Cougars Slug past Silver Hawks

Published on July 14, 2010 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release

GENEVA, Ill. - The Kane County Cougars scored five runs in the first two innings Wednesday night against South Bend, led 7-1 after five innings and then held on for an 8-7 victory over the Silver Hawks at Elfstrom Stadium. The Cougars have won nine of their last 12 games, and their 14-hit attack Wednesday marked the 10th time in 19 games in the 2nd half they posted 10-plus hits. They are 3-1 so far on their nine-game, 10-day homestand.

Mike Gilmartin drilled a two-out two-run double off Diogenes Rosario (4-4) in the first inning to give the Cougars a 2-0 lead. Then Juan Nunez, Conner Crumbliss and Anthony Aliotti contributed run-scoring hits in the second to make it 5-0. After starter Murphy Smith allowed his first run in the third, Max Stassi countered with his 11th homer of the season in the bottom of the fourth and Gilmartin doubled home Myrio Richard in the fifth for a 7-1 game.

Smith (4-0) got charged with three runs in the sixth inning and left that frame without recording an out. He gave a total of four runs on six hits, walked three and struck out three in five-plus innings. Jose Pina gave up two runs -- one earned -- over 1 2/3 innings, Bo Schultz pitched 1 1/3 scoreless frames and Jose Guzman yielded a two-run homer in the ninth before getting three straight outs to post his 12th save.

The Cougars (11-8, 43-45) and the Silver Hawks (8-11, 38-49) continue the series Thursday night at 6:30 CT. Justin Marks (2-10, 5.44) will square off against Mike Belfiore (1-6, 3.88). The game will be broadcast on WBIG 1280-AM and online at www.kccougars.com with pre-game coverage starting at 6:15 p.m. 6:15 PM (CT) Pre-Game Show, 6:30 First Pitch on WBIG 1280-AM & kccougars.com Thursday's Probable Starters LHP Justin Marks (2-10, 5.44) Vs. LHP Mike Belfiore (1-6, 3.88)

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