Game Recap - Bandits Blowout Menomonie Amidst Thunder and Lightning

The St. Croix River Bandits shocked the world with their 13-0 defeat of the Menomonie Eagles Friday night while the lighting lit up the skies.

Things started getting harry during pre-game warmups but the teams decided to play through. The Bandits began the first inning with back to back home runs by lead off hitter and pitcher Jim Rochford and third baseman Kyle Kahl.

The Bandits continued to pour it on, getting three consecutive infield hits. By this time the rain was coming down like a mountain avalanche making the ball all but impossible to see. Steve Siqueiros came to bat with the bases loaded and no outs, and was swinging for the fences. Siqueiros topped the ball driving it straight into the ground below. However, with the mounting standing water in the infield, the Eagles could not find the ball Siqueiros hit. The Bandits baserunners continued sprinting around the bases, as all Eagles infielders frantically searched for the missing ball. Siqueiros ended up rounding third just as Eagles third baseman Tanner Vavra found the ball and flipped it home to the catcher to nab Siqueiros. Siqueiros lowered his shoulder and flattened the catcher, the umpire, and a small family of squirrels that happened to be fording across what was now a giant lake around home plate. Siqueiros scored, giving himself the Bandits 2nd infield Grand Slam of the season.

The next batter, Scott Lindholm fouled his first pitch straight back, knocking out four lights behind the field, darkening the field to his advantage. Coach Jim Rochford then gave 40 straight "take a pitch" signs, and sure enough - the backup umpire could not see the incoming pitch and called 40 straight balls. An unfortunate incident occured between ball 16 and 17. As Adam Lewis, who had walked with ball 12, was advancing from 1st to 2nd base - he was struck by lightning, and lay twitching on the ground. The Eagles were able to easily pick him off for the 1st out of the inning.

With the bases loaded and 1 out, and the Bandits up 13-0, what was once a baseball game, looked more like a water polo match. Gus Koecher, hit what would have been an infield single, but Koecher just could not swim to 1st base in time to beat the throw. Trevor Todd declined to take the next at bat, for fear that he would get caught in the undertow and the Bandits suffered their third out of the inning.

Unfortunately as the Eagles were coming to bat, they were all rescued by a Naval ship, promptly ending the game after. The Bandits declared victory after only a half an inning of play.

***NOTES***

Game Balls:

1. Everyone who showed up

WOW Play of the Day: A certain un-named Bandit running in his skimps and cleats from the dugout to the foul pole and back, showed the entire town of Menomonie great honor and shame, all in the span of 90 seconds.

Unheralded Hero(es) of the Day: To the Potato Ole, you should have your own food group dedicated in your name, or atleast a hospital wing. Who wouldn't want to be recovering in the Potato Ole Ward?

Things Heard Around the Diamond:

He thinks we're dumb, cause he's dumb. But we aren't dumb, we know what's going on

He ordering girls from Cleveland... --is that even legal?

Um, yeah...but no cameras

Is it ok if I put my cheeks are up against your seat? --as long as they aren't in my face

Don't Look at ME!!!!!!