Coleman's Homer Lifts Cougars
May 21, 2009 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release
GENEVA, IL - Just minutes after the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers stunned the Kane County Cougars with a three-run rally in the top of the ninth, Dusty Coleman launched a two-run game-winning homer in the bottom half to propel the Cougars to a 7-6 victory in front of 5,231 at Elfstrom Stadium and snap the team's season-high three-game losing streak. The three-game series is now even at one win apiece, and the Cougars are 1-1 on their six-game home stand.
The Cougars led, 5-3, heading to the ninth, but the Rattlers notched three straight two-out hits against Jamie Richmond (3-1) to make it 6-5. That set up Coleman, who went deep with Matt Ray on base to ignite the on-field celebration. Entering the season the Cougars had not had a walk-off homer since 2006, and now they have had two this season, both by Coleman.
Steve Kleen poked an RBI double in the first inning to give the Cougars the first lead. Then after Wisconsin tied it against Shawn Haviland in the second, the Cougars put up four more in the fourth. Dusty Napoleon walked with the bases loaded, Jason Christian drove in one with a fielder's choice and Ray smacked a two-run double for a 5-1 game. Haviland left in line for a win but ended up with a no-decision. He completed seven innings for the first time and pitched his fourth quality start, yielding two runs on four hits, walking two and fanning six. Wisconsin managed single runs in the fifth and eighth before the three-run ninth versus Richmond. Rigoberto Almonte (0-1) allowed the Coleman homer and took the loss.
The Cougars (24-16) and Timber Rattlers wrap up their three-game series Friday night at 6:30 CDT. Pedro Figueroa (3-1, 5.74) will face Cody Scarpetta (1-2, 2.96).
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