Bandits Preparing For Their First Season In Colorado Springs

The Union Station Bandits are preparing to make a statement in their first season in Colorado Springs.  Headed by pitcher/manager Matt Holt, this team has the talent to rocket them into the playoffs and possibly win them a league championship.  Holt, a former High School All League pitcher and collegiate standout, joins teammate Mike Byrum from the Denver Bandits.  They have collectivly put together a team of college athletes, former first team all league and honorable mention high school teammates and some of the best players from the MSBL.  The Union Station Bandits are the team to watch out for in 2009!!!

Bandits win season opener

Thanks to a strong pitching performance by Dave McKeever and Matt Holt the bandits started their season with a win over the Goodies.  McKeever and Holt combined for 16 strikeouts over nine innings of work.  McKeever picked up the win with 5 innings pitched, 9 strikeouts and 1 earned run.  Holt closed out the game with 4 innings pitched, 7 strikeouts and 1 earned run. 

Bandits win second game of the season, third is postponed due to weather.

Jordan Bandt pitched his way to his first win of the season as the Bandits crushed the Yankees 22-3.  Bandt pitched seven solid innings striking out five and only allowing three earned runs.  Bandt also lead the team with five runs scored, four hits and one walk on the bases.  Other notable performances include Mike Byrum, who hit a double and had four RBI's.  Holt also scored five runs on the day with a double and three RBI's.  Dustin Manning and Josiah Foxx both picked up their first Homeruns of the season.  The Bandits prepare next for the Pueblo Demons.

Union Station Bandits improve to 3-0

The Bandits beat the Bullfrogs 37-1 on a cold, chilling sunday afternoon.  Matt Holt pitched a five inning complete game, striking out eight and allowing one run.  Lead by Mike Byrum and Dave Mckeever at the plate the Bandits continued to prove that they are among the top contenders for the title this year. 

Headed into their bye week the Bandits improve to 5-0

The Bandits brought out the bats on Sunday winning both games of a double header against the Hondo's 19-5 and 12-2.  With two strong pitching performances by Dave McKeever and Byron Embry the Bandits sit at the top of the division and prepare to face the Bombers in what could be a preview of the Championship game in August.

Bandits Prepare for a tough week

The Union Station Bandits are preparing for what should be their toughest week yet as they face the Pueblo Demons and the CS Bombers on Sunday. 

Bandits Take Over First Place

The Union Station Bandits took first place on Sunday after beating the Pueblo Demons 5-4 in a tough battle the first game and then beating the CS Bombers 2-0 the second game.  Matt Holt pitched a solid six innings against the Demons allowing one run on two hits, striking out nine and picking up his second win of the season.  John McDonald closed out the game with three innings of work giving up three runs and striking out four.  Dave McKeever threw a perfect first inning against the bombers and Byron Embry followed with eight innings pitched allowing one hit and striking out eight to pick up his second win of the season.  The Bandits improved to 7-0 on a day where they relied on their pitching and their defense rather than their bats. 

SCNABA Player of the Week- Matthew Holt

Union Station Bandits pitcher Matthew Holt has been awarded Player of the Week by the SCNABA for his pitching performance against the Pueblo Demons last sunday.  Holt started the game pitching six innings while allowing one run on two hits, striking out nine and walking one.  Holt left the game after the sixth and the Demons eventually tied the game but the Bandits were able to take the lead in the eighth inning.  Because the Bandits never lost the lead (the score only became tied) Holt was able to pick up his second win of the season.

Bandits prepare for the Brewers

The Bandits are preparing for what should be their toughest game of the season against the Brewers this Sunday.  This is a matchup of two of the elite teams in the NABA. 

Poor Defense and Weak Hitting contribute to the Bandits first loss of the season.

An overall poor showing from the Union Station Bandits paved the way for the Brewers to handle the Bandits 11-3 on sunday.  Many errors in the field led to big innings for the Brewers and the Bandits could only watch as their winning streak came to a hault.  Although they didn't show it on sunday, the Bandits remain one of the stronger teams in the NABA with a 7-1 overall record and are looking to get back on track with a win over the Colorado Sox this Sunday at El Pomar.   

Improve to 8-1 with win over the Sox

After a poor performance last week against the Brewers, the Union Station Bandits bounced back with a big win over the Colorado Sox on Sunday.  The highlight of the day came when birthday boy Jake Fearing (a.k.a. Chapstick) was ejected midway through the game after striking out looking on what he thought to be ball four.  After a tirade which led to a broken bat and a comment of how he thought the call resembled horse excrement, Jake was bannished to the parking lot for the remainder of the game.  Happy Birthday Jake!  Good defense and strong at bats proved the difference in the game and the Bandits once again looked like the team to beat this year in the NABA.  They now prepare to face the Colorado Sox and the CS Cachorros this Sunday at Pueblo Central.   

Tough week for the Bandits

A shaky defense and sub-par hitting performance by the Union Station Bandits cost them their second loss of the season to the Colorado Sox last Sunday.  The Bandits then beat the Cacharros 13-1 the next game while still not playing up to their potential.  Tyler Kipp left the second game with a broken nose and hopes to be ready to go by next sunday when the Bandits take on the Clovers.

Luck of the Irish was with the Bandits as they steal the Clovers pot of gold

The Union Station Bandits were back to their winning ways as they pounded the Clovers 16-2 on Sunday.  Clovers Ace Derek Dykema was rattled as he allowed 12 runs on 10 hits in a short 5 2/3 inning appearance.  The highlight of the day for the Bandits came when they witnessed Jeff Hoock's first multi-hit game.  The Bandits were lead by David McKeever as he went 3-3 with a double, two singles and three RBI's at the plate.  Pitcher Matthew Holt picked up his third win of season while striking out ten and allowing only four hits on one earned run. 

 

The Bandits look to improve their record to 12-2 next week as they take on the Charros (5-6) and the Clovers (3-8) at El Pomar. 

Bandt leads the Bandits as they improved their record to 11-2

The Bandits rallied late in the game after another slow start.  Jordan Bandt lead the Bandits at the plate going 4-5 with an RBI and 1 run scored, while Dave McKeever threw seven innings giving up two runs on three hits.  Byron Embry picked up his first save of the season on a short 1/3 inning appearance.  The game was tied 2-2 in the seventh inning when Jeff Hoock reached on an error scoring Mike Byrum.  The Bandits stretched their lead to three in the top of the ninth when Dustin Manning hit a two RBI single. 

 

After their bye week the Bandits will take on the Goodies (3-11) and the Yankees (7-5).  A sweep will move the Bandits into a second place tie with the Bombers.     

Triple header ends in three wins

The Bandits opened up their triple header Sunday Morning with Embry on the mound against the Clovers.  Embry struck out nine of the sixteen batters he faced on the day, while allowing only two hits in four innings pitched with no runs scored.  The Bandits started out strong while scoring three of their seven runs in the first inning in a short four inning rain delayed make up game.  In game one the Bandits were lead at the plate by third baseman Mike Byrum who went 2-3 with two RBI's.  The final score favored the Bandits 7-0.   

 

The second game of the day featured game one of a double header against the Bullfrogs.  Dave McKeever picked up his seventh win of the season while throwing only five innings and allowing two runs on four hits.  Tyler Kipp hit his first home run of the season in a route of the Bullfrogs.  The Bandits ended up winning 19-2. 

 

In the final game of the day the Bandits hit for a season low average of .265 while still picking up a victory against the Bullfrogs with a final score of 14-6.        

 

 

The Union Station Bandits prepare to face the Pueblo Demons

At 9:00 a.m. next sunday August 2, the Union Station Bandits will face the Pueblo Demons in their first game of the 2009 playoffs.  In their previous meeting, the Bandits came out victorious in a 5-4 win.  After a disappointing loss to the Brewers to end the regular season, the Bandits hope to get back on track with a win.  With Dustin Manning back in the lineup and Byron Embry looking to make an appearance, it seems as if the Bandits are poised for a long playoff run. 

Union Station Bandits eliminated by the Yankees 8-5

The Union Station Bandits' season came to an end when the Yankees beat them 8-5 on sunday.  Although the Bandits were the favorite to win, the Yankees played a tough game and ended up winning in a close game. 

 

The Bandits will be looking to add new players for next year as they will be upgrading at as many positions as possible on their quest for a league championship.  For their first year in the league they finished 16-3 in the regular season.  With some new faces hopefully next year they will make a longer push in the playoffs.

 

The Bandits will be sending Dave Mckeever, Matt Holt and Jordan Bandt to the 2009 All Star Game at Sky Sox Stadium. 

OPEN TRYOUTS FOR THE COLORADO BANDITS BASEBALL TEAM TO BE HELD THIS FALL

Bandit's Manager/Player Matt Holt will hold try-outs for the club this fall for any players interested in joining next summer's team.  If you are interested in playing for the Bandits next summer contact Matt at dallasfan1_4@hotmail.com

THE COLORADO BANDITS LOOK STRONG HEADING INTO THE SEASON OPENER

After many weeks of practices and a few scrimmages the Colorado Bandits look very strong going into the start of the 2010 regular season.  Manager Matthew Holt has revamped his lineup with the additions of power hitters Don Ballard, Keenan Dukes, Grant Schneider and Justin Myrick.  The pitching staff has been solidified with the additions of Alec Shepherd and Chris Chacon.  All of last years all stars and key players from the 2009 Bandits have been retained.  The Bandits parted ways with OF Jeff Hoock, OF Jared Kipp, INF Ryan Beall, INF Mike Whitt and C Dustin Manning.  As mentioned before, the new 2010 Bandits include: P Alec Shepherd, P Chris Chacon, 1B Don Ballard, 1B Grant Schneider, SS Keenan Dukes, 3B Justin Myrick, C Andrew Kachel and UTIL Rob Herrera.   

BANDITS OPEN THE 2010 SEASON AGAINST THE BOMBERS

Come support your Colorado Bandits this sunday April 11 @ 3:30pm.  They will be opening the 2010 season against the Bombers at El Pomar on Field 5! 

The Bandits roll by the Bombers 7-3

The new look Bandits started the season with a strong performance over the Bombers winning 7-3.  Alec Shepherd pitched a solid seven innings allowing one earned run.  Byron Embry finished the last two innings allowing one earned.  The days hitting leaders included Don Ballard, Keenan Dukes and Grant Schneider.  Justin Myrick hit the first home run of the season for the Bandits in his only at bat.  The Bandits look ahead to another tough game next week vs. the Brewers.   

Close game ends in loss for the Colorado Bandits, they prepare for the CS Sharks on 4/25

The Colorado Bandits dropped a close game to the defending champion Brewers on sunday 3-2.  After giving up three runs in the first inning pitcher Alec Shepherd kept the Brewers hitters off balance ending the day with 8 innings pitched and 10 strikeouts.  The Bandits look to get back to their winning ways as they prepare to face the CS Sharks on Sunday at 12:30pm at El Pomar field 6.    

Bandits take big bite out of the Sharks

The Colorado Bandits got back to their winning ways with a 37-3, five inning slaying of the Sharks at El Pomar on Sunday.  Don Ballard and Keenan Dukes hit their first home runs of the year and Dave McKeever followed with his first grand slam of the 2010 season.  McKeever started on the mound for the first two innings of the game followed by a great performance by Chris Chacon who went two scoreless innings and Justin Myrick closed things out with a perfect 5th inning.  Next week the Bandits look forward to facing the Charros after last years fiasco on Field 5 in which the cops were called.   

The Bandits take two from the Charros

On a day filled with snow, errors and a lot of chatter the Colorado Bandits won both games of their double header against the Charros.  Game 1 featured Alec Shepherd on the mound who easily handled the Charros lineup and earned his third win of the season.  Chris Chacon picked up his first win of the season in Game 2.  Don Ballard hit his second homerun of the season on a shot to right field.  The Bandits have a bye week and then prepare to face the Pueblo Braves on May 16.   

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO DAVE MCKEEVER FOR EARNING PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS FOR HIS PERFORMANCE AGAINST THE SHARKS.  MCKEEVER WAS 3-3 WITH A SINGLE, DOUBLE, GRAND SLAM, 2 BB AND 6 RBI. 

Bandits improve to 6-1 on the season

The Colorado Bandits won game 1 of a double header against the Pueblo Braves thanks to a brilliant NO HITTER by Alec Shepherd on sunday.  Shepherd, who will be leaving the team to play independant ball, pitched five innings and struck out 12 braves.  Dave McKeever and Matt Holt combined for 17 strikeouts in the Bandits game 2 victory over the braves 12-1.  Mike Byrum was a standout at the plate going 4-5 with two singles and two doubles.  The Bandits look forward to their matchup with the Rockhounds on Sunday at El Pomar.

Strong pitching and hot bats stun the Rockhounds

The Colorado Bandits improved to 7-1 on sunday with a 13-2 win over the Rockhounds.  Pitcher Matt Holt started on the mound and pitched a scoreless five innings giving up two hits while walking one and striking out 6.  James Mccarty followed with a shaky start but settled down and pitched two solid innings.  Byron Embry closed out the final two innings striking out five.  The Bandits bats' continued to stay hot and OF Jordan Bandt came out of his slump going 2-4 with a single, double and two stolen bases.  The Bandits look forward to their double header with the Hondo's on June 6.    

Bandits Sweep the Hondos

The Colorado Bandits swept the Hondos on sunday with two blow-out victories.  Matt Holt pitched a complete game shutout while giving up three hits and striking out seven, keeping his league leading era at 0.00.  Jake Fearings slump buster from the night before seemed to work as he landed a few hits in the 17-0 game 1 victory.  Game 2 featured Chris Chacon on the mound for the Bandits.  Chris looked sharp allowing two runs in five innings of work.  Byron Embry closed out the last two innings of the game as the Bandits won game 2 with a score of 12-2.  The days top performers include Tyler Kipp, who hit his first triple of the season; Matt Holt, who hit his first homerun of the season; Jake Fearing, who hit his way out of a season long slump; and Nolan Cavanaugh, who swung the bat well all day and stole third base. 

 

The Bandits look forward to their game against the Goodies on Sunday 6/13 at El Pomar. 

 

 

Alec Shepherd didn't disappoint in his first start since the middle of May, striking out 15 and allowing only 1 earned run in a complete game performance over the Sox.  The Bandits finish the season with a double header next sunday.  The early game is vs. the Brewers and the second game is vs. the Bullfrogs.  Two wins would give them sould possession of first place in the playoffs.