Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Game Recap - Bandits Notch 1st Win of Season in 11-1 victory over Siren.

The St. Croix River Bandits (1-11, 0-6) were able to come away with their first victory in 11 months yesterday in a 11-1 victory over the Siren Steelers. It was the first game this season where the Bandits were able to put together a complete effort, allowing only 1 run, making only 1 error, and collecting 10 hits, 11 walks, and scoring 11 times.

SP Trevor Todd had his best performance as a Bandit, throwing 7 innings, allowing only 3 hits, 2 walks, 1HBP, and 1 run (unearned), while striking out 13. Curtis Roebuck and JR Switala combined for 2 innings of scoreless relief, striking out 2 more Steelers.

The Bandits could have blown the game wide open a lot earlier in the game. In the first inning after 2 walks and a 3B Kyle Kahl infield hit loaded the bases with 0 outs, they were poised to take a big early lead. However, Steeler's SP Potvin was able to wriggle out of the jam, inducing 2 infield pop outs and striking out RF Michael VanderPlas.

The Bandits were able to score in the top of the third inning. CF Scott Lindholm reached for the 2nd time on a walk, bringing SS Matt Vold to the plate. Vold hit a high 3-2 fastball deep to center field where Steeler's CF Letch attempted to make a jumping, diving, over the back shoulder catch but could not get it. After seeing Letch not be able to make the play Vold turned the burners on, expecting to get a triple. As Vold was rounding 2nd, Third Base Coach Jim Rochford saw that the Steelers wouldn't have the ball to the first of 2 cut off men until Vold was near 3rd, so he sent Vold home. Vold has able to score, giving the Bandits their 1st HR of the season and the 2nd HR in Bandits history.

The Steelers were able to get a run back in the bottom of the 4th inning. Todd plunked the leadoff batter/Steeler catcher Sickler. The next batter, Harry Severson-Dickinson (HSD), who had just got done playing in the Sectional Final for Luck - who unfortunatly lost 2-0, lined a shot that ricocheted off of Todd's leg and into left field. HSD was able to get to 2nd base, and Sickler went to 3rd. Todd was able to strike the next 3 batters out. However, during the 2nd strikout victim's at bat, Todd threw the ball in the dirt and C Siqueiros was not able to get all of it, and the ball skipped past him. Sickler was able to score from 3rd base, the only Steeler run of the game.

The Bandits tacked on another 3 runs in the top of the 6th inning, with RBI hits by Lindholm and Vold. The game was scheduled to go just 7 innings, but after 6 1/2 the Steelers (down 5-1) approached Bandits Manager Jim Rochford about going the full 9 innings. After some deliberation by the coaches and umpiring crew (solo umpire "Bad" Brad Hopkins) it was decided the game would be extended.

The Steelers would probably take that proposition back if they had the chance. The Bandits scored 6 runs in the final 2 innings, and allowed only 2 hits. Vold had another hit in the 8th that drove in 2 runs. Vold and Kahl walked with the bases loaded in the 9th, and Todd had a 2 run single to make the score 11-1.

Overall, this was the best performance by the Bandits of the season. The Bandits have 2 conference games this weekend, including a rematch vs. River Falls, where the Bandits lost 11-1 in their last outing, even though they gave up only 5 hits. The Bandits hope they gained some momentum for the weekend, where they look for their first conference win of the season.

NOTES

Game Balls

1. Trevor Todd / Matt Vold

Trevor pitched 7 solid innings, and picked up the first win of the season for the Bandits.
Matt Vold went 3 for 4, 2B, HR, and 2 BB with 2 runs scored and a team record 6 RBI.

3. Tim Wampfler - although Wampy did not get a hit, he walked twice, and reached on an error, stole 5 bases, and scored 3 times.

Unheralded Hero(es) of the Game:
Besides a strong Bandits defense, the SCRB traveling fans that not only came to the game on short notice but also kept score during the game. Oh and Brad Hopkins for umping the game on short notice. Thanks Brad.

WOW Play of the Game: Matt Vold's Inside the park HR.

Congrats on the Proposal Kyle Kahl, what a stud.

Broken Bandits Records:
Matt Vold: Most RBI in a single game: 6
Tim Wampfler: Most Stolen Bases in a single game: 5

Players Missing in Action:
Adam Lewis - *work
Jay Gagner -*work
Gus Koecher -*work
Michael Chelberg -*work
Jake Larcom -*work
Tim Whittenberger - *work
John Peterson - *work

* I'm not sure if work at the Border Lounge counts as work.....

Traveling Attendance: 7

Monday, June 8, 2009

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'

Saturday, June 6, 2009

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.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Game Recap - Bandits take early 3-0 lead, lose 5-4 to Millers

The St. Croix River Bandits (0-4, 0-9) lost again on Sunday to the New Richmond Millers. The Millers, who are now 3-1 in conference and 6-1 overall, gave up three early runs to the Bandits in the first inning. CF Scott Lindholm started the inning by drawing a walk with the count full. After a SS Matt Vold strikeout, 1B Trevor Todd slapped a single to the outfield. 3B Kyle Kahl was hit by a 3-2 pitch, loading the bases. C Steve Siqueiros then drove a first pitch fastball to the right center field fence, clearing the bases with a double. (On a sidenote, as DH Michael Chelberg commited the last out of inning by popping up to the New Richmond catcher Matt Peterson, Siqueiros railroaded Peterson, causing Peterson to riccochet off of Siqueiros as he was completely blind-sided. Peterson would get his retribution later in the game.)

Starting pitcher Jim Rochford (0-2) had an up and down game. Rochford breezed through the first inning, got out of a jam in the 2nd thanks to a ground ball doubleplay, and finally allowed the Millers to score in the top of the third. Matt Peterson got on with a single and stole second base. CF Mike Perillo singled to center, but Peterson was only able to make it to third. The next batter, 3B Scott Emerson grounded to first base and Trevor Todd immediately threw home to catch the charging Peterson. There was a brutal collision at the plate, but catcher Siqueiros did not have enough time to apply the tag, Peterson was ruled safe.

The Millers tied the game in the 5th inning when Matt Peterson reached on an error and then Rochford walked the next two batters on 9 pitches to load the bases. 3B Scott Emerson hit a 2-2 fastball sharply to left field, scoring Peterson from third. RF Curt Kleinschmidt hit a sacrifice fly to CF Scott Lindholm, tying the game as New Richmond 2B Hayden Zimmerman crossed the plate.

The Bandits had only 1 hit between the 2nd and 4th inning, but was able to string a couple of hits together in the 5th, after the Millers had tied the game. SS Matt Vold (after being specifically instructed to hit the ball to the right field gap) hit the ball to the right field gap, Kleinschmidt attempted to cut off the ball, but it skipped past him, allowing Vold to reach third base with only 1 out. The Millers brought the infield in the keep Vold at third on a ground ball and the strategy paid off as Trevor Todd grounded the ball sharply to 2B Zimmerman, keeping Vold from scoring. Bandits clean-up hitter (which is the "musical chair" spot of the line-up) Kyle Kahl was able to take a 2-1 pitch and hit it right up the middle of the field for an RBI single, giving the Bandits a 4-3 lead.

Rochford sped through the 6th inning without any trouble, but hit a speed bump in the 7th. Closing in on 100 pitches, Rochford allowed 3 straight singles, but was able to get an out after Scott Emerson tried to strech a single to a double. Bandits CF Scott Lindholm gunned the ball to home plate trying to get Zimmerman scoring from 2nd, catcher Siqueiros saw Emerson dashing to second base and instantly threw down to second after catching the ball. Emerson was not ruled out at first (even though he was tagged), but started retreating back to the dugout (probably because he was OUT.) and then SS Matt Vold tagged him out again, getting the first out of the inning. However, Zimmerman did score, tying the game at 4 a piece. Lefty Curt Kleinschmidt then smoked a first pitch curveball down the first base line for a double, scoring Mike Perillo, and the Millers took a 5-4 lead. Rochford was able to wiggle out of the inning without any more damage done, and didn't allow any runs in the 8th. Michael Chelberg relieved Rochford in the 9th, and besides a walk, had no trouble with the Millers batters.

The Bandits threatened in the bottom of the 7th inning when Scott Lindholm reached with a 1 out single. Matt Vold then hit a solid line drive that may have been a base hit. However, the Bandits had the hit and run on and Miller's 2B Zimmerman was in the perfect spot to catch the scorched ball and double up Lindholm back at first.

After the first two batters got out for the Bandits in the 8th, Siqueiros was able to draw a walk. Michael VanderPlas was brought in the pinch hit, and smacked the first ball he saw over the third baseman's head for a single. Michael Chelberg came to the plate with two outs and runners on 1st and 2nd. Chelberg was down 0-2 when he hit a foul ball to the third base side of the field. 3B Scott Emerson came out of nowhere, dove and caught the ball, in what was the defensive play of the game. Coach/Pitcher/Whatever Jim Rochford stated, "I knew Michael was not getting on base lately, but I knew we wanted to Michael to pitch the 9th inning instead of myself, what i wasn't sure of was whether Michael could re-enter the game if I pinch hit Larcom for him. Its not like Michael isn't a good hitter, he's just been hitting the ball AT people. I was hoping he was due, but Emerson made a phenomenal play to take any chance away from Michael."

The Bandits went down quietly in the 9th inning, without any reaching base.

Overall the game was well played by both sides. Unfortunately the Bandits were on the losing side of this game, and their 2nd 1 run loss this season. Rochford stated, "We had all the momentum after that first inning, already by the end of the 2nd inning their guys were getting frustrated because they weren't getting on base, but we just let them back into it, me included. Maybe it's because we aren't used to playing with the lead, or whatever, we can't be comfortable with just a three run lead in the first, we have to pile on the runs when we can. We have games next week against Elmwood and River Falls, we should be competitive and hopefully we get a W."

Notes

Game Balls

1. Scott Lindholm - went 2/4 (increasing his batting average to .454 against the Millers) and a walk, and a run. Lindholm also caught 7 flyballs on the day and was a part of a wacky 8-2-6 tagout at 2nd base.

2. Steve Siqueiros - 1/3 with a double and 3RBI, that came in the first inning. Siqueiros also drew a walk.

3. Kyle Kahl - played well in the rotating clean spot the Bandits have had since their inception. went 1/3 with a run scored and an RBI, also was hit by a pitch to reach 1st. Kyle also had two cleanly played grounders at 3B.

Unheralded Hero(es) of the Day:
To both the Bandits and the Millers for playing a fun and competitive game that was back and forth and dramatic. Fans got a good game today.

Good job also to Ben Anderson, our announcer, on a stellar job on the Mike.

WOW Play of the Day (tie):
Steve Siqueiros's bases clearing double as the Bandits took their (sigh) biggest lead of the season at 3-0.

Miller Scotty Emerson's leaping, diving, over-around the shoulder foul ball catch/grab/snag with the Bandits threatening in the eighth with batters on 1st and 2nd and 2 outs.

Bandits Missing in Action:
Adam Lewis: Delivering a child from the first man in Minnesota to give birth
Jay Gagner: Colonoscopy
Gus Koecher: Hunting.....people
Joe Holman: Acne removal surgery

Estimated Attendance: 40-60

Friday, May 29, 2009

Weekend Preview: Sat @ Hudson, Sun vs. New Richmond 1pm

The St. Croix River Bandits are looking for their first win of the season yet as they are 0-7 overall and 0-2 in conference play. The Bandits will already be at a disadvantage as they will be without their top 3 pitchers for the game. The Bandits received devastating news that pitcher Jay Gagner may be out for the season with arm and elbow issues. To make matters worse #2 Adam Lewis is out all weekend with work and #3 Jim Rochford just had a newborn son, last Sunday and won't be able to make the weekend games. This leaves that Bandits somewhat strapped. The Bandits expect to pitch a conglomerate of Michael Chelberg, Curtis Roebuck, Kyle Kahl, Matt Vold, Andy Mueller (former SCF Saints star who hasn't pitched in 12+ years), amongst others.

The Bandits first game of the weekend is against the Hudson River Rats on Saturday. The River Rats may only be 2-5 this season, but don't let their poor non-conference record fool you, this team is a powerhouse and the Bandits hope to compete. The Bandits lost 2 games to the Rats last season, by scored of 16-0 and 3-1 (a Jay Gagner pitched game). The Rats are riddled with guys who played college ball, headlined by Sean Parnell, former Amery phenom, who played at UW-Oshkosh. I unfortunately can't tell you much about the River Rats besides they are good, since they don't have boxscores for me to peruse.

Game #2 for the weekend will be at home versus the New Richmond Millers. The Millers are off to a great start this season, going 4-1 including an 8-3 win versus the Menomonie Eagles. The Millers do strike out a lot (much like the Bandits) k'ing 8.8 times per 9. The Millers, though, are so far raking this season, with 6 players batting over .300. Millers pitching has been good to poor, they have won a couple of wild games, 16-12 against UW Barron for instance. The Millers are led on the mound by P Tim Brown. If the Bandits don't see Brown, the Millers have a myriad of pitchers such as Cody Torkelson, Hayden Zimmerman, Logan Peterson, and Mitch Paquin who will all be ready to go. The Millers sport a solid 14 man roster - each guy with the ability to play.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Siqueiros Signs with Bandits

Former Osceola Braves catcher Steve Siqueiros is headed North towards Bandits camp this spring in a move that will surely have the baseball minds talking. Siqueiros had been with the Braves for countless years platooning at the catcher's position. Siqueiros will be slotted as the starting catcher for the Bandits and will assume DH duties on days when not behind the plate. He came to a decision yesterday, Thursday, April 3rd. Bandits center fielder Scott Lindholm says "(Siqueiros) brings stability to the catching position that we lacked last year, and also a raw intensity that sometimes lack." Welcome to the Bandits Steve.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Game Preview - Pine City Pirates @ Oakey Park in Osceola, Sunday 6/24 2pm (2 games)

The St. Croix River Bandits (1-8 conf., 2-12 overall) are coming of a weekend where they showed they can play with the better teams in the league and capped it off with a win versus the Quamba Cubs, 8-5, on Sunday. In that game the Bandits belted out ten hits by seven different players, scored eight runs by six different players, and thieved four bases.

The Bandits only play two games this week and they are both against the Pine City Pirates (2-6, 2-6) in Oakey Park in Osceola. The Bandits plan on throwing Jim Rochford in game one of the doubleheader, and Trevor Todd for game two. The Pirates have lost four straight and their fielding has been an issue with 15 errors in those four games. The Pirates, as a team, are only hitting .181 on the season, however they already have five home runs in seven games. Where the Pirates shine is in their pitching. Led by pitchers Ted Hasz and Tim Bowland who each have an ERA under 2.00, the pitching staff has only given up 2.68 earned runs per nine innings. The Bandits better be ready to swing the bats if they want to take two from Pine City!

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Volunteers Needed for Concessions

If you are bored and want to do something for a good cause; volunteer your a little of your time to the St. Croix River Bandits.

We need concessioneers for our remaining home games, and anyone who would like to sing the national anthem during home games as well.

If you are interested please contact Jim Rochford and he'll get you situated. Thanks!

Boxscores Updated

This Weekend's Boxscores are updated and ready for viewing. Either go back to the individual game reviews here on the blog or Click Here to go to the Bandits Homepage.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Game Recap - Bandits Get First Conference Win, 8-5 over Quamba.

The St. Croix River Bandits (1-8, 2-12 overall) beat the Quamba Cubs on a windy Sunday afternoon. Mike Leahy made his first start of the season, mostly working in relief appearances prior to this start, and pitched 7 1/3 strong innings for the Bandits. Leahy (1-1) had trouble with control in the first inning, walking two batters who ended up scoring, but settled down nicely allowing only 3 more runs during the rest of his outing. Leahy finished with three strikeouts, only those two walks, and three earned runs.

The Bandits had a good day with the bats, even though it took them a few innings to finally get going against Cubs pitcher Corey Stewart. The Bandits scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 4th and 6th, and had a chance to break the game open when Brian Jacobson hit a line drive screamer above the third baseman's head, with the bases juiced and with 2 outs. But the Cub's corner fielder made a quick reaction and leaped as tall as he could to snag the sure double out of the air.

The Bandits struck again in the bottom of the seventh inning, scoring three runs and getting on top for the first time in the game 7-4. The Bandits gave one back in the top of the eighth inning, but Curtis Roebuck came on in relief for Leahy and had a great rest of the eighth and ninth for a save in his pitching outing this season, and first save in Bandits history. The Bandits tacked on one more in the eighth for the 8-5 victory.

*Other Notes

*Full Boxscore Click Here

*Bandits had a pretty full dugout on Sunday, with much of their roster in attendance minus starting corner IF Kyle Kahl, and spot IF Chad Allram.

*Great defensive plays all around the field today

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.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Game Recap - Rain Ends Game in 7th vs. Isanti, Bandits Lose 4-0

The St. Croix River Bandits (0-6, 1-11) couldn't get the bats going Friday night in Isanti, in a game that was hampered by and finally cut short due to rain. With the game tied 0-0 in the bottom of the fifth inning, the storm came in and lightning cracked nearby. To that point in the game starting pitcher Jim Rochford had only let up two hits, while walking one. The game was delayed for nearly 30 minutes before action resumed and Isanti was able to score a run in the bottom of the fifth, and tack on three more in the bottom of the sixth. Rochford again pitched a solid game, giving up only six hits and walking one, while striking out two and letting in only one earned run in six innings of work.

The Bandits unfortunately could not figure out Redbird pitcher Ben Lind and was not able to record a hit of the starting righty in the six innings they saw him. Alex Sullivan was able to get on via walk and steal two bases.

The Bandits next game is Saturday at Mora for a doubleheader starting at 2pm, and Sunday at home in SCF versus the Quamba Cubs.

*Other Notes

*For Full Boxscore CLICK HERE

*CF Scott Lindholm almost hit the first home run in River Bandits history, but pulled the ball about 5 feet foul of the foul pole.

*While Isanti struggled to hit the ball early, the made up for it on defense, making difficult plays look easy and catching some hard hit balls - the team only has 7 errors on the year thru 13 games.

Friday, June 15, 2007

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!