Cougars Fall in Back-and-Forth Contest
Published on May 19, 2023 under American Association (AA)
Kane County Cougars News Release
GENEVA, Ill. - Thanks to a two-run seventh inning, the Sioux City Explorers earned a 4-2 victory over the Kane County Cougars in front of over 7,000 fans on Friday night at Northwestern Medicine Field.
The Cougars (2-5) jumped out to an early lead against Sioux City (6-1) starter Mitchell Verburg in the bottom of the second. With two outs in the frame, Jonah Davis stepped up and crushed a solo homer to straight away center field. It was the first home run of the season for Davis.
Sioux City responded in the top of the third against Jack Fox. Kyle Kasser led off the inning with a triple to deep right field. After Fox recorded a pair of outs, Kasser came in to score on a wild pitch to tie the game at one.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Cougars jumped right back in front. After Verburg recorded a pair of strikeouts, Cesar Trejo lined a single into left field and promptly stole second. Following Trejo's steal, Davis drove him in with an RBI single to right field to put the Cougars up 2-1.
Two innings later, the Explorers responded again. Matt Lloyd led off the sixth with a single before stealing second. After a single allowed Lloyd to reach third, Eury Perez drove him in with an RBI groundout to tie the game at two. Fox departed after the sixth, but earned a second straight quality start. The right-hander allowed two runs on six hits with four strikeouts and four walks.
The Explorers took the lead in the top of the seventh against Spencer Van Scoyoc (0-1). Kasser led off the frame with a single before Vince Fernandez was hit by a pitch to put runners at first and second. After a wild pitch allowed Kasser to reach third, Daniel Perez drove him in with a sacrifice fly to make it 3-2. Lloyd came up next and drove in another run with a double into right field to make it 4-2.
After taking the lead, the Sioux City bullpen held the Cougars off the board. Brandon Brosher earned the win with 1.2 innings of scoreless work. Francys Peguero closed out the ballgame with a six-out save.
The Cougars continue the series with Sioux City on Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. Right-hander Austin Drury (0-0, 2.46) will take the hill for Sioux City against Cougars' righty Westin Muir (0-0, 9.00). Saturday's game will be Halfway to Halloween Night at Northwestern Medicine Field. For tickets and more information call 630-232-8811 or visit kccougars.com/tickets.
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