Bandits Crush Cavs

The Manitowoc Bandits used two big innings to get a 10-3 win in the first game of a double header against the Eau Claire Cavaliers on Sunday.
After Matt Phipps threw a scoreless first inning, the Bandits left two runners in scoring position after back to back bunt singles to start the inning.
The Cavaliers were able to get on the board twice in the second, while only collecting one hit. Two Bandit errors helped Eau Claire score the unearned runs.
The Bandits were able to plate a run in the third when a fielder’s choice by Kyle Schroeder plated Doug Bloom.
Manitowoc jumped on the Cavs in the fourth, scoring four runs, three of which came on a Nat Richter bases clearing double. The Bandits had two runners on base later in the inning, but a Mike Hall double play put an end to the inning.
Eau Claire threatened in the top of the fifth, but a pop-up to Sam Spurney in right field, and a line-drive to Strouf stranded runners on 2nd and 3rd.
The Bandits followed their four run outburst in the fourth with another big inning in the fifth. Back to back singles by Spurney and Brock Wetenkamp led to a bases clearing triple by TC Lee. Lee then scored on a single to right by Josh Krowiorz.
The Bandits loaded the bases after Strouf was hit by a pitch and Bloom walked. Richter added another RBI on a fielder’s choice to second. Schroeder then knocked in Strouf via an infield single.
The Cavaliers scored a run in the sixth, but that was it. Phipps pitched six innings, with one earned run on six hits to get the win.