Bandits Win Conference Opener

The St. Croix Bandits (1-0, 1-2) drew first blood in the conference - being the first team to win a game at the expense of the Plum City Blues with a score of 5-2. Trevor Todd started on the mound and pitched six scoreless innings before giving up two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Will Ball relieved Todd and ended up with the three-inning save.

The Bandits scored their first two runs in the top of the fifth inning. Kyle Kahl led off with a walk, followed by a Scott Lindholm single. With runners on the bases, Will Ball and Brock Leuhmann both put the ball in play and the Blues defense put up two big errors, allowing Kahl and Lindholm score.

The Bandits grabbed three more run in the top of the seventh, notching 4 singles, and an HBP - including RBI singles by Steve Siqueiros and Adam Lewis with two outs in the inning. The Blues finally found some offense in the bottom of the seventh inning getting two walks and a single off of a tiring Trevor Todd before recording any outs. Will Ball came into the game and struck out two batters. However, a goofy error on a ball in play allowed two runners to score before the Bandits would get their last out of the inning on the same broken play - catching the Blues trying to stretch another base on the play.

Ball would finish the game giving up only and other single and walk over the last two innings.

NOTES

Game Balls

1) Trevor Todd - WIN, 6IP, 2ER, 9K, 2H

2) Will Ball - SAVE, 3IP, 0ER, 3K, 1H

3) Steve Siqueiros - 1-5, 2RBI - broke game open with 2 out 2 run RBI in 7th.

Bandits Non Conference Opener

The St. Croix Bandits dropped their first two games of the season back in April to perennial powerhouse Blaine Fusion. The Bandits lost the games 2-1, and 1-0. The Bandits took the lead in the first game 1-0 in the top of the seventh and final inning. Cory Gebhard reached on an error and stole 2nd base. Bandits veteran Steve Siqueiros drove Gebhard in with a two-out single to left field. The Fusion bounced back in the bottom of the seventh - scoring 2 runs off a single, a couple walks, and then a game-winning single.

Game two was more of the same. The Bandits struggled to get hits, but the Bandits pitchers kept the Fusion hitters off balance. Newcomer Kurt Gehrman pitched five innings, giving up no runs, and scattering three hits. The Bandits Will Ball was tagged with the loss, giving up the only run in the game in the bottom of the seventh and final inning.

With only three hits in the game, there aren't too many stars to give out. Kurt Gehrman had a wonderful debut (but in retrospect it would be short lived as Gehrman would later injure his arm - putting him out for the season). However, this is a much better showing than the 2009 game where the Bandits where outscored 12-4.

2011 St. Croix River Bandits

The Bandits began their 5th season of play this April. It seems not so long ago that the Bandits traveled up to Quamba for their first taste of men's amateur baseball. Of the original roster, only five players remain active for the Bandits. The 2011 season brings the first season in which young players Matt Vold, Gus Koecher, and Cory Gebhard can compete from start to finish as they are all now in college. The Bandits also have added IF Brock Luehmann (formerly of the Hager City Skeeters) from Amery, SCF high schoolers: Nick Johnson, Marcus Campbell, Blake Klopfer, Nathan Graveson, Unity high schooler Luke Nelson, and Drew Walker (Centuria) and Blake Yunker (SCF).

The Bandits will be losing longtime friends and everyday players Michael Chelberg and Curtis Roebuck. Chelberg moved out to Denver to get a real job. He played in 75 games over 4 seasons, batting .240 with 38 runs, 22RBI, 4 2B, and 13 SBs. Chelberg was the most improved player last season, batting .333 in 60 plate appearances and posting a .447 OBP. Michael will be remember for his socially borderline behavior and antics. Michael twice tried to steal third base....with a Bandits already occupying the base, and gave up a double when intentionally walking a batter.

Curtis Roebuck played 59 games over 4 years and will be focusing more on the homelife - now with 2 kids to raise. Curtis may have only batted .185 for the bandits, but he was a stalwart in the field, playing whichever position was called upon and never lacked for hustle. We will remember Curtis for his intensely dry sense of humor and his superhuman power of facial hair growth.

The Bandits have 24 games scheduled - 16 of which are conference games. The Bandits strength this season should be speed, youth, and athleticism. Season Prediction: 9-7 conference, 13-11 overall.

Game Recap - Fish Treat Bandits to Wanigan Days Blowout

The St. Croix River Bandits just cannot put a competitive game together vs. the Fighting Fish of River Falls. The Fish thumped the Bandits for the 2nd game of the season, scoring six of their ten runs in the first three innings of the game. Will Ball struggled on the hill walking three and hitting three and letting up only three hits. The free passes led to six early runs, a deficit the Bandits could not overcome.

The Bandits managed only six hits, two coming off the bat of catcher Steve Siqueiros, including his ninth inning homerun, the 2nd homerun of his career.