Cougars Lose Lead, Game to X's
June 15, 2021 - American Association (AA)
Kane County Cougars News Release
GENEVA, Ill. - The Sioux City Explorer's (14-10) first trip to Northwestern Medicine Field was a memorable one, as they battled back to retake the lead they coughed up to the Kane County Cougars (10-14). The X's used 12 hits to take the series opener 7-5 Monday night.
Down 4-0 in the 4th, the Cougars scored five unanswered runs to go in front of the X's. The rally was highlighted by a four-run 5th inning, where Jeffrey Baez, Kacy Clemens and Gavin LaValley all connected for three straight RBI plate appearances. After Baez's RBI sac fly, Clemens and LaValley launched run scoring doubles to give the Cougars a 5-4 lead.
It was a short-lived lead. Jose Sermo, who homered earlier in the game, sent the fifth pitch of the 6th inning to the right-center field fence to tie the game. Two batters later, Chris Clare singled home Sermo for a 6-5 X's lead. Sioux City tacked on one more run in the seventh off Tom Curtin (3-2) to go up 7-5.
The Cougars had chances later in the game, but stranded two runners on in the 7th and 8th innings. The biggest rally killer came with a runner on first in the 9th when Clemens blasted a ball on a low line drive to first base. Sioux City's first baseman Jared Walker gloved on a back hand with less than a second to react and started a double play. It helped Matt Pobereyko earn his 8th save of the year.
Zach Hedges (3-1) earned the win with six innings of eight-hit, five-run baseball. Four of the runs were earned. Cougar reliever Kyle Huckaby worked two and two-third innings of scoreless baseball.
The Cougars will look to even the series tomorrow against Sioux City. Left-hander Josh Tols (1-1, 5.33) takes the mound against Sioux City's Tyler Beardsley (4-1, 4.67). First pitch from Northwestern Medicine Field is at 6:30 p.m. For tickets call 630-232-8811 or visit kccougars.com/tickets.
American Association Stories from June 15, 2021
- Cougars Cough up Second Game of Series - Kane County Cougars
- A Familiar Face Returns to the Rotation as Pitcher Tyler Herron Signs with the RedHawks - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Redhwaks Closer Blake Rogers' Contract Transferred to the Arizona Diamondbacks - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Chicago Dogs RHP Tyler Ferguson's contract transferred to the Atlanta Braves - Chicago Dogs
- Newman Outdoor Field Resumes Full Capacity for All Events - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Right-Handed Pitcher David Griffin's Contract Transferred to Mets - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- X's Win Inaugural Meeting with Cougars - Sioux City Explorers
- Cougars Lose Lead, Game to X's - Kane County Cougars
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