Bats Erupt as Cougars Top RailCats
Published on August 18, 2023 under American Association (AA)
Kane County Cougars News Release
GENEVA, Ill. - The Kane County Cougars opened the series against the Gary SouthShore Railcats with an offensive explosion, as they cruised to an 11-3 win on Friday night at Northwestern Medicine Field.
Kane County (42-43) trailed 1-0 early, but got the scoring started in the bottom of the second. Facing Gary (35-49) starter Edward Cuello (4-9), Hector Sanchez launched a two-out solo homer over the right-center field fence to tie the game at one. It was Sanchez's first home run with the Cougars.
After Gary took the lead back by a run in the top of the third, the Cougars responded in a big way in the bottom half. Galli Cribbs Jr. led off the inning with a single before Armond Upshaw was hit by a pitch. With two runners on, Ernny Ordoñez smacked an opposite-field double to score both runners and give the Cougars a 3-2 edge. Next up, Cornelius Randolph hit an RBI groundout to make it 4-2.
One inning later, the Cougars continued to pile on. Josh Allen led off the frame with a single followed up by a walk from Sanchez. One batter later, Cribbs poked another single to score Allen and make it 5-2. Later in the inning, Ordoñez added another RBI single to push the Cougar advantage to 6-2.
The Railcats cut one run closer in the sixth, but Kane County would break the game wide open in the bottom half. Already ahead 6-3, the Cougars plated five runs in the inning and sent 11 men to the plate. Todd Lott highlighted the scoring with a two-run single that extended his hitting streak to eight games. The additional runs in the frame came via a pair of walks and a hit-by-pitch.
On the mound, the Cougars benefitted from a solid outing by Tyler Beardsley (8-6). The right-hander allowed two earned runs across 5.1 innings while sprinkling eight hits and posting five strikeouts against three walks. Out of the bullpen, Ryan Richardson tossed 1.2 scoreless innings, including working out of bases loaded jam in the sixth. Two-way player Harrison Smith pitched the final two innings and did not allow a hit while striking out two Railcats.
The Cougars continue the series with Gary on Saturday night. Right-hander Julio Vivas (5-5, 5.35) will take the hill for the Railcats against the Cougars' Nick Belzer (1-2, 4.80 ERA). Tomorrow's game will be Seinfeld Night at Northwestern Medicine Field. For tickets and more information call 630-232-8811 or visit kccougars.com/tickets.
American Association Stories from August 18, 2023
- 'Dogs Split Doubleheader with Goldeyes - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Bats Erupt as Cougars Top RailCats - Kane County Cougars
- Timely Insurance Runs Secure Win Over RedHawks - Kansas City Monarchs
- Canaries Soar Back Above .500 Behind Miller's Complete Game Shutout - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Cannon Can Ball: Infielder Cannon Signs with Monarchs - Kansas City Monarchs
- DockHounds Sweep RailCats - Lake Country DockHounds
- DockHounds Fend off RailCats Late - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Goldeyes Put Explorers' Brooms in Closet - Sioux City Explorers
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