Cougars Fall to Whitecaps in 12 Innings
Published on April 25, 2006 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release
Grand Rapids, MI - The Kane County Cougars and West Michigan Whitecaps needed 12 innings to decide Tuesday night's series-opening game at Fifth Third Ballpark, and the Cougars lost 3-2 despite having scoring opportunities. Starter Craig Italiano had his best pitching performance of the season, getting tagged for two unearned runs in his season-high six innings. Jose Pineda had a game-tying single in the top of the ninth to force extra frames.
Nick Blasi's third-inning sacrifice fly off Erik Averill gave the Cougars the early lead, but the Whitecaps tied it in the bottom half against Italiano for a 1-1 game and later got their second unearned run in the sixth. Italiano's errant pickoff throw allowed Rafael Mendez to go from first to third and eventually score on a single for the 2-1 deficit.
Italiano allowed three hits, walked two and fanned five in his six innings. Everill tossed seven frames of one-run four-hit ball, forcing the Cougars to come back against West Michigan's bullpen. Steve Kleen singled to start the ninth against closer Orlando Perdomo, who entered the game without a blown a save in his league-leading seven chances. After Kleen advanced to second on a wild pitch, Jeff Baisley walked and set up Pineda's run-scoring single to right-center. The Cougars later loaded the bases but couldn't get the go-ahead tally across.
The Cougars (11-8) bullpen did its part, as Ron Madej, John Herrera, Brad Kilby and Steve Sharpe combined for five scoreless relief innings, although Herrera left the game due to injury after only four pitches. Joe Piekarz (2-1) suffered the loss after walking the leadoff man in the 12th and allowing the game-winning hit to Dusty Ryan. Matt Rusch (2-2) took the win for the Whitecaps (12-6).
Game two of the series is Tuesday night at 5:35 CDT. Jason Ray (0-1, 4.26) pitches for Kane County against Sendy Vasquez (2-0, 0.00). 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).
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