Posts
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
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
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'
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
*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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)