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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
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Bonus Coverage: SCF vs. Amery - 1st Round Regional Game
The St. Croix Falls Saints took on the Amery Warriors in WIAA DII Regional action Friday afternoon, the day the SCF seniors graduate. The Saints held the #3 seed (8-1 in conf.) in this region and was host to the Warriors (5-9 in conf.) the #6 seed. There was a large crowd for the event, as many classes were excused to watch, attendance reached over 250 at some points of the game. Both the Saints and the Warriors were very chipper at the onset of the game, both teams standing in the dugout when their team were at bat, cheering their teammates on.
The first inning went off without a hitch as SCF SP Will Ball (senior) was dealing and throwing heat. Amery SP Kurt Gehrman (junior) matched Ball's output, setting down the first 3 batters he faced. The second and third innings also had little drama. Amery was able to get a two out opposite field double from RF Kyle Schultz in the 2nd, before Ball induced a tapper back to the mound from CF Carl Lee. Ball walked the first batter of the third inning, DH Carson Rimstad, on a full count, which was followed by a nice sac bunt by LF Sam Less. Ball got out of the inning unscathed by getting a groundout to 2nd baseman Cory Gebhard, followed by a infield fly also to the 2B Gebhard.
The Saints went down quietly in the 2nd inning as Gehrman really started showcasing his curveball, and finally got their first hit in the bottom of the 3rd by #9 hitter and LF Sam Schmidt, who push bunted down the third base side and reached first with two outs. Schmidt was then able to steal 2nd base on the next pitch. Lead-off man Nick Johnson hit a ground ball to third base, but couldn't outrun the throw, and was the third out of the inning.
The Warriors started the 4th inning with a bang, C Steve Bielmeier hit a 0-1 pitch deep to left center field and CF Nick Johnson ran out of real estate as the ball carried over the fence for a homerun. Ball kept his composure and finished off the rest of inning without allowing a baserunner, and breaking out a nasty changeup that had hitters fooled.
The fifth inning was another scoring opportunity for the Saints. An error allowed RF Josh Larcom to reach 1b, again with two outs. Larcom was able to steal 2B, getting himself into scoring position. 1B Marcus Campbell was able to draw the count full, but couldn't make contact with the 3-2 fastball, ending the 5th inning.
There were two goofy plays in the top of the sixth inning with the Warriors at bat. SS Joe Rubenzer hit a one-out double down the line past 3B Ben Anderson and "hopping" over LF Sam Schmidt. The ball however, veered over into foul territory after passing 3B, and got so far as running into the softball fence (which is behind the baseball field fence - which only spans the fair territory), and by rule results in a dead ball - ground rule double. Thus when the ball hit the fence Schmidt raised his arms indicating ground-rule double but the umpires did not react. It was not until Rubenzer had crossed the plate for a possible inside the park homerun and SCF Coach Paul Randolph blazed out of the dugout pleading his case to the home plate umpire about the ground rules, that any action was taken. The umpire agreed with Coach Randolph and Rubenzer was forced to go back to 2nd base, causing Amery coach Matt Petterson to rumble out from his 3rd base box. Petterson made his agrument but the ruling stood. Rubenzer was able to steal 3B on C Gus Koecher, who had already thrown out a baserunner stealing 2nd, getting himself into scoring range with a sac fly. However, C Steve Bielmeier struck out on an 0-2 curveball in the dirt. Koecher was not able to make the tag, so he looked back Rubenzer at third and threw down to 1B for the out. When Koecher threw the ball, Rubenzer broke home, attempting to score. 1B Marcus Campbell caught the ball and quickly snapped it back to Koecher at home, who had completely blocked the plate, and tagged out Rubenzer at the plate for the third out in front of a frenzied crowd.
The 6th inning prooved no better for the Saints. The Saints CF Nick Johnson took first base after being hit by a pitch with 1 out. Everyone on the Saints and Warriors bench knew that Johnson was going to steal 2B, so Warriors P Gehrman threw over to first base twice to keep Johnson close. Johnson took an even bigger lead at first, and unexpectedly Gehrman threw over again, this time a little quickly, and was able to pick of Johnson at first base, cutting the Saints threat off at the knees. 2B Cory Gebhard smacked the first pitch he saw to deep left field, however Amery LF Sam Less made a great leaping - awkward - over the shoulder grab to end the inning.
Will Ball came back out for the 7th inning, getting 3 more quick outs, after an error by the infield. Ball finished the day with 7 IP giving up only 2 hits and walking 1 while striking out 5.
I was more than impressed with Ball's changeup which really buckled the opposing batters knees. Ball hadn't pitched in a few weeks due to arm troubles and thus his speed was a little down in the early innings. Ball stayed mostly away from his curveball, and even when he threw it, he could rarely get it over for a strike. Ball, though, was by far the most outstanding Saints player of the game.
The Saints entered the bottom of the 7th inning down 1-0 with their 3-4-5 hitters due up: Vold, Koecher, Ball. Spirits were high in the Saints dugout who still believed they could pull this victory off and advance in the playoffs for the first time since 2001. 2nd Team All-Middle Border Conference P Kurt Gehrman was still pitching for the Warriors and started with 3 straight curveballs to SS Matt Vold who looked at one, missed on another, and fouled the last one off. Gehrman came back with a fastball that painted the outside corner, and Vold was down on strikes. C Gus Koecher took the first pitch he saw and slapped it into play. Koecher wasn't able to get all of the ball, grounding it to SS Joe Rubenzer, who fielded it cleanly and the throw beat the speedy Koecher to 1B. With two outs and the season on the line P Will Ball came to the plate. Ball was able to draw a full count after falling behind 1-2. Gehrman challenged Ball with a 3-2 fastball the was just above the numbers. Ball bit on the pitch and could not catch up, striking out to end the game.
Congratulations to the Amery Warriors who will be advancing to the 2nd round of the regionals. Also congrats to the St. Croix Falls Saints who did in their conference this season and played a great season. I know that the Saints are disappointed with their finish this season, but they played a great game against a 1-pitcher team in this season's Amery Warriors. All the credit to P's Will Ball and Kurt Gehrman who combined to give up only 3 hits, 1 walk, and 1 hbp. The game was played in about 70 minutes, the fastest 7 inning game I have been to. Thanks again Saints for the great season, I hope to cover you more next year.
BOXSCORE
Warriors: 000 100 00 : 1 2 1
Saints.....: 000 000 00 : 0 1 2
SAINTS
CF Nick Johnson 0-2, HBP, CS, K
2B Cory Gebhard 0-3, K
SS Matt Vold 0-3, K
C Gus Koecher 0-3, K
P Will Ball 0-3, 2K
3B Ben Anderson 0-2
RF Josh Larcom 0-2, SB, K
1B Marcus Campbell 0-2, K
LF Sam Schmidt 1-2, K
LP - Will Ball 7IP, 2H, 1R, 1ER, 1BB, 5K
Warriors
2B Jared Nelson 0-3
SS Joe Rubenzer 1-3, SB, K
C Steve Bielmeier 1-3, HR, K
3B Brock Levin 0-3
P Kurt Gehrman 0-3, K
RF Kyle Schultz 1-3, 2K
CF Carl Lee 0-2
CF Larson 0-1
DH Carson Rimstad 0-1, BB,
LF Sam Less 0-1, sac bunt, CS
WP Kurt Gehrman: 7IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 9K, 1HBP
The first inning went off without a hitch as SCF SP Will Ball (senior) was dealing and throwing heat. Amery SP Kurt Gehrman (junior) matched Ball's output, setting down the first 3 batters he faced. The second and third innings also had little drama. Amery was able to get a two out opposite field double from RF Kyle Schultz in the 2nd, before Ball induced a tapper back to the mound from CF Carl Lee. Ball walked the first batter of the third inning, DH Carson Rimstad, on a full count, which was followed by a nice sac bunt by LF Sam Less. Ball got out of the inning unscathed by getting a groundout to 2nd baseman Cory Gebhard, followed by a infield fly also to the 2B Gebhard.
The Saints went down quietly in the 2nd inning as Gehrman really started showcasing his curveball, and finally got their first hit in the bottom of the 3rd by #9 hitter and LF Sam Schmidt, who push bunted down the third base side and reached first with two outs. Schmidt was then able to steal 2nd base on the next pitch. Lead-off man Nick Johnson hit a ground ball to third base, but couldn't outrun the throw, and was the third out of the inning.
The Warriors started the 4th inning with a bang, C Steve Bielmeier hit a 0-1 pitch deep to left center field and CF Nick Johnson ran out of real estate as the ball carried over the fence for a homerun. Ball kept his composure and finished off the rest of inning without allowing a baserunner, and breaking out a nasty changeup that had hitters fooled.
The fifth inning was another scoring opportunity for the Saints. An error allowed RF Josh Larcom to reach 1b, again with two outs. Larcom was able to steal 2B, getting himself into scoring position. 1B Marcus Campbell was able to draw the count full, but couldn't make contact with the 3-2 fastball, ending the 5th inning.
There were two goofy plays in the top of the sixth inning with the Warriors at bat. SS Joe Rubenzer hit a one-out double down the line past 3B Ben Anderson and "hopping" over LF Sam Schmidt. The ball however, veered over into foul territory after passing 3B, and got so far as running into the softball fence (which is behind the baseball field fence - which only spans the fair territory), and by rule results in a dead ball - ground rule double. Thus when the ball hit the fence Schmidt raised his arms indicating ground-rule double but the umpires did not react. It was not until Rubenzer had crossed the plate for a possible inside the park homerun and SCF Coach Paul Randolph blazed out of the dugout pleading his case to the home plate umpire about the ground rules, that any action was taken. The umpire agreed with Coach Randolph and Rubenzer was forced to go back to 2nd base, causing Amery coach Matt Petterson to rumble out from his 3rd base box. Petterson made his agrument but the ruling stood. Rubenzer was able to steal 3B on C Gus Koecher, who had already thrown out a baserunner stealing 2nd, getting himself into scoring range with a sac fly. However, C Steve Bielmeier struck out on an 0-2 curveball in the dirt. Koecher was not able to make the tag, so he looked back Rubenzer at third and threw down to 1B for the out. When Koecher threw the ball, Rubenzer broke home, attempting to score. 1B Marcus Campbell caught the ball and quickly snapped it back to Koecher at home, who had completely blocked the plate, and tagged out Rubenzer at the plate for the third out in front of a frenzied crowd.
The 6th inning prooved no better for the Saints. The Saints CF Nick Johnson took first base after being hit by a pitch with 1 out. Everyone on the Saints and Warriors bench knew that Johnson was going to steal 2B, so Warriors P Gehrman threw over to first base twice to keep Johnson close. Johnson took an even bigger lead at first, and unexpectedly Gehrman threw over again, this time a little quickly, and was able to pick of Johnson at first base, cutting the Saints threat off at the knees. 2B Cory Gebhard smacked the first pitch he saw to deep left field, however Amery LF Sam Less made a great leaping - awkward - over the shoulder grab to end the inning.
Will Ball came back out for the 7th inning, getting 3 more quick outs, after an error by the infield. Ball finished the day with 7 IP giving up only 2 hits and walking 1 while striking out 5.
I was more than impressed with Ball's changeup which really buckled the opposing batters knees. Ball hadn't pitched in a few weeks due to arm troubles and thus his speed was a little down in the early innings. Ball stayed mostly away from his curveball, and even when he threw it, he could rarely get it over for a strike. Ball, though, was by far the most outstanding Saints player of the game.
The Saints entered the bottom of the 7th inning down 1-0 with their 3-4-5 hitters due up: Vold, Koecher, Ball. Spirits were high in the Saints dugout who still believed they could pull this victory off and advance in the playoffs for the first time since 2001. 2nd Team All-Middle Border Conference P Kurt Gehrman was still pitching for the Warriors and started with 3 straight curveballs to SS Matt Vold who looked at one, missed on another, and fouled the last one off. Gehrman came back with a fastball that painted the outside corner, and Vold was down on strikes. C Gus Koecher took the first pitch he saw and slapped it into play. Koecher wasn't able to get all of the ball, grounding it to SS Joe Rubenzer, who fielded it cleanly and the throw beat the speedy Koecher to 1B. With two outs and the season on the line P Will Ball came to the plate. Ball was able to draw a full count after falling behind 1-2. Gehrman challenged Ball with a 3-2 fastball the was just above the numbers. Ball bit on the pitch and could not catch up, striking out to end the game.
Congratulations to the Amery Warriors who will be advancing to the 2nd round of the regionals. Also congrats to the St. Croix Falls Saints who did in their conference this season and played a great season. I know that the Saints are disappointed with their finish this season, but they played a great game against a 1-pitcher team in this season's Amery Warriors. All the credit to P's Will Ball and Kurt Gehrman who combined to give up only 3 hits, 1 walk, and 1 hbp. The game was played in about 70 minutes, the fastest 7 inning game I have been to. Thanks again Saints for the great season, I hope to cover you more next year.
BOXSCORE
Warriors: 000 100 00 : 1 2 1
Saints.....: 000 000 00 : 0 1 2
SAINTS
CF Nick Johnson 0-2, HBP, CS, K
2B Cory Gebhard 0-3, K
SS Matt Vold 0-3, K
C Gus Koecher 0-3, K
P Will Ball 0-3, 2K
3B Ben Anderson 0-2
RF Josh Larcom 0-2, SB, K
1B Marcus Campbell 0-2, K
LF Sam Schmidt 1-2, K
LP - Will Ball 7IP, 2H, 1R, 1ER, 1BB, 5K
Warriors
2B Jared Nelson 0-3
SS Joe Rubenzer 1-3, SB, K
C Steve Bielmeier 1-3, HR, K
3B Brock Levin 0-3
P Kurt Gehrman 0-3, K
RF Kyle Schultz 1-3, 2K
CF Carl Lee 0-2
CF Larson 0-1
DH Carson Rimstad 0-1, BB,
LF Sam Less 0-1, sac bunt, CS
WP Kurt Gehrman: 7IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 0BB, 9K, 1HBP
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.
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.
Game Recap - Bandits end the weekend with two losses to East Bethel.
~Note~ I apologize for the tardiness of this game recap, however, I has blessed with my second son on Sunday and have not had much chance to write and thus the recap comes now...better late than never~
GAME 1:
The St. Croix River Bandits (0-2, 0-7) are in a giant rut. The Bandits faced off against the Bandits of East Bethel last Saturday and dropped both games of the doubleheader. The first game was a close one. The Bandits started Adam Lewis on the mound, and things started off a little rocky. Lewis allowed a walk and two hits in the first inning, which led to a run, and two hits in the second that led to another run. The East Bethel Bandits notched another three runs in the 4th inning due to a couple untimely errors and two singles.
The St. Croix River Bandits were down 5-0 going to the bottom of the 5th with only 1 hit in the game. RF Tim Wampfler led the scoring off with a one out single, followed by a 1B Jesse Hartel walk. 2B John Peterson smacked a double to the right center gap, scoring Wampfler and giving the Bandits their first run of the day. SS Kyle Kahl followed with a sharp single that drove in 2 more runs. LF Trevor Todd finished the scoring by crushing a ball to right center field, giving himself a double and an RBI.
The East Bethel Bandits struck again in the top of the 6th, R&B sensation R. Kelly hit a solo shot to dead center increasing their lead to 6-4. The Bandits were able to get a baserunner on in the 7th inning when Kyle Kahl reached on an error by the shortstop. CF Scott Lindholm then blazed a 1-1 fastball to left center field. However, Bandits luck would strike again. Due to the dryness in the region, the ball took one bounce and hopped over the fence for a ground-rule double that certainly would have been a triple had it plopped against the fence. Kahl was held up at 3rd and Lindholm was given 2nd. Trevor Todd lifted the ball to deep left field to score Kahl from 3rd. Had the ground-rule double been a triple - the game would have been tied 6-6 instead of 6-5. DH Joe Holman struck out swinging, leaving Lindholm stranded at 2B.
Game Balls:
1. Tim Wampfler - went 2 - 3, a sweet double, and with a run scored, saw the ball well all day.
2. Trevor Todd - 1 -3 with a double and 2RBI (reached base twice on errors also)
3. Kyle Kahl - 1 - 4 but scored twice, had 2 RBI, and stole a base.
Unheralded Hero(es) of the Game:
The St. Croix River Bandits team which only struck out 4 times in the first game...
Just Amazing:
John Peterson ran home from 2nd on a single and was dead meat as the outfielder threw a bead to home plate. Instead of slowing down or trying to slide under the catcher (and for those who are unaware, bowling over the catcher is not allowed in this league), JP "superman-ed" over the catcher and was able to swipe home plate to score.
GAME 2:
All the momentum the Bandits had in the first game was lost between the 15 minute break that was taken between the two games. The Bandits were able to score first, with three straight singles by CF Scott Lindholm, 2B Curtis Roebuck, and DH Trevor Todd, but were only able to get 1 run with the bases loaded and no outs. The East Bethel Bandits must have seen enough of their starting pitcher, and pulled him in favor of a different pitcher after the 1st inning. The Bandits scored one run in each of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th inning, gathering 5 hits and a walk.
Chris Chelberg started on the mound for the Bandits. This is Chelberg's first action he had seen in over 10 years. His start had mixed results, he was able to get the first three batters of the game out, including a strikeout. However, with the Bandits up 2-0 going into the 2nd, Chelberg gave up 3 hits and 2 walks, which aided by an error, allowed 4 runs. Jim Rochford took the mound in the 3rd inning and fared no better. Rochford have up a whopping 10 hits, 2 walks, and 6 runs in only 3 innings. "Obviously one of the worst outings I've had, they hit the ball well, I thought I threw well but sometimes you get hit, and that's what happened today." The East Bethel Bandits were able to end the game in the bottom of the 6th with 4 more runs of off relief pitcher John Peterson, who was heard saying after the game, "I think I'm officially retired from pitching". The St. Croix River Bandits weren't able to get a hit after the 4th, getting only 1 more baserunner off of a hbp. The Bandits lost 14-4 in 6 innings.
P Jim Rochford had some insight after the game. "You know were are just struggling right now, we scrath across 4 or 5 runs and let up 6 to 12, or we let up only 3-4 runs and score none. We just haven't found the winning formula yet. Maybe we need to be like the Tampa Bay Rays and take out the extra part in our name, just be the St. Croix Bandits, I don't know. Its better than Trevor Todd's suggestion of playing to the death."
Game Balls:
1. Michael VanderPlas - went 2/3 and scored 2 runs (1 of which he manufactured with aggressive baserunning. Vandy also gunned a guy down from left field with a strike to home plate.
2. Curtis Roebuck - went 1/2 with a run scored, a bunt single and in two games pitched 1 2/3 innings giving up only 2 hits, no walks, and no runs.
3. Adam Lewis - may have gone 0/3 but did have 2 RBI and played good D.
Unheralded Hero of the Day:
Jeanne Rochford for once again doing to Bandits concession stand and peddling our wares to unknowing teens and their families.
The Boulevard Bar and Grill for the Bandits Bash that Night - GOOD TIMES
Missing from the Day:
Jay Gagner - arm amputation
Mitch Thompson - family vacation....really...
Gus Koecher & Matty Vold - still getting warmed up for the Bandits season
Michael Chelberg - had detention at Winona, didn't know they did that at college.
GAME 1:
The St. Croix River Bandits (0-2, 0-7) are in a giant rut. The Bandits faced off against the Bandits of East Bethel last Saturday and dropped both games of the doubleheader. The first game was a close one. The Bandits started Adam Lewis on the mound, and things started off a little rocky. Lewis allowed a walk and two hits in the first inning, which led to a run, and two hits in the second that led to another run. The East Bethel Bandits notched another three runs in the 4th inning due to a couple untimely errors and two singles.
The St. Croix River Bandits were down 5-0 going to the bottom of the 5th with only 1 hit in the game. RF Tim Wampfler led the scoring off with a one out single, followed by a 1B Jesse Hartel walk. 2B John Peterson smacked a double to the right center gap, scoring Wampfler and giving the Bandits their first run of the day. SS Kyle Kahl followed with a sharp single that drove in 2 more runs. LF Trevor Todd finished the scoring by crushing a ball to right center field, giving himself a double and an RBI.
The East Bethel Bandits struck again in the top of the 6th, R&B sensation R. Kelly hit a solo shot to dead center increasing their lead to 6-4. The Bandits were able to get a baserunner on in the 7th inning when Kyle Kahl reached on an error by the shortstop. CF Scott Lindholm then blazed a 1-1 fastball to left center field. However, Bandits luck would strike again. Due to the dryness in the region, the ball took one bounce and hopped over the fence for a ground-rule double that certainly would have been a triple had it plopped against the fence. Kahl was held up at 3rd and Lindholm was given 2nd. Trevor Todd lifted the ball to deep left field to score Kahl from 3rd. Had the ground-rule double been a triple - the game would have been tied 6-6 instead of 6-5. DH Joe Holman struck out swinging, leaving Lindholm stranded at 2B.
Game Balls:
1. Tim Wampfler - went 2 - 3, a sweet double, and with a run scored, saw the ball well all day.
2. Trevor Todd - 1 -3 with a double and 2RBI (reached base twice on errors also)
3. Kyle Kahl - 1 - 4 but scored twice, had 2 RBI, and stole a base.
Unheralded Hero(es) of the Game:
The St. Croix River Bandits team which only struck out 4 times in the first game...
Just Amazing:
John Peterson ran home from 2nd on a single and was dead meat as the outfielder threw a bead to home plate. Instead of slowing down or trying to slide under the catcher (and for those who are unaware, bowling over the catcher is not allowed in this league), JP "superman-ed" over the catcher and was able to swipe home plate to score.
GAME 2:
All the momentum the Bandits had in the first game was lost between the 15 minute break that was taken between the two games. The Bandits were able to score first, with three straight singles by CF Scott Lindholm, 2B Curtis Roebuck, and DH Trevor Todd, but were only able to get 1 run with the bases loaded and no outs. The East Bethel Bandits must have seen enough of their starting pitcher, and pulled him in favor of a different pitcher after the 1st inning. The Bandits scored one run in each of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th inning, gathering 5 hits and a walk.
Chris Chelberg started on the mound for the Bandits. This is Chelberg's first action he had seen in over 10 years. His start had mixed results, he was able to get the first three batters of the game out, including a strikeout. However, with the Bandits up 2-0 going into the 2nd, Chelberg gave up 3 hits and 2 walks, which aided by an error, allowed 4 runs. Jim Rochford took the mound in the 3rd inning and fared no better. Rochford have up a whopping 10 hits, 2 walks, and 6 runs in only 3 innings. "Obviously one of the worst outings I've had, they hit the ball well, I thought I threw well but sometimes you get hit, and that's what happened today." The East Bethel Bandits were able to end the game in the bottom of the 6th with 4 more runs of off relief pitcher John Peterson, who was heard saying after the game, "I think I'm officially retired from pitching". The St. Croix River Bandits weren't able to get a hit after the 4th, getting only 1 more baserunner off of a hbp. The Bandits lost 14-4 in 6 innings.
P Jim Rochford had some insight after the game. "You know were are just struggling right now, we scrath across 4 or 5 runs and let up 6 to 12, or we let up only 3-4 runs and score none. We just haven't found the winning formula yet. Maybe we need to be like the Tampa Bay Rays and take out the extra part in our name, just be the St. Croix Bandits, I don't know. Its better than Trevor Todd's suggestion of playing to the death."
Game Balls:
1. Michael VanderPlas - went 2/3 and scored 2 runs (1 of which he manufactured with aggressive baserunning. Vandy also gunned a guy down from left field with a strike to home plate.
2. Curtis Roebuck - went 1/2 with a run scored, a bunt single and in two games pitched 1 2/3 innings giving up only 2 hits, no walks, and no runs.
3. Adam Lewis - may have gone 0/3 but did have 2 RBI and played good D.
Unheralded Hero of the Day:
Jeanne Rochford for once again doing to Bandits concession stand and peddling our wares to unknowing teens and their families.
The Boulevard Bar and Grill for the Bandits Bash that Night - GOOD TIMES
Missing from the Day:
Jay Gagner - arm amputation
Mitch Thompson - family vacation....really...
Gus Koecher & Matty Vold - still getting warmed up for the Bandits season
Michael Chelberg - had detention at Winona, didn't know they did that at college.
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