Cougars Fall in Opener in Peoria

September 2, 2009 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release

PEORIA, Ill. - After enjoying their final off day of the regular season Tuesday, the Kane County Cougars were back in action Wednesday night in Peoria and fell to the Chiefs, 3-2, in the opener of a three-game set at O'Brien Field. Steve Parker had two hits and an RBI, and Kenny Smalley gave up one run over five innings in a no-decision.

Smalley yielded his only run in the third. He scattered four hits, walked three and fanned two. He had lost his previous four starts but ended Wednesday with a no-decision. It is scheduled to be his final regular-season appearance, which means he ends the year with nine victories.

Parker tied the game in the third with an RBI single that plated Conner Crumbliss, but Peoria added a run in the sixth and another in the seventh against A.J. Huttenlocker (1-2) to provide the difference. The Cougars rallied for a Jeremy Barfield sacrifice fly in the ninth to make it 3-2, but they stranded Mike Spina at third when the game ended. Kevin Kreier recorded his fourth save for the Chiefs.

The Cougars (31-34, 72-63) and Chiefs (41-23, 79-54) continue the series Thursday night at 6:30 CT. Murphy Smith (1-2, 4.94) is scheduled to face Justin Bristow (5-7, 4.31).

Midwest League Stories from September 2, 2009

• QC eliminated from playoff contention despite win - Quad Cities River Bandits
• TinCaps Hold on to Beat Loons, 5-4 - Fort Wayne TinCaps
• Kernels Hang On To Beat Rattlers - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
• Bees Lower Magic Number To 1 With Victory Over Clinton - Burlington Bees
• Dragons Win, Cut Deficit to Half Game - Dayton Dragons
• Whitecaps Wipe Out Lugnuts, 10-2 - Lansing Lugnuts
• Whitecaps Overpower Lugnuts - West Michigan Whitecaps
• Hawks Late Rally Falls Short - South Bend Silver Hawks
• Chiefs Win Fourth Straight With 3-2 Win Wednesday - Peoria Chiefs
• Cougars Fall in Opener in Peoria - Kane County Cougars
• Santana Doubles Up - Beloit Sky Carp
• Whitecaps Gear Up for Final Homestand - West Michigan Whitecaps
• Dragons Gameday September 2nd - Dayton Dragons
• Playoff Tickets are on Sale - South Bend Silver Hawks
• Viola Becomes 37th Former Dayton Dragons Player to Reach Majors - Dayton Dragons

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Kane County Cougars Stories

• Cougars Combine for No-Hitter and Take Series against Saltdogs
• Cougars Drop Heartbreaker in the 11th Inning
• Cougars Take Series Opener Against Saltdogs 3-1
• Cougars Steal Series in Extras against Goldeyes
• Cougars and Goldeyes Split Doubleheader to Start Series