Cougars Advance to Divisional Championship Round
Published on September 11, 2010 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release
GENEVA, IL - Throughout a steady rain during most of last night's game, the Cougars washed away the Quad Cities River Bandits and now look towards another Iowa foe as the Western Division Championship round begins tonight in Geneva. The Cougars, fresh off a series winner last night in Davenport, open a best-of-three set at Elfstrom Stadium tonight at 6 p.m. against the Clinton LumberKings. Tickets are available for tonight's game at www.kccougars.com or by calling (630) 232-8811. Any unused tickets from the regular season can be exchanged for comparable seating for tonight's game. This marks the Cougars' 12th postseason appearance in the franchise's 20-year history and sixth trip to the playoffs in the franchise's eight seasons as an A's affiliate.
Kane County has advanced to its first divisional championship round since 2006 and will face the LumberKings in the postseason for the first time since the 2004 DCS. The Cougars will open the series with right hander Dan Straily (10-7, 4.32) while Clinton is expected to go with Taylor Stanton (12-7, 4.30).
Scouting the Cougars: Game 1 pitcher Dan Straily faced Clinton in three of his 28 starts this season, working at least five innings in each start and posting a 3.33 ERA...the Cougars sent 12 men to the plate during last night's pivotal 6th inning rally, going from a 3-0 deficit to a 7-3 advantage by the time the damage was done. Jason Christian doubled twice during the frame... the Cougars finished with three players among the top 10 in minor league baseball in walks: Conner Crumbliss (1st, 126), Tyreace House (4th, 96) and Anthony Aliotti (7th, 92)...Rashun Dixon batted .366 in his last 10 regular season games. Other hot hitters through the last 10 included Mitch LeVier (.333), Aliotti (.324) and Crumbliss (.323)...after enduring an eight-game playoff losing streak dating back to 2006, the Cougars are now on a two-game postseason win streak.
Scouting the LumberKings: Clinton was in a similar situation as Kane County last night. A second half postseason qualifier, the LumberKings lost Game 1 at home, then proceeded to win consecutive games on the road, including a decisive Game 3 victory last night in Cedar Rapids...Clinton starter Erasmo Ramirez allowed two runs over six innings...Clinton's playoff appearance this fall is the first by a Seattle affiliate since Wisconsin, a Seattle farm team at the time, advanced to the finals in 2005...the LumberKings lost one of their most talented players in Nick Franklin, who was promoted to Double-A near the end of the regular season...Clinton won 11 of 17 matchups against the Cougars in the regular season.
Western Division Championship (Best of Three)
Saturday, September 11, 6 p.m. - Clinton @ Kane County
Sunday, September 12, 5 p.m. - Kane County @ Clinton
Monday, September 13, 6:30 p.m. - Kane County @ Clinton (if necessary)
Midwest League Championship (Best of Five)
Wednesday, September 15, 6:30 p.m. - Eastern Champion @ Kane County
Thursday, September 16, 6:30 p.m. - Eastern Champion @ Kane County
Saturday, September 18, TBD - Kane County @ Eastern Champion
Sunday, September 19, TBD - Kane County @ Eastern Champion (if necessary)
Monday, September 20, TBD - Kane County @ Eastern Champion (if necessary)
Midwest League Stories from September 11, 2010
- Loons, Captains Rained Out - Great Lakes Loons
- Cougars Win Game 1; Top Draft Pick Homers in Debut - Kane County Cougars
- Captains Playoff Game Rescheduled for Sunday Afternoon - Lake County Captains
- Straily Stifles Kings as Cougars Take Game One - Clinton LumberKings
- Cougars Take Game 1 vs. Clinton - Kane County Cougars
- Oakland's First Rounder Arrives for Start of Tonight's DCS at Elfstrom - Kane County Cougars
- Cougars Advance to Divisional Championship Round - Kane County Cougars
- Record Attendance and Community Impact Highlight 2010 - Bowling Green Hot Rods
- LumberKings end Kernels' season, 6-2 - Cedar Rapids Kernels
- Mike Trout Wins MWL Batting Crown - Cedar Rapids Kernels
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