Cougars Come Back to Win in Extras
June 4, 2014 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release
GENEVA, Ill.-- The Cougars had to dig into their bullpen a little earlier than expected on Wednesday, but the relief staff combined for nine and one-third innings as the Cougars walked off against Clinton 5-4 in ten innings. The Cougars (39-20) victory over the LumberKings (29-28) drops the magic number for a playoff spot now down to three.
With the game tied 4-4, Jake Hannemann brought the tenth inning alive when he began the frame with a double and moved to third on Daniel Lockhart's bunt single. After a Ben Carhart groundout and an intentional walk to Jordan Hankins, Balaguert hit a bouncing ball to Clinton's shortstop Jack Reinheimer, who made an excellent play to glove the baseball. The play turned into a walk-off fielder's choice for a 5-4 Cougars' win.
Paul Blackburn started the game for the Cougars, but instantly found trouble in his third consecutive start against Clinton. Blackburn loaded the bases with two walks and a single, and gave up two runs before being taken out of the first inning. The Cougar right-hander threw over 30 pitches and set a new season-high with three walks. Pugliese stopped the bleeding by striking out Corey Simpson to end the frame with Clinton leading 2-0.
The LumberKings chipped away with a run in the second and third innings. Ian Miller drove home Jeff Zimmerman with a sacrifice fly and Austin Wilson homered for Clinton's final run as a 4-0 lead.
The Cougars first found the scoreboard in the fourth inning on Carlos Penalver's run scoring single to plate Balaguert. Jacob Rogers ran home on a wild pitch from Jose Flores to cut the LumberKings' lead 4-2.
The offense continued into the fifth as Hannemann and Lockhart connected on back-to-back doubles. After a pitching change, RBI groundouts from Carhart and Hankins tied the ball game 4-4.
Tyler Bremer (5-0) picked up the win with three innings of shutout baseball. Aaron Brooks (2-2) suffered the loss on the mound in the tenth inning.
Bremer, Pugliese and Corbin Hoffner combined for 14 strikeouts in relief.
The series continues on Thursday with a 6:30 p.m. first pitch from Fifth Third Bank Ballpark. Tyler Skulina (3-2, 2.92) takes the mound for the Cougars against the Clinton LumberKings' Lars Huijer (2-4, 3.78). For tickets call 630-232-8811 or log onto kccougars.com.
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