Cougars Steal Marathon Win on Lopez's Walk-Off
June 2, 2021 - American Association (AA)
Kane County Cougars News Release
GENEVA, Ill.- The Kane County Cougars (8-5) had one lead over the Lincoln Saltdogs (6-6) in 15 innings of work and nearly five hours of baseball Tuesday night at Northwestern Medicine Field. It was the final swing of the ballgame: a walk-off homer from BJ Lopez.
Twice Nick Zammarelli came in through the clutch as the Cougars were down to their final strike multiple times. In the ninth inning, Zammarelli tied the game with a single to left field to score Luis Roman and Brandon Chinea. The two-run hit ended a 12-inning scoring drought by the Cougars and handed James Pugliese his first blown save of the year.
Zammarelli was the hero again in the 14th as he sent a fly ball over Patrick Adams' head to tie the game again after Lincoln picked up a short-lived lead in the top of the inning.
Lopez's solo shot in the 15th came as a surprise to many as it just got over the fence and off the bottom of the video board for his first home run of the year. It was the first walk-off win for the Cougars since September 1st, 2019.
The Cougars' pitching staff was especially resilient today, as Cougar starter Scott Harkin worked a quality outing and was bailed out of a loss thanks to Zammarelli's heroics in the 9th.
Jack Fox, Andrew Stout and Tom Curtin (3-1) teamed up for nine innings of one-run baseball out of the bullpen. Fox worked five nearly perfect innings. Stout limited the damage and Curtin's scoreless 15th inning put him in line for the win.
The Cougars will now go for a series win on Wednesday against Lincoln. The Saltdogs will send Keenan Bartlett (0-0, 11.12) to the mound. First pitch at Northwestern Medicine Field is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. For tickets call 630-232-8811 or visit kccougars.com.
American Association Stories from June 2, 2021
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- Sioux City Rides Big Hits Early to Series Win - Sioux City Explorers
- Sioux-Weeter Than Candy, Milkmen End 3-Game Losing Streak - Milwaukee Milkmen
- Canaries Sweep Twinbill vs. Monarchs - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Canaries Fly over Monarchs - Kansas City Monarchs
- 'Dogs Walked off in the 15th Inning on Tuesday - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Cougars Steal Marathon Win on Lopez's Walk-Off - Kane County Cougars
- Apollos Rally for Series-Opening Win - Cleburne Railroaders
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