NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



 Kane County Cougars

Self-Imposed Mistakes Riddle Cougars in Series Opener

July 27, 2016 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release


GENEVA, Ill. - Back at their home park for the first time in over a week, the Kane County Cougars (11-21, 44-58) dropped game one of a three-game set against the Cedar Rapids Kernels (19-13, 55-46) by a 10-2 final. Wednesday night's contest was the first for the Cougars within the division since July 11th. It also was the first time the Cougars entertained the Kernels in Geneva since April 13th.

Marred by walks and an inability to retire the Kernels in run scoring situations, the Cougars allowed 11 hits on a season high 10 walks. Five different hurlers took the mound for the Cougars who entered the game with the lowest team ERA (3.20) in the Midwest League.

Scoring first, the Cougars opened up the home stand with a 1-0 lead after the first frame. With Austin Byler in scoring position, Frank Christy's two-out single got the job done. Christy was coming off a series in Lansing in which he had five hits and a home run.

The Cougars lead lasted for half an inning, as the Kernels posted a four-run rally in the away half of the second stanza. Against right-hander Sam McWilliams (1-3), the Kernels loaded the bases with no outs on three straight singles. But with the bases loaded, McWilliams got two quick fly outs with a chance to leave the inning unscathed. But with two men out, Christian Cavaness ripped a bases clearing triple and scored on a throwing error from Joey Armstrong in right field. In one play, the Kernels stormed out to a 4-1 go-ahead lead.

The second inning paved the way for a short start for McWilliams. He tossed five and one-third innings on eight hits and five runs, four earned with just two strikeouts and one walk. It was the most runs allowed for McWilliams in his eighth start of 2016.

The Kernels extended their lead with help in the sixth and seventh from Nelson Molina, Chris Ibarra, and Zander Wiel who all posted RBI knocks. An offensive laden club, the Kernels posted three more tallies in the eighth drawing five walks in the inning alone. Two runs crossed through on bases loaded free passes, while Chris Ibarra contributed his second RBI with a single.

Scoring for the first time since the opening frame, Christy energized the Cougars offense once again in the eighth. His opposite field single to left scored a run, marking his fourth RBI in as many contests.

A far cry from Monday afternoon's 9-2 win over Lansing, the Cougars break their two game home win streak over Western Division opponents. Logging his fourth straight quality outing, Dereck Rodriguez (3-11) claimed the win as McWilliams suffered the loss. On the mound Thursday, Cougars' right-hander Max Duval (0-2) duels fellow righty Sam Gibbons (4-3). Game two is set for a 6:30 p.m. first pitch from Geneva. For tickets call 630-232-8811 or visit kccougars.com. ###


• Discuss this story on the Midwest League message board...

Midwest League Stories from July 27, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Kane County Cougars Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central