The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers followed a familiar pattern early in Thursday’s game against the Quad Cities River Bandits at Modern Woodmen Park. The Rattlers grabbed an early lead, got some good defense, and decent pitching. However, Quad Cities broke that pattern with a big fifth inning that featured a grand slam from Jared Dickey and the River Bandits went on to an 8-1 win.
Luke Adams hit a lead-off home run in the second inning to put Wisconsin (19-11) ahead. Adams lined a 2-0 pitch from Steven Zobac over the wall in left for his third home run of the season. The Timber Rattlers have scored first in 21 of their thirty games played this season.
The Rattlers got a pair of one-out singles in the top of the third but couldn’t add to their lead. Wisconsin’s offense had only one more hit after the third inning.
The River Bandits (18-12) took the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning. Trevor Werner started the frame with a double, just the second hit of the game for Quad Cities. Brett Squires singled to right to drive in Werner with the tying run. Dickey doubled to left with one out and Squires scored from first for a 2-1 lead.
Quad Cities took control of the game in the bottom of the fifth. Carter Jensen and Werner singled with one out to chase Wisconsin starter Will Rudy. Joe Hernandez took over and walked Squires to load the bases. Kale Emshoff lined an 0-2 pitch from Hernandez to center for an RBI single. Dickey capped the inning with a line drive homer to right for a grand slam and a 7-1 lead. The slam gave Dickey five RBI on Thursday night.
Squires, who hit two home runs on Wednesday night, hit a lead-off home run in the bottom of the seventh off Jake Polancic to account for the final run of the game.
Wisconsin pitchers have given up at least one homer in six straight games.
Rattlers outfielder Luis Lara was 1-for-3 in the game and extended his hitting streak to a season-high seven games.
The Timber Rattlers defense played a clean game defensively for their sixth consecutive errorless game.
Game four of the series is Friday night at Modern Woodmen Park. Yujanyer Herrera (0-0, 0.00) is set to make his first start for the Timber Rattlers. Frankie Mozzicato (1-1, 0.95) has been named the starter for the River Bandits. Game time is 6:30pm.
