Eldred, Bats Lead Cougars Past RailCats
July 2, 2023 - American Association (AA)
Kane County Cougars News Release
GENEVA, Ill. - Thanks to a great pitching effort by CJ Eldred and timely offense, the Kane County Cougars earned a 6-1 victory over the Gary SouthShore Railcats on Saturday night at Northwestern Medicine Field.
In his fourth quality start of the season Eldred (2-4) allowed just one run across seven innings of work. The former Iowa Hawkeye scattered six hits and posted five strikeouts against two walks.
Offensively, the Cougars (22-23) jumped out to an early lead against Gary (19-27) starter Jesus Rosario (0-1). Josh Allen led off the ballgame with a walk before stealing second and third. After Allen reached third, J.D. Osborne drove him in with a double down the left field line to make it 1-0. Following Osborne's double, the Cougars added two more runs in the frame as Jimmy Kerrigan came in to score on a wild pitch and Harrison Smith worked a bases loaded walk to make it 3-0.
Gary scored its lone run of the ballgame in the top of fourth. Jackson Valera and Jesus Marriaga both hit singles to put two runners on before Francisco Del Valle doubled to right field to score Valera. However, a great relay throw by Allen from second base allowed the Cougars to throw out Marriaga at the plate to keep it a 3-1 game.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Cougars added two more runs to the lead. Harrison Smith was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning before stealing second and reaching third on a bunt single by Pete Kozma. Then, Galli Cribbs Jr. grounded into a fielder's choice to score Smith and make it 4-1. Later in the frame, Osborne drove in another run with a line drive single to score Cribbs and push the lead to four runs. Kane County went on to add one more run in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Allen that made it 6-1.
In relief of Eldred, Keith Rogalla and Logan Nissen each pitched a scoreless frame to preserve the 6-1 final.
The Cougars conclude the series against Gary tomorrow night at Northwestern Medicine Field. Right-hander Edward Cuello (1-4, 3.86 ERA) is set to start for the Railcats against Cougars righty Tyler Beardsley (3-2, 2.56 ERA). Tomorrow's game will feature a Fourth of July Celebration with postgame fireworks. For tickets and more information call 630-232-8811 or visit kccougars.com/tickets.is
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