River Bandits rough up Ramirez to steal one from Loons

The Quad Cities River Bandits jumped all over Great Lakes Loons two-time all-star closer Miguel Ramirez in the ninth inning, spoiling a great start from Justin Miller as the River Bandits defeated the Loons at Dow Diamond by a score of 5-2.

The Loons opened the scoring in the fourth inning on Eduardo Perez’s RBI-single to give them a 1-0 lead. In the fifth, Preston Mattingly scored on a wild pitch by starter Nick Additon to make it a 2-0 Loons lead.

Adron Chambers belted a solo home run in the sixth off Miller to move the River Bandits within a run and make it 2-1 in the sixth inning.

In the ninth, the River Bandits struck for four runs when Ramirez allowed a lead off solo home run to Peter Kozma to the tie game at two, then a bases loaded walk to Roberto Espinoza, and a fielder’s choice which saw a pair of River Bandits cross the plate to make it a 5-2 Quad Cities lead.

Miller, who had been 0-3 with a 7.27 ERA in the month of July, pitched six innings allowing a single run while striking out a season-high eight batters. The Midwest League leader in walks, Miller issued one free pass on Sunday but received a no-decision in the ballgame. Bobby Blevins saw his first action since May 30 two scoreless relief innings.

Ramirez struggled mightily in the ninth, allowing four runs and picked up the loss, dropping his record to 2-7. Wayne Daman picked up the victory for the River Bandits, improving to 5-2 on the season. Pete Parise picked up the save by retiring the Loons in order in the ninth, his eleventh save of the season.

The Loons conclude their home stand and play the final game of a three-game series against the Quad Cities River Bandits Monday afternoon at Dow Diamond. Game time is 3:05 p.m.