Cougars Fall to Explorers in Epic Pitching Duel
Published on May 8, 2025 under American Association (AA)
Kane County Cougars News Release
GENEVA, Ill. - In a low scoring affair, the Kane County Cougars fell to the Sioux City Explorers 2-1 on Opening Night, but not without some late inning drama.
Explorers (1-0) pitcher Kyle Marman tossed seven scoreless innings, striking out 12 batters along the way and did not surrender a hit. On the flip side, Konnor Ash dazzled in his Cougars (0-1) debut on the mound, pitching six innings and striking out 10. His one mistake came in the fifth inning when Torin Montgomery hit a solo home run over the left field wall to break the tie and give the Explorers a one-run lead.
That changed in the eighth inning, when Explorers pitcher Felix Cepeda (1-0), walked Josh Allen and Nick Dalesandro. After a successful sacrifice bunt by Nilo Rijo to move Allen and Dalesandro into scoring position, a wild pitch by Cepeda scored Allen to tie the game one to one.
In the top of the ninth, Cougars' closer Tyler Beardsley (0-1) ran into trouble with three straight walks to load the bases. Then, Abdiel Layer hit a sacrifice fly to give Sioux City a 2-1 edge.
In the bottom of the ninth, the Cougars threatened as Thomas Jones worked a two out walk and Todd Lott singled to break up the no-hitter. However, Jeremy Goins closed the door with a strikeout of Josh Allen to end the ballgame.
Despite the lack of offense, the Cougars can be proud of the 14 strikeouts they had combined from Ash, Vin Timpanelli, and Beardsley.
The Cougars continue the series with the Explorers on Friday night at Northwestern Medicine Field. Left-hander Austin Drury (0-0, 0.00) is set to go for Sioux City against Cougars lefty Tommy Sommer (0-0, 0.00). Friday' game features a magnetic schedule giveaway and post-game fireworks. For tickets and more information, visit kccougars.com or call 630-232-8811.
American Association Stories from May 8, 2025
- Cougars Fall to Explorers in Epic Pitching Duel - Kane County Cougars
- RailCats Bring in Two Outfielders Before 2025 Opening Day - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- RedHawks Top NDSU to Finish Exhibition Slate - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
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