Cougars Comeback Falls Short in 13-12 Thriller
Published on July 26, 2022 under American Association (AA)
Kane County Cougars News Release
GENEVA, Ill. - The Kane County Cougars scored nine straight runs after falling into a 13-3 hole, but the comeback effort came up just short as the Lake Country DockHounds held on for a 13-12 victory on Tuesday night at Northwestern Medicine Field.
Trailing 13-3 entering the bottom of the sixth inning, Dylan Busby got the rally started with a solo homer to make it 13-4. In the bottom of the seventh the Cougars (32-32) added a five spot. Alexis Pantoja led off the frame with a walk before later scoring on a wild pitch. Later in the inning, Galli Cribbs Jr. drove in two more runs with an RBI double to make it 13-7. Jimmy Kerrigan then hit an RBI single and Nick Anderson an RBI double to make it 13-9 heading into the eighth inning.
The score remained 13-9 heading into the bottom of the ninth. Busby and Sherman Johnson drew two straight walks to start the frame. After back-to-back groundouts, BJ Lopez blasted a two-out, three-run homer over the left field fence to pull the Cougars within one run at 13-12. Following Lopez's homer Ernie De La Trinidad singled and Cribbs walked to put the winning run on base. However, Lake Country reliever Robert Gonzalez induced a fly out from Josh Rolette to end the ballgame.
The DockHounds (23-40) jumped out to an early lead against Cougars' starter Vance Worley (5-6). After Jordan Schafer reached on a single, Gio Brusa launched a two-run homer to put Lake Country ahead 2-0.
Kane County struck back to take the lead against DockHounds' starter Angel Ventura (2-2). The Cougars plated a run in the bottom of the first on a sacrifice fly by Jimmy Kerrigan. In the bottom of the second, Sherman Johnson belted a solo shot to tie the score at two. In the next frame, Kerrigan and Busby hit back-to-back doubles to give the Cougars a 3-2 edge.
After the Cougars took the lead, Worley settled into a groove. The right-hander allowed no runs on just three hits from the second through the fifth inning. However, Lake Country responded in a big way in the top of the sixth inning. With two outs, the DockHounds had 12 straight hitters reach base to score 11 runs. The DockHounds scored on a two-run homer from Lamar Briggs, an RBI single from Jordan Schaffer, a three-run homer from TJ Bennett, a three-run homer from Gabriel Noriega, and a two-run double by Daniel Molinari.
Following the big inning from the DockHounds, Ben Allison provided solid work out of the bullpen. The right-hander did not allow an earned run and had four strikeouts against just one walk.
The series with the DockHounds continues Wednesday. The starter for the DockHounds is to be announced, while the Cougars will send righty Jose Fuentes (4-1, 2.36) to the mound. first pitch is set for 11 a.m. Promotions for the remainder of the homestand include Schitt's Creek Night on Thursday, July 27th, and Christmas in July Night on Saturday, July 30th. For tickets call 630-232-8811 or visit kccougars.com/tickets.
American Association Stories from July 26, 2022
- Cougars Comeback Falls Short in 13-12 Thriller - Kane County Cougars
- Birds End up on Wrong Side of Pitchers Duel - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Eleven-Run Inning Jolts DockHounds Offense in Victory - Lake Country DockHounds
- Dogs Hang on to Beat Goldeyes - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Road Closures in Effect Near Newman Outdoor Field - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
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