Game Recap - Bandits Drop Heartbreaker in Mora

The St. Croix River Bandits (0-8 conf, 1-12) struggles continued in Mora verus the Blue Devils. The Bandits dropped the first game 7-0 with Adam Lewis throwing a fair game for the Bandits, six innings with four earned runs. However, every run scored by the Blue Devils could be attributed to walks, errors, or hit batsmen. This, compounded with the Bandits hitting woes against Jeff Oslin, who allowed only four hits, led for a quick game.

The next game however was a wild one. The Blue Devils scored four runs in the first inning off three hit batsmen, and in what appeared as a shrinking strike zone. However, it seemed every inning as if the Bandits were able to score a run or two versus starting pitcher Mike Moravec, getting five runs of him in three innings. With the score tied 5-5 the Bandits scored another run in the fifth inning off of hard-tossing Justin Krie to take the lead 6-5. Scott Lindholm also missed a homerun by about five feet foul, (second time in 2 days) which would have given the Bandits a little more comfort room, and ultimately may have won them the game.

In the sixth inning Trevor Todd was relieved for Amery newcomer Brandon Pederson who was filling in at SS for the doubleheader. The Bandits, not knowing what to expect, were awed by his performance. After letting up a run in the sixth inning, Pederson pitched 6 shutout-shutdown innings, not allowing anyone past 2nd base. Pederson quick delivery was matched by his velocity to the plate, and his deuce was crippling-starting off the edge of the plate and dropping in for strikes.

At the same time, Justin Krie was also getting into a groove for the Blue Devils, after struggling to locate pitches in his first few innings. Krie was lifted in the 10th for Asa Patterson who was lights-out versus the Bandits. Patterson pitched four innings giving up one hit, a Trevor Todd double, and striking out nine. The side-armer baffled the Bandits hitting staff that had belted out eleven hits, with his giant slurve, and well located fastball.

In the top of the 13th inning the Blue Devils were able to score run which deflated the Bandits defense, which had been playing solidly. The Blue Devils went on to score three more times that inning, and Patterson shut down the Bandits in the bottom of the 13th for a 10-6 Bandits loss.

It was a tough day for both teams enduring 20 innings of baseball in hot, dry weather. The River Bandits had many chances to capitalize in the 2nd game but couldn't find a way. But after showing they can competitively play against one of the best teams in the conference for the 2nd day in a row, the Bandits shouldn't get too down on themselves.

Offensively the Bandits were led by Brian Jacobson who had two hits in four at bats, scoring two runs, and getting an RBI; Trevor Todd and Nick Hartman both went 3-5 in the second game. Alex Sullivan stole two more bases, putting him tied for fourth in the Eastern Minny League in steals.

Next Game is Sunday 6/17 HOME vs. the Quamba Cubs where the Bandits seek revenge on the team that gave them their first loss of the season.

*Other Notes

*Full Boxscore Game One

*Full Boxscore Game Two

*Starting SS Jordan Martell, 3B Troy DeSmet were missing in action.

*Outfielders had trouble seeing the ball of the bat in Mora, which led to come costly hits for the Blue Devils.

Game Preview - Weekend Preview 6/15-6/17

The St. Croix River Bandits (0-5 conf 1-10 overall) play 4 games in 3 days this weekend starting Friday night at 7:30pm in Isanti (8-0 conf, 14-1 overall). The Redbirds are agruably the best team in the Eastern Minny League at this point. Isanti went 14-6 this year and have roared out of the gates, dropping only 1 game so far this year coming against Coon Rapids. The Redbirds pitching staff has a 2.51 team ERA while throwing 5 starters so far this season, while their team batting average is .287. The Bandits plan on throwing Jim Rochford (1-2) on the mound. Rochford had a fair outing in his last start versus Hinckley, who managed to put the bat on the ball, but he continued to throw strikes and says he feels better every game.

Another tough team awaits the River Bandits on Saturday as the team travels to Mora to face the Blue Devils (6-3) in a doubleheader starting at 2pm. Mora was the 2005 and 2006 North Division champs of the Eastern Minny league, and have held the lead in the North for most of the season. However, they are coming off of two straight losses (to Isanti and Nowthen), and are looking to right their ship. Their pitching staff may only be 4 players deep, but their team ERA is 2.18 with 56 strikeouts in 62 innings is stellar. However, Mora did play on Wednesday, and play again on Sunday, so hopefully the Bandits can take a look at some other pitchers who haven't yet had a chance to throw this season.

The last game of the weekend is on Father's Day in St. Croix Falls versus the Quamba Cubs (1-5 conf, 2-19 overall), in a rematch of the first game of the season. The Bandits look to take revenge from their 8-6 loss in Quamba were they had 15 hits. Walks an errors were the Bandits' downfall during that game, allowing an extra 13 runners to get on base for the Cubs. Trevor Todd is expected to take the mound for the Bandits. Bandits are having a Father's Day special also on Sunday, any father get can 1 free hot dog with a coupon from the Yellow Paper! Come out and see the Bandits!