Cougars End Road Trip With Defeat

April 28, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release

Grand Rapids, MI - The Kane County Cougars finished their season's first eight-game road trip with a 2-6 record, losing to the West Michigan Whitecaps 5-2 on Friday afternoon at Fifth Third Ballpark. The Cougars, who entered the day with a one-game lead for first place in the Western Division, took a brief 2-1 lead in the second inning but later fell behind and couldn't manage a run the rest of the way.

Starter Vince Mazzaro gave up an unearned run in the bottom of the first inning. He walked lead-off batter Will Rhymes, issued a two-base error with a wild pickoff throw and surrendered a run-scoring grounder for a quick 1-0 deficit.

The Cougars posted their tallies in the second against left-hander Luke French. Jeff Baisley and Jeff Bieker singled, putting runners at first and third with one out. Wes Long bounced out to score Baisley and tie it 1-1. Then Anthony Recker singled and Andre Piper-Jordan got hit by a pitch to load the bases. Nick Blasi's infield single put the Cougars ahead 2-1, but Mazzaro allowed three runs in the bottom of the second, including a solo homer, and one more in the fourth for a deficit Kane County never overcame. The right-hander lasted four innings -- the first time he has pitched less than five -- and gave up five runs (four earned) on six hits. He walked three and struck out six.

The bullpen tandem of Jeff Gray, making his first relief appearance, and Dan Fyvie held the Whitecaps for the final four innings, but the Cougars managed only two more hits after their two-run second inning. Mazzaro (2-2) hooked the loss, French (3-1) snagged the win and Orlando Perdomo recorded his league-leading eighth save.

The Cougars (12-10) now return to Elfstrom Stadium for an eight-game homestand that begins Saturday afternoon at 4 CDT against the Clinton LumberKings. Jared Lansford is scheduled to make his Cougars debut against left-hander Zach Phillips (1-0, 1.19).

Midwest League Stories from April 28, 2006

• Devil Rays make first roster move of the year - Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
• Dragons Shuffle Roster - Dayton Dragons
• Swing drop finale, lose series - Quad Cities River Bandits
• Dragons Come Back Once, Second Try Falls Short - Dayton Dragons
• Jake McGee Sensational Against Bees - Southwest Michigan Devil Rays
• Chiefs Tied for 1st with 8-6 Win - Peoria Chiefs
• Thomas cruises in Rattlers' third straight win - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
• Ciriaco, South Bend Steal Series from LumberKings - Clinton LumberKings
• Whitecaps complete best home stand - West Michigan Whitecaps
• Sborz Joins Whitecaps; Kown Headed to Lakeland - West Michigan Whitecaps
• Cougars End Road Trip With Defeat - Kane County Cougars
• Chance at Free Tuition Part of College Night at O'Brien May 2nd - Peoria Chiefs
• Swing activate Friday's starter, Hayes retires - Quad Cities River Bandits
• Pitching Staff Undergoes Adjustment - Fort Wayne TinCaps

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