MWL1 Kane County Cougars

Cougars Crack the Bats, Kernels in Iowa Opener

Published on August 3, 2017 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, IA. --- Securing an early advantage on a five-run second inning, the victorious Kane County Cougars (19-20, 58-48) took the first game of their Iowa road trip against the Cedar Rapids Kernels (18-21, 57-52). The matchup between the two first half Western Division playoff teams concluded in a 9-1 final. The Cougars also received a lights out start from winning righty Sam McWilliams (10-5) who becomes the first Cougar with double-digit wins this season.

In the triumphant second inning, the Cougars tagged losing southpaw Evan Sanders (1-4) for five runs on three hits. Trailing by a run, the Cougars loaded the bases for Cole Thompson who swatted a two-RBI double. Now armed with their first lead, the Cougars built on it with an RBI single from Anfernee Grier. Marcus Wilson then contributed a sac-fly for another run, as Ramon Hernandez produced the fifth tally on a single RBI.

After allowing a first inning run, McWilliams settled down for one of his best starts. On five total innings, McWilliams landed five strikeouts with just one walk issued. He also just surrendered five hits, more than half of which were in the first inning.

In more offensive output, the Cougars put up a three-spot in the eighth inning. With two on, Luis Silverio hit his team-leading sixth triple of the season to score a pair. And it didn't take long for Silverio to score as Grier bashed a hit for another tally.

To cap it off in the ninth, newcomer Yan Sanchez belted a solo home run. It was Sanchez's first home run in the Midwest League.

The Cougars now have scored four or more runs in five of their last six games.

In relief, the Cougars also received an incredible performance from righty Cody Clark (4) who grabbed the save. Clark notched the final four innings of shutout baseball saving the bullpen for the rest of the series. Clark also put up four strikeouts in the effort.

On Thursday night at 6:35 P.M. CST, the Cougars play game two of the series in Cedar Rapids. On the mound, southpaw Mack Lemieux (6-4, 5.29 ERA) takes on fellow lefty Tyler Watson (0-0, 0.00 ERA). The radio pre-game coverage commences at 6:20 P.M. on AM 1280 WBIG and kccougars.com. ###

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Midwest League Stories from August 3, 2017


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