Cougars Drop Pitchers Duel in Dayton

April 24, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release

Dayton, OH - After winning five consecutive games a few days ago, the Kane County Cougars have now dropped three consecutive contests, losing 7-4 Monday night to the Dayton Dragons at Fifth Third Field. Justin Sellers had a game-tying, two-run double in the fourth and later scored a go-ahead run for the Cougars, who lost the lead and stranded 10 runners.

Kane County starter Jeff Gray allowed a first-inning tally for a quick 1-0 deficit, but the Cougars got even in the second against Dayton's Zach Ward. Nick Blasi tripled, Jeff Bieker got hit by a pitch and Raul Padron's fielder's choice scored Blasi for a 1-1 game.

Gray tossed a perfect second but had trouble in the third, giving up a pair of runs for a 3-1 deficit. The Cougars stormed back in the fourth. Sellers' two-bagger plated Bieker and Wes Long to tie the score. An error by the Dragons' third baseman allowed Sellers to scamper home for a brief 4-3 Cougars lead.

Dayton put together a four-run fourth that forced Gray (1-2) to leave the game. The right-hander allowed seven runs on eight hits in 3 1/3 innings, walked one and struck out four in the loss. Ward (1-0) went five innings to get his first professional win, and Wayne Lundgren notched his first save. The Cougars' bullpen trio of Brad Davis (2 IP), Dan Fyvie (1 2/3) and Brad Kilby (1) blanked Dayton the rest of the way, but the visitors' offense never capitalized on their scoring opportunities.

The Cougars (11-7) remain in first place despite the three-game skid and now head to West Michigan for a series that begins Tuesday night at 5:35 CDT. Craig Italiano (0-1, 5.25) will face the Whitecaps' Erik Averill (0-1, 4.76).

Midwest League Stories from April 24, 2006

• Silver Hawks fall to Rattlers in series finale - South Bend Silver Hawks
• Ward Picks up First Pro Win as Dayton Streaks to 7-4 Victory - Dayton Dragons
• Wade Davis Lead Devil Rays past Kernels - Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
• Cougars Drop Pitchers Duel in Dayton - Kane County Cougars
• Roth homers in 11th as Swing win - Quad Cities River Bandits
• Bees Losing Streak Reaches Five - Burlington Bees
• Chiefs Complete Sweep with 3-2 Win - Peoria Chiefs
• Rattlers double up Hawks to earn series split - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
• Four game sweep complete over Clinton - West Michigan Whitecaps
• Lugnuts Stun Snappers in Ninth - Lansing Lugnuts
• Dragons add Colon to Active Roster - Dayton Dragons
• Garcia Activated; Kalkhof Released - Burlington Bees
• Starting Pitcher Taylor Joins Chiefs; Will Start Tonight - Peoria Chiefs

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