Dramatic Comeback Clinches a Cougars Sweep
Published on August 7, 2022 under American Association (AA)
Kane County Cougars News Release
GENEVA, Ill. - Trailing 4-2, the Cougars scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to earn the win and complete a sweep of the Kansas City Monarchs on Sunday afternoon.
Following a Matt Adams solo home run in the top of the eighth inning, Kansas City (46-28) held a 4-2 lead. With one out in the frame, Sherman Johnson crushed a solo homer down the right-field line to pulled the Cougars (39-36) within a run. Following Johnson's homer, Nick Franklin drew a walk off Kansas City reliever Jeremy Rhoades (0-1) to put the tying run aboard. Then, Luke Mangeiri hit a triple to center field, scoring Franklin to tie the game at four.
After Mangieri tied the game, Galli Cribbs Jr. stepped to the plate with the go-ahead just 90 feet away. Cribbs promptly ripped a line drive single through the right side to score Mangieri and make it 5-4.
In the top of the ninth inning, the Cougars turned to usual starter Ryan Tapani to nail down the save. Tapani started the inning with back-to-back strikeouts, but two singles and a walk loaded the bases for David Thompson. However, Tapani was able to earn his third strikeout of the inning by getting Thompson swinging to close out a 5-4 victory. It was Tapani's first save of the season.
After both teams were held scoreless through the first two frames, the Monarchs struck first against Kane County starter Jose Fuentes. In the top of the third, Mallex Smith drew a one out walk. Later in inning, Jacob Robson singled to put runners on the corners. Robson then attempted to steal second and was thrown out, but Smith came in to score on the play to make it 1-0.
The Monarchs added two more in the top of the fifth inning on a Jacob Robson doble that made it 3-0. However, Kane County cut into the Monarchs lead in the bottom of the fifth against Kansas City starter Matt Hartman. With the bases loaded, Alexis Pantoja smacked a two-run single that pulled the Cougars within a run.
Though he surrendered a home run to Adams in the top of the eighth that made it 4-2, Jack Anderson (4-2) earned the win for the Cougars. The right-hander earned his second straight win. Overall, it was the fifth win in six days for the Cougars over the defending champion Monarchs.
Following a six-game road trip at Cleburne, the Cougars return to Northwestern Medicine Field for a six-game homestand from August 16-21. Promotions for the upcoming homestand include a Country Financial Hat giveaway on Friday, August 19th and Country Music Night on Saturday, August 20th. For tickets call 630-232-8811 or visit kccougars.com/tickets.
American Association Stories from August 7, 2022
- X's Sweep Season from Dogs - Sioux City Explorers
- Birds Drop Weekend Finale at Gary - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Cougars Continue to Haunt Monarchs - Kansas City Monarchs
- RailCats Outpitch Canaries in Sunday Matinee - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Milkmen Rally to Defeat Goldeyes - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- RedHawks Avoid Sweep; Edge Saltdogs 4-3 - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
- Monarchs Send Diaz to Lake Country for All-Star - Kansas City Monarchs
- Dramatic Comeback Clinches a Cougars Sweep - Kane County Cougars
- 'Dogs Fall Short of Sweep in Fargo - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Railroaders Escape Jam in Ninth Inning - Lake Country DockHounds
- Goldeyes Grind It Out in Milwaukee - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- Saltdogs Take Both Games in Doubleheader Wins over RedHawks - Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
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