Cougars Work Some Midwest Magic Through Week One
Published on April 10, 2008 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release
GENEVA, IL - Through the first week of the 2008 Midwest League season, there has been nothing - other than Mother Nature - which has interfered with the Kane County Cougars and their unblemished start to the '08 campaign.
Last night's doubleheader sweep of the Burlington Bees at Elfstrom Stadium stretched the Cougars' mark to a perfect 7-0 - the lone Midwest League team without a loss. The seven consecutive wins to open the season has set and continues to build on a franchise record. Inclement weather in the Midwest area has forced the Cougars, like most teams in the league, to deal with several game postponements and ensuing doubleheaders.
Numerous Cougars players are leading the charges, including right handed pitcher Craig Italiano who along with fellow pitcher Branden Dewing, combined for a seven-inning no-hitter in the second game of Wednesday night's doubleheader against Burlington. A second round compensation pick in the 2005 draft, Italiano retired the first 16 hitters he faced, including a dominant stretch of six consecutive strikeouts. The no-hitter was the sixth in Cougars history and the first since a May 2006 gem by former Cougar Jared Lansford. As a staff, Cougars pitchers lead the league in Team ERA (1.40), and have tossed two shutouts and one complete game through the season's first week.
Offensively, Cougars manager Aaron Nieckula is seeing contributions from several spots in the lineup. Infielder Greg Dowling is batting a robust .480 with 8 RBI through the season's first week, including a home run in Monday's home opener. Outfielder Todd Johnson is batting at a .400 clip with 2 HR and 9 RBI to lead the team.
The Cougars hit the road Friday morning and travel downstate for a weekend series against the Peoria Chiefs, who are managed by former Cub Ryne Sandberg. Fans can catch the Cougars back in Geneva starting Monday next week as the team returns home for a three-game set against the South Bend Silver Hawks, an Arizona Diamondbacks affiliate. Tickets for all three games are available by visiting www.kccougars.com or calling the box office at (630) 232-8811.
Midwest League Stories from April 10, 2008
- Chiefs Erase 5-2 Deficit, Win in 9th - Peoria Chiefs
- April 10 - Kernels and River Bandits rained out - Cedar Rapids Kernels
- Dragons Win Fourth Straight; Complete Sweep of Wizards - Dayton Dragons
- Loons-Whitecaps Washed Away - Great Lakes Loons
- Cougars Work Some Midwest Magic Through Week One - Kane County Cougars
- 'Caps-Loons Finale Canceled; Tickets Can Be Exchanged For Any 2008 Home Game - West Michigan Whitecaps
- Lugnuts And Silver Hawks Washed Out - Lansing Lugnuts
- Cedarville Battles Earlham At Fifth Third Field - Dayton Dragons
- Mother Nature Rains On Rattler And LumberKings - Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
- Cougars' Finale with Bees Rained Out - Kane County Cougars
- Chiefs Split Double Header with Beloit - Peoria Chiefs
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