H, 4R, 7K, 3BB
2. Gus Koecher/Matt Vold: 2-7, R, RBI SB, BB
3. Michael Chelberg - 0-2, R, BB, SB but scored a run with some aggressive base running and ALMOST made what could have been the game winning play in the 2nd inning with his throw to home plate. Too close to call - glad I wasn't the umpire. Plus some other stellar defense in RF.
Unheralded Hero of the Game: Bandits defense, only 1 error on the evening - a ball that took a goofy hop, but didn't cause any runs to cross the plate.
WOW Play of the Day: When Matt Vold hit a 2-Run HR to tie the game in the top of the ninth inning with Steve Siqueiros on 1st base. - WAIT - that didn't happen...... Its actually when a ball was hit deep to right center field and RF Michael Chelberg started yelling to CF Scott Lindholm, "you got it, you got it." until Chelberg realized, oh I guess he's too far away, I better run. So Chelberg ran...and ran, and dove backwards, left arm stretched out, and somehow caught the ball while appearing to hyper extend his entire body. Chelberg raised the ball up for the umpire to see he had it and then, hearing the calls of his teammates, threw the ball in to the infield where Braves RF Tim Urban was doubled off of 2nd base, as Urban thought the ball had dropped for a hit.
Players Missing in Action:
pretty much all of our regulars were here.....amazing...except for Gagner of course, lets not get crazy.
Away Attendance: 30+
The Braves rallied again in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Braves Brian Hauck led the inning off with a single. Trevor Todd was able to strike out Pete Droher and Steve Papke, but Hauck reached 2nd base on a passed ball. Travis Pilz hit a 2-out single to right field where Bandits RF Michael Chelberg fielded the ball and launched it towards home plate, trying to catch Hauck running in from 2nd. Siqueiros was able to catch the ball and tried to apply the tag to Hauck, who was attempting to slide under it. Dust and sand filled the air with the slide and it wasn't certain whether Hauck was safe or was the 3rd out of the inning. With everyone looking to the umpire, he raised out both arms out, indicating that Hauck was safe, giving the Braves a 2-0 lead. The inning dragged on, as Braves C Ian Kalata dropped a ball down the first base line for a double, scoring Pilz. Ryan Rugg then singled for the 2nd time in 2 innings, scoring Kalata, making the game 4-0. Todd was able to stop the bleeding, picking off Rugg at first base for the 3rd out of the inning.
While the Bandits were able to get runners on base in both the 1st and 2nd inning. Braves SP Ross Benitz was able to induce 2 groundball-inning-ending-doubleplays. So when Bandits RF Michael Chelberg reached in the 3rd with a walk to start the inning, 3rd base coach Jim Rochford states "There was no way he wasn't going to steal," and thats how Chelberg reached second base. Chelberg was able tag up and reach third base after Jeff Johnson flew out to deep left field for the 2nd out of the inning, which would have been a home run in any other park in the conference. Chelberg then scored without a Bandit even needing to touch the ball, as a Benitz/Kalata passed ball reached the backstop, Chelberg raced home and scored.
The Bandits scored again, mostly on Braves miscues in the 4th inning. Gus Koecher led off the inning by striking out, but the strikout pitch got past C Ian Kalata and Koecher was able to sprint down to 1st base and beat out the throw. Koecher then stole 2nd base and reached 3rd on another passed ball. Matt Vold came to the plate and laced a 1-1 fastball into right center field for a single, scoring Koecher, and cutting the Braves lead to 4-2.
Trevor Todd pitched the remainder of the game for the Bandits and surrendered only 4 more hits over 6 innings, and faced only 5 batters over the minimum. Unfortunately the Braves pitched just as well. Benitz needed only 19 pitches to get 6 outs in the 5th and 6th innings. Braves reliever Jacob Kiehl threw the last three innings and picked up the save. Kiehl allowed only 1 hit and 1 walk, while striking out 1.
The Braves and Bandits both played a clean game, with only 1 error being recorded between the two teams, and the evening which was dominated by good pitching. The Bandits play the Braves again at St. Croix Falls on Saturday July 25th.
NOTES
Game Balls
1. Trevor Todd: 8IP, 8H, 4R, 7K, 3BB
2. Gus Koecher/Matt Vold: 2-7, R, RBI SB, BB
3. Michael Chelberg - 0-2, R, BB, SB but scored a run with some aggressive base running and ALMOST made what could have been the game winning play in the 2nd inning with his throw to home plate. Too close to call - glad I wasn't the umpire. Plus some other stellar defense in RF.
Unheralded Hero of the Game: Bandits defense, only 1 error on the evening - a ball that took a goofy hop, but didn't cause any runs to cross the plate.
WOW Play of the Day: When Matt Vold hit a 2-Run HR to tie the game in the top of the ninth inning with Steve Siqueiros on 1st base. - WAIT - that didn't happen...... Its actually when a ball was hit deep to right center field and RF Michael Chelberg started yelling to CF Scott Lindholm, "you got it, you got it." until Chelberg realized, oh I guess he's too far away, I better run. So Chelberg ran...and ran, and dove backwards, left arm stretched out, and somehow caught the ball while appearing to hyper extend his entire body. Chelberg raised the ball up for the umpire to see he had it and then, hearing the calls of his teammates, threw the ball in to the infield where Braves RF Tim Urban was doubled off of 2nd base, as Urban thought the ball had dropped for a hit.
Players Missing in Action:
pretty much all of our regulars were here.....amazing...except for Gagner of course, lets not get crazy.
Away Attendance: 30+
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Game Preview - 7/8 @ Osceola Braves 7pm
The St. Croix River Bandits (2-9 conf, 3-14 overall) will take the short trip down the river to Osceola to battle the Braves on Wednesday. This is the first meeting between the Braves and Bandits this season. The Braves hold a 6-1 advantage in the overall series, with the Bandits only win coming from a dominating Jay Gagner performance in 2007. Gagner allowed only 4 hits and struck out 18 batters in a 2-1 victory. The Braves have outscored the Bandits 80-25 in this one sided rivalry, but as manager Jim Rochford states, "A lot of these games were closer than they appeared in the boxscores, they do a good job of piling on runs in the late innings, and not letting other teams get back into the game."
Trevor Todd will take the mound for the Bandits. Todd faced the Braves last year in a 11-6 loss at SCF. Todd threw 7 innings and let up only 6 hits, but the game was plagued by walks and errors, which eventually led to the Bandits defeat. Todd is also 7-17 lifetime versus the Braves at the plate, with 3RBI and a run scored. Bandit's CF Scott Lindholm has also had some success versus Braves pitching, going 6/16 with 3 R scored in 5 games against the Braves.
Bandits predicted Line-up
LF Scott Lindholm
CF Gus Koecher
P Trevor Todd
C Steve Siqueiros
SS Matt Vold
3B Kyle Kahl
RF Michael Chelberg
1B Jeff Johnson
2B Curtis Roebuck
Trevor Todd will take the mound for the Bandits. Todd faced the Braves last year in a 11-6 loss at SCF. Todd threw 7 innings and let up only 6 hits, but the game was plagued by walks and errors, which eventually led to the Bandits defeat. Todd is also 7-17 lifetime versus the Braves at the plate, with 3RBI and a run scored. Bandit's CF Scott Lindholm has also had some success versus Braves pitching, going 6/16 with 3 R scored in 5 games against the Braves.
Bandits predicted Line-up
LF Scott Lindholm
CF Gus Koecher
P Trevor Todd
C Steve Siqueiros
SS Matt Vold
3B Kyle Kahl
RF Michael Chelberg
1B Jeff Johnson
2B Curtis Roebuck
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)