Whitecaps hurler stifles Bandits

By staff report | Friday, May 16, 2008

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. — The Quad-Cities River Bandits mustered just three hits against Alfredo Figaro in a 4-0 loss to the West Michigan Whitecaps on Sunday.

Figaro, the Midwest League’s leader in earned-run average, went the distance and struck out 11 while walking none.

Quad-Cities (16-12) ended a string of three consecutive series wins while West Michigan (17-11) scored an unearned run in the first inning and never looked back.

After allowing a leadoff single to Mike Folli in the top of the first, Figaro responded by retiring the next 22 batters he faced in order. He improved his record to 4-0 and his ERA to a league-best 0.46 through six starts this year.

Shaun Garceau (0-2) took the loss despite another strong effort. The River Bandits’ right-hander allowed just one hit and one unearned run in three innings while striking out one.

Folli finished with two of the River Bandits’ three hits.

Late Sunday, Garceau was sent up to the Cardinals’ high-A affiliate in Palm Beach, Fla. Left-hander J.D. Stambaugh was sent to extended spring training while  right-handers Chuckie Fick and Josh Wilson were assigned to Quad-Cities from extended spring training.