Cougars Defensive Heroics Fall Short in Finale
May 26, 2016 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release
Peoria, IL - Strong defense from the Cougars (22-24) and brilliant middle relief from Keegan Long were not enough to claim a victory in the last game of the road stand as the Chiefs (24-22) won 4-3 from Dozer Park.
The Cougars finished the seven-game trip with just two wins and were swept for the first time this season against the Chiefs.
The Chiefs scored the games first two runs in the second inning against the Cougars' starter, right-hander, Bo Takahashi (1-1). Despite picking off a runner at second base, the Chiefs responded with back-to-back base hits culminating in a Dylan Becker RBI single. The second run scored on a bases loaded hit by pitch.
Takahashi was removed with one out remaining in the second finishing the night with two earned runs allowed on four hits, three walks, and two strikeouts.
Resorting to the bullpen the earliest time all season, the Cougar offense tied the game, 2-2, with a rally of their own in the top of the third. Against the Chiefs' starter, right-hander Ryan Helsley (3-1), the Cougars received a Jason Morozowski base hit, a Galli Cribbs double, polished off by a two-RBI line drive to center for Zach Nehrir.
With momentum, the Cougars failed to capitalize in the fourth against Helsley when they had two runners in scoring position with no outs.
But Keegan Long kept the Cougars in the ballgame with superior relief work. Usually a closer, Long tossed three and one-third innings, with just one hit given up on two strikeouts and a walk. Long exited after the fifth inning.
Defensive web gems were also scattered throughout the game for the Cougars. Most notably, Zach Nehrir made a diving catch in support of Drew Muren to end an inning and another Chiefs rally.
Unfortunately for Muren and the Cougars, the Chiefs received some good fortune on a bad-hop grounder in the seventh inning. The hit from Edmundo Sosa pierced through the middle for an RBI base hit providing Peoria with a one run cushion.
Chris Chinea added to the Chiefs lead with an RBI base hit and Peoria took another two-run lead, 4-2.
Similar to Wednesday night's contest, the Cougars rallied in the latter third of the contest. In the eighth inning, Zach Nehrir collected his second hit, and Joey Armstrong followed with an RBI base hit cutting the Chiefs lead to just one.
Peoria was able to hold on as Luke Harrison tallied his second save of the season. Drew Muren was tagged with his first professional pitching loss and Ryan Helsley won for the Chiefs. The Cougars begin a seven-game home stand on Friday, May 26th that lasts until Thursday, June 2nd. Friday's first pitch against the Beloit Snappers begins at 6:30 p.m. For tickets call 630-232-8811 or visit kccougars.com.
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