Bandits Top the Streaking Nine

The Rancho Murieta Bandits (6-5) scored early and often, and stopped the Ione Preston Nine's (2-10) win streak at two. After the dust settled, the Bandits won 13-5.

Starting hurler Matt "Splint" Corsaut befuddled the Nine with a combination of trickery and heat. Relievers Scott "Leather" Oltmanns, Todd "Penny" Pennington, and John "Deuce Hog" Dodson sealed the deal.

But the story of the day was the Bandit bats. Lead-off striker "Leather" Oltmanns finished the day with 3 doubles, followed by Blake "Calaboose" Carmichael on a 3 for 4 day, and 2 doubles of his own. It didn't stop there, as three hole striker "Splint" Corsaut was also 3 for 4 on the day. "Philthy" Phil Albee came back from a month off, and hit the ground running (literally) with a stolen base and 2 for 3 offering. Mark "Manley" Walthers and Bob "Bullet" Gignilliat boosted their averages, both going .500 on the day. "Deuce" Dodson kept his 5-game hitting streak alive and well with a 2 for 3 day, and a stolen base to boot.

Many Rancho Murieta cranks made the trek out to Sutter Creek, and the growing numbers of "roadies" proves that it is an entertaining day at the park for all. The Bandits are off until September 13th, when they play their final game of the season versus the Mother Lode Miners. A win will secure a winning season for the Murietans, and will also take the season series from the Miners.

Three of the Bandits are making a road trip this coming Saturday to play the San Quentin Giants. It will be a day "at the yard, in the yard" as the Gold Country Vintage Base Ball League sends a group of ballists for the third year. It promises to be a memorable event for those that attend.