Game Recap - Bandits win thriller in 13 innings.

The St. Croix River Bandits (1-7, 2-12) won their first conference game on Sunday afternoon against the River Falls Fighting Fish (5-3, 6-8) by the score of 5-4. I don't even know where to begin. The game lasted a whopping 13 innings, and featured 4 lead changes, 2 home runs, men stranded on 3rd with no outs, and more.

The game started with CF Scott Lindholm reaching base in the 1st inning for the 10th time in 14 games by crushing a double to right center field. Lindholm advanced to third on a SS Gus Koecher ground out. After 1B Trevor Todd struck out, C Steve Siqueiros came to the plate. During Siqueiros's at bat, Fish SP Josh Eidam threw a wild pitch and Lindholm bolted for home. The ball ended up being partially blocked by Fish C Trevor Gutting and he was able to recover and throw the ball to Fish SP Josh Eidam to tag out Lindholm at the plate.

Bandits SP Jim Rochford, was on his game, changing speeds and keeping hitters off-balance. Rochford did not allow a hit until the fourth inning. Rochford gave up a walk and a hit that inning, and the Fish had runners on 1st and 2nd with only 1 out. Fish DH Joe Paatalo hit a line drive to Koecher, who then tried to throw out Fish SS Brian Giebel who was hustling back to 2nd base. Koecher's throw was high and was tipped by 2B Curtis Roebuck's glove, both Fish runners then tried to advance and in the flurry of action, RF Will Ball charged the ball and was able to throw out the runner advancing from first at 2nd base, which, oddly, was being covered by LF Tim Wampfler. This would be the first 6-5-9-7 double play in Bandits history.

The Bandits struck first in the bottom of the fourth inning. Trevor Todd hit a 1-out single to center field that was misplayed by fish CF Clint Kempf, and allowed Todd to advance to 2nd. Todd was able to score on a Steve Siqueiros 2 strike-single. The next batter was 3B Michael Chelberg. Chelberg was making his debut at 3B after a second inning injury to starting 3B Jeff Johnson - Johnson appears to have pulled a hamstring and is day to day. Chelberg was able to poke a single to the outfield, giving him his first hit of the game, and the Bandits had runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out. Unfortunately, Will Ball struck out, and Tim Wampfler grounded out to the pitcher to end the inning. Bandits up 1 - 0.

The Fighting Fish continued to struggle while Rochford was on the mound, getting only 1 hit over the next three innings. The score was 1-0 Bandits going into the top of the 8th inning. Fish 2B and #9 hitter, Sam Giliuson hit a 2-1 fastball straight up the middle of the field for a lead off single. Eidam then followed with a sacrifice bunt, advancing Giliuson to 2nd. Rochford threw a first-pitch curveball to Fish 3B Nathan Brom, who dropped the head of the bat and gave a mighty uppercut swing. The bat connected, and the ball sailed out to left field, over Wampfler's head, and over the fence for a 2-run HR. After the game Rochford stated, "Usually I don't have enough gas on my pitches, especially my curveball, for anyone to actually hit it out of the park. I was hoping for a flyball to center or left, but I guess he hit it a little too far." Rochford finished the inning and the Bandits were down 2-1.

In the bottom of the 8th inning, the Bandits had their 3-4-5 hitters coming up, but Eidam was able to get the Bandits to hit into 2 quick outs on 2 pitches. Chelberg was able to hammer a double down the right field line, putting a man in scoring position. Will Ball swung at the first pitch he saw and flared the ball into short right field. Fish RF Adam Brathol sprinted in, Chelberg was rounding 3rd - ready to score and tie the game, and Brathol completely laid out to make a diving grab and preserve the Fish 2-1 lead over the Bandits.

Rochford took the hill for the Bandits once more in the 9th inning, but it didn't last long. Fish's Trevor Gutting, who was 0-3 so far in the game, hit line drive up the middle to give the Fish a baserunner with 0 outs. Bandits management made the call to bring in Curtis Roebuck in relief.
Rochford's final line: 8IP, 6H, 2BB, 2ER, 1K. Fish's Kempf sacrifice bunted Gutting over to second on the first pitch by Roebuck. While Roebuck was pitching to #9 batter Giliuson, he threw a wild pitch which allowed Gutting to reach 3rd with only 1 out. The Bandits brought in infield in to protect against the runner scoring on a groundball. Roebuck was able to induce Giliuson to pop out harmlessly to 2B Preston Langer, who had replaced Rochford on the field after the defensive switch that allowed Roebuck to take the mound. After Eidam walked, Brom then came up to bat with 2 out and Gutting still on third. Brom again tried to knock the ball out of the park, but got a little under it, sending a high flyball into center field where Lindholm was able to make the catch.

Bottom of the ninth inning, and the Bandits needed a run to tie and 2 to win. Tim Wampfler, who 0-3, was hit by a pitch and was able to take first base. Langer then bunted Wampfler over to 2nd base. Curtis Roebuck hit a flyball to LF for the 2nd out of the inning. The Bandits were down to their last out with CF Scott Lindholm at bat. Lindholm was 1-4 with 2 strikeouts versus Fish P Josh Eidam. Lindholm took the first strike, and fouled off the 2nd pitch. Down in the count, 0-2, Lindholm hit a weak line drive to center field, and Wampfler took off from 2nd. The throw from center field came in too late, allowing Wampfler to score and tie the game at 2, and Lindholm was able to take 2nd base when the defense threw home. Gus Koecher then sharply hit a line drive up past the pitcher into center field and quickly got to Fish CF Kempf. Kempf came up firing as third base coach Jim Rochford waved Lindholm home. The throw was on the mark and beat Lindholm to the plate by a couple feet, and he was tagged out easily, sending the game into extra innings.

The Fish looked poised to take the lead in the 10th inning. Roebuck walked Giebel to start the inning. Giebel stole 2nd, and was able to reach 3rd after the Bandits muffed the throw down to 2nd. Roebuck walked #4 batter Gilbertson, prompting the Bandits to bring in lefty Trevor Todd. Todd's job was to not give up a big inning, and he did even better. With the infield in, #5 batter Joe Paatalo grounded out to Koecher at short. Koecher had to make a stretch up the middle to get to the ball, and if Giebel had run home, there is a good chance he would have scored, but he stayed at third and Koecher was able to make the play. Scott Warrington followed with a flyball to very short right field. Will Ball came charging in and made the catch, and gave Giebel no chance to score from 3rd. Todd was able to strike out Gutting, stranding Fish on 3rd and 2nd, after they had 2 men in scoring position with 0 outs.

The Bandits put together a threat in the 10th. Todd reached on an error, and was moved to 2nd with a sac bunt by Siqueiros. Chelberg was next up and was 3-4 on the day vs. Fish P Eidam, who was still in the game. The Fish decided to intentionally walk Chelberg to get to Will Ball. The decision paid off, as Ball grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.

In the top of the 12th inning, the Fish were finally catching up to Bandits P Trevor Todd. Todd gave up 5 hits in the inning, including a double by Scott Warrington, but was able to get out of the inning, letting up only 2 runs, and leaving men stranded on 2nd and 3rd.

In the bottom of the 12th, the Bandits were still upbeat, and the Fish had finally changed pitchers as Josh Eidam left the game and Ryan Gilbertson relieved. Gilbertson got Koecher to fly out to center field for the first out. Trevor Todd then singled on the first offering he saw from Gilbertson. C Steve Siqueiros was the next batter. Siqueiros was 3-4 on the day vs. Eidam including a double to deep left field. Siqueiros was even at 1-1 in the count when he blasted a pitch to deep left field again. The ball soared past LF Eidam and over the fence. Siqueiros tied the game on a 2-run HR. The first Bandits HR on their home field in their three year history.

The drama continued in the 13th, with Trevor Todd still on the mound. Todd gave up a one out double to Nathan Brom, followed by a sharp single by Brian Giebel. Todd bore down, and struck out the next two batters, stranding the Fish again on third and second.

The Bandits started the bottom of the 13th inning with 2 strikeouts. #9 hitter Curtis Roebuck was able to plop a single into left field to give the Bandits a base runner. Scott Lindholm was then hit by a pitch on a weird play. Lindholm called for a time out. but time was not given by the umpire as the P Gilbertson was already in motion. Gilbertson, maybe distracted by all the commotion in the batters box, struck Lindholm, moving Roebuck to 2nd. Gus Koecher ended the game with a blast down the left field line, allowing Curtis Roebuck to score easily and gave the Bandits their first conference and home win of the season.

"This is the greatest game we have played as a team. We have won some great games, but those were mostly an individual performance by our ace Jay Gagner. Today everyone chipped in, whether it was fantastic fielding or sac bunts." said SP Jim Rochford. CF Scott Lindholm added, "We came a long way as a team today."

The Bandits next game is Friday at Menomonie at 7:30pm and the next home game is Father's Day June 21st. vs. Bay City. The Bandits are 0-2 lifetime vs. Menomonie and 1-0 vs. Bay City.

June 21st vs. Bay City - the first 15 fans will receive a free stainless steel travel mug presented by the General Store in Taylors Falls. Free sparklers will also be given out to all kids ages 18 and under.

NOTES

Game Balls

1. Steve Siqueiros - 4/5, 2B, HR, 3RBI, sac bunt. That home run was amazing.

2. Gus Koecher - 2/7 GW RBI - enough said

3. Pitchers Jim Rochford, Curtis Roebuck, Trevor Todd 13 IP 4 ER allowed, got out of jams and kept the defense on their toes

WOW PLAY of the Game: Michael Chelberg attempted to steal 2nd base; unfortunately the base was currently occupied by Steve Siqueiros. Chelberg, then standing on 3B, openly asked Steve why he hasn't gone yet, even though the catcher had the ball in hand and was running down the 3rd baseline. After Steve gave Chelberg the glare of death, Chelberg scurried back to 2B, and the Fish catcher Trevor Gutting did not attempt a play, as he did not want to miscue and allow Siqueiros to score in a tight game. Congrats Michael, I guess you thought Steve was stealing home?

Unheralded Hero of the Game: This usually doesn't go to the opposing team, but Josh Eidam pitched 11 innings, walked no batters and let up only 2 runs, I bet his arm feels just great today.
Also some dap to fan Brian Jacobson, we always play better when our old coach is watching.

Steve Siquieros hit the first Bandits HR at our home field.

This is the first extra inning win for the Bandits in Bandit history.

Jim Rochford has only given up 5 ER in 16 conference innings.

Gus Koecher showed more range than any previous Bandits shortstop in 3 years.

I'm sure I'm missing a bunch of things, lots happened in the game, especially after the 9th inning.

Players Missing in Action:
Adam Lewis - saving lives, delivery babies, feeding the poor, and clearing land mines.
Jay Gagner - still looking for a donor for an extra elbow ligament.
Kyle Kahl - "had to" go to his fiance's brother's uncle's mother's dog's friend's graduation party.
John Peterson - handcuffed to a bedpost.
Matt Vold - ooo, look at me, I'm Matt Vold, I am good enough to play for Team Wisconsin...oooo I'm playing against Nebraska today.

Will Ball - oh wait you showed up for the game...LATE...don't do it again!

Estimated Attendance: 50-75

Game Recap - River Bandits swirling towards despair.

The St. Croix River Bandits (0-6, 0-11) have been devastated by this weekend's baseball events. Nothing seems to be clicking for the Bandits, whose inconsistent plate appearances have yielded an average of only 2.45 runs every nine innings. The Bandits are batting .192 as a team- 30 points lower than last season. Fielding has seen an error increase of one full error more per game than 2008. Pitching has been racked by injuries, with SCVBL ace Jay Gagner having missed the last month's worth of games with elbow trouble, Bandits #2, Adam Lewis also experiencing soreness, and #3, Jim Rochford, missing away games due to the recent birth of his 2nd child. The Bandits have had surprise production on the mound from Michael Chelberg (ERA 3.37 in 10+ innings). But one pitcher cannot make up for 3 missing ones, especially the calibur of Gagner, who is on every team's radar come drafting time before the playoffs.

It all accumulated into a perfect storm on Sunday afternoon in River Falls. As usual, lead off hitter Scott Lindholm was able to get onto first base in the first inning (via Fish error), and after a passed ball allowed him to attain 2nd, scored on a Steve Siqueiros RBI single. This would mark the 3rd game in a row where Lindholm reached base and scored in the first inning. Unfortunately those 3 runs account for almost 50% of the runs scored in each of the last 3 games. In fact, the Bandits have scored 5 runs total in the first inning of those games, and combined 3 runs in the other 22 innings. The Bandits finished the day with a disappointing 2 hits and 7 strikeouts.

Newly acquired pitcher JR Switala had to start the game as the Bandits had 6 either missing or used other pitchers. Switala had a rough outing, allowing 3 hits, 3 walks, and hitting 2 batters in 1.2 innings, giving up 7 runs - 4 earned. The Bandits did get a sizeable effort on the mound from SS Kyle Kahl and C Steve Siqueiros who combined to give up 4 runs, only 1 earned.

Bandits on the field were just as poor. The Bandits had 5 errors on the game, and a few other misplays in the field.

Not much good can be taken from the worst performance by the entire team in Bandits history. Kyle Kahl and Steve Siqueiros did a fabulous job on the mound for 2 guys who rarely see it. Hats off to River Falls for not charging the pitcher on the 4th hit by pitch of the day (although Kyle Kahl was on the mound at that point - don't charge that guy!). The Bandits will try to rebound on Tuesday, if it isn't rained out, in a 7 inning pick up game in Siren. The Bandits have a three game weekend, including a home game Sunday in a rematch versus River Falls, where Jim Rochford will take the mound and make the Fish swing at the ball.

NOTES

Game Balls

1. Steve Siqueiros - pitched, caught, hit.

2. You, the reader.

3. The Bandit Mobile for continuing to truck along.

WOW Play of the Day

The whole game: KK and Steve on the mound, Jake Larcom playing SS, a Wampfler, Vandy, Chelberg outfield, 11 runs given up on 5 hits.

Players Missing in Action
Jay Gagner: broken
Trevor Todd: tokin'
Gus Koecher: hayin'
Matt Vold: playin'
Jim Rochford: rearin'
Will Ball: disappearin'
Curtis Roebuck: workin'
Chris Chelberg: jerkin'
John Peterson: nappin'
Joe Holman: crappin'

Game Recap - Bandits can't keep lead vs. Elmwood, lose 10th straight.

The St. Croix River Bandits (0-10, 0-5) twice had the lead in the game vs. Elmwood on Saturday, but couldn't hold on to either one. The weather was cold and dreary, and the field grass long and wet. The Bandits started off strong in the first inning. CF Scott Lindholm walked and reached third on two passed balls. SS Kyle Kahl hit a sharp single to knock in Lindholm for the first run of the game. The Bandits, however would leave 2 men on base in the first, 1 in the third, and 2 more in the 4th.

SP Michael Chelberg pitched a mostly stellar game for the Bandits. Chelberg gave up a harmless single in the 2nd, and didn't let up another hit until the 4th inning. DH Justin Kerg was moved to 2nd base after Chelberg let up a 1 out walk to P Dylan Demotts. LF Jason Brenner hit the ball softly to third base, were Curtis Roebuck was able to get the single out at first, moving runners to 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs. The Expos were able to score their first run of the game when the next batter, RF Jed Tiffany, grounded to third, but the throw was misplayed at first base. Chelberg was able to get out of the inning only letting up the single run, and the score tied 1-1.

As the game dragged on, the temperature continued to drop and the rain and wind picked up, but with the score tied, the game went on despite the poor conditions.

The Bandits struck back in the top of the 6th. 1B Adam Lewis was able to reach on an error, and he was bunted over by C Steve Siqueiros. Chelberg was able to come through with a single to score Lewis from 2nd base, and the Bandits retook the lead 2-1.

The Bandits allowed the Expos to get the run back in the bottom of the 6th in typical Bandits style. Chelberg walked the lead off batter, Kerg, who then advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch. Kerg reached 3rd on a ground out to SS Kyle Kahl. Demotts was able to lift a 1-out flyball into foul territory in left field. LF Tim Wampfler made the play, but Kerg was able to score from third, tying the game at 2.

In the 7th inning, 2B John Peterson hit a 2-out double, but was stranded on 2nd base. The Expos were able to take the lead in the bottom of the 7th, once again, in typical Bandits fashion. Chelberg, who had only given up 2 hits, but had walked 4, was over 100 pitches but remained in the game. Chelberg walked the lead off and #9 hitter, Ario Cognetta. Chelberg was able to get the next two Expos out, but Cognetta was able to steal 2nd and get into scoring position. Chelberg and C Siqueiros met at the mound and made the good decision to walk #3 hitter Jonah Lansing, the create force outs at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. However, Chelberg, taking extra precaution as to not throw a wild pitch, threw to first "intentional ball" right over the plate, letters high. Lansing crushed the ball to CF, were an unprepared (and rightly so) outfield had no chance of throwing out Cognetta at the plate. The Expos scored another insurance run in the 7th increasing their lead to 4-2. The Bandits went down quietly in the 8th, with Expo SP Dylan Demotts striking out the side. The weather, which had been deteriorating for the past hour, finally was enough for the umpire to call the game as the Expos had a 2 run lead after the Bandits batted in the 8th.

Once again the Bandits came up short despite a great effort by SP Michael Chelberg (minus a ball that wasn't a ball). The Bandits played an excellent defensive game, making only a single error, which, in Bandits style, led to a run. The Bandits play River Falls Fighting Fish on Sunday, where SP Will Ball looks to make his Bandits debut. The Bandits have had trouble in the past hitting off of Fish pitching, but hopefully tomorrow they can find their sticks and stick it to the fish for win #1.

NOTES

Game Balls

1. The Weather - the game was untimately decided by the weather. Not only did the weather make scorched fly balls look like harmless pop ups, it made normally "speedy" ball players into slow clunkers on the bases and in the field. The game was ended early due to the weather, not that the Bandits were guarenteed to score more runs in the 9th, but the rain and wind stole their chance away. So congratulations weather, you won.

2. SP Michael Chelberg: innings 1 thru 5. He allowed only 2 hits and 3 walks thru the first 5 innings and only 1 run (unearned) allowed. We'll let the last 2 innings be forgotten.

3. Take you pick: Steve Siqueiros (1-2, BB, SAC, K), Kyle Kahl (1-4, RBI, K), John Peterson (1-3, 2B, BB, 4 PO)...

Unheralded Heroes of the Game:
Uh....um.....how about the guys who had to drive all the way down to Elmwood....good enough for me.

WOW Play of the Game:
Hard to top an intentional ball, that crosses the plate and is laced into a defense not expecting to field it, which then scores the go ahead run, in the middle of a torrential downpour, in 40 degree weather.....Wow.

Players Missing in Action:
Trevor Todd - chronic gingivitis
Jim Rochford - "leakage"....oh wait, that was a different Bandit, Rochford has the clap.
Jake Larcom - branding and inseminating cattle
Gus Koecher -trapping beavers and rodents, and creating clothing for the less fortunate.
Matt Vold - busy saving kittens and small children in Madison as his alter-ego Mr. America.
Tim Whittenberg(er) -had a very nice calm weekend at the cabin with some friends where I am sure no alcohol is/was involved.
Jeff Johnson - got married...shhhh... don't tell his wife.

*Updated* Weekend Preview - Sat 6/6 @ Elmwood, Sun 6/7 @ River Falls

The St. Croix River Bandits (0-4, 0-9) continue their search for their first win of the season. Team Soothsayer Jim Rochford states, "With Gagner looking to be done for the season, or honest goal is to finish with a better conference record than last season (2-13). Jay was our equalizer, these SCVBL teams have a lot of talent, and we are going to continue to look for ways or guys to plug in who can play." The Bandits will travel this weekend to Elmwood on Saturday and River Falls on Sunday, hoping for at least a split.

The Bandits take on the Elmwood Expos on Saturday. The Bandits are 0-1 lifetime versus the Expos. The Expos beat the Bandits last season in a 11-3 drubbing on a miserable 91 degree and muggy day. The Expos are 3-8 this season and 2-3 in conference play , with those 2 wins coming against the upstart Hager City Skeeters. I would have some stats from last game for you dear readers but it appears whoever kept book only listed #s instead of names and the Expos website does not list player #s...so.... But I can tell you that every single Expo batter got to first on either a hit, walk, error, or catcher's interference.... expect their clean-up hitter who went 0-5. Figures. This season, while Elmwood's conference record looks fair, they are off to a rocky start also. Expo pitching has been inconsistent, giving up lots of walks, in fact more walks than hits. At the plate, The Expos have three hitters that are batting near .300 or better, similiar to the Bandits. However, the Bandits will not take Elmwood for granted like they did last year when they got their butts handed to them.

Sunday, the River Bandits take on the River Falls Fighting Fish in River Falls. The Fish are 4-6 this season but are 3-1 in conference with victories over Menomonie, Ellsworth, and Hudson. The Fish took 2 games from the Bandits last year winning 5-1 and 8-2. Bandits hitters have only managed 10 hits in 2 games versus Fish pitching, and hopefully that trend will change on Sunday.

Sam Giliuson and Ryan Gilbertson are of to hot starts for the Fish. 2B Giliuson is hitting .476 with 7 walks and only 1 strikeout. 1B Gilbertson is batting .303 with 2 doubles, 2 triples, and 5 RBI. Fish pitching has been fairly consistent this season. The staff is averaging almost a strikout and inning, and allowing 4.7 walks per game. Quote-man Jim Rochford says "Hopefully the Fish will be looking past us a little bit, as they have a game on Wednesday and Saturday. Maybe we can jump out to an early lead like we did against New Richmond, except this time, keep the pressure on and pull out a victory.