Cougars' Bats Quieted in Series Opener
Published on July 11, 2023 under American Association (AA)
Kane County Cougars News Release
GENEVA, Ill. - Thanks to a strong effort by starter John Sheaks, the Gary SouthShore Railcats earned a 5-1 win over the Kane County Cougars on Tuesday night at Northwestern Medicine Field.
In his strongest start of the season, Sheaks (4-4) allowed just one earned run on six hits across 7.2 innings of work. Sheaks recorded five strikeouts to earn the win for Gary (22-32).
After a pair of scoreless frames, Gary got on the board against Cougars' (24-29) starter Westin Muir (3-2) in the top of the third. With one out, Victor Nova drew a walk before stealing second. Then, Michael Woodworth singled to put runners at the corners. Following Woodworth's single, Gio Diaz worked a walk to load the bases. Next up, Jackson Valera hit a two-run single. Jesus Marriaga added on with an RBI single of his own to make it 3-0.
The Railcats added two more in the top of the fifth. Woodworth doubled to lead off the frame and then came in to score on an error at shortstop on a ball hit by Gio Diaz. Marriaga finished the scoring in the inning with an RBI double to make it 5-0.
In the bottom of the eighth, the Cougars finally got on the board. With one out, Galli Cribbs Jr. doubled down the right field line. Two batters later, Olivier Basabe poked an RBI single to right field to make it 5-1. However, Jack Eisenbarger and DJ Wilkinson held the Cougars off the board for the remainder of the ballgame.
For the Cougars, AJ Jones provided great work out of the bullpen in relief of Muir. The right-hander tossed four scoreless innings while allowing just one hit.
The Cougars continue the series with Gary on Wednesday morning. Right-hander Julio Vivas (3-3, 6.75 ERA) will take the hill for Gary against Cougars' lefty Luke Westphal (0-1, 7.96 ERA). For tickets and more information call 630-232-8811 or visit kccougars.com/tickets.
American Association Stories from July 11, 2023
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- Cougars' Bats Quieted in Series Opener - Kane County Cougars
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