Fletcher Flexes in Four-Run Final Inning
Published on June 30, 2019 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release
Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Dominic Fletcher blasted his first professional homer in a four-run ninth inning rally as the Kane County Cougars (43-36, 8-2) knocked off the Cedar Rapids Kernels (43-37, 4-6) 5-1 on Sunday afternoon at Perfect Game Field. The Cougars have won 10 of their last 12 games.
In the first inning, Eduardo Diaz crushed a solo homer to left field to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead. After that, starting pitching dominated. Cougar right-hander Levi Kelly recorded his second straight quality start with six innings of no-run, two hit ball. He set a new team-high with 10 strikeouts. He didn't walk anyone.
Kelly dueled with Kernels' righty Andrew Cabezas. The only run Cabezas gave up over eight innings was Eduardo Diaz's solo shot in the first. He scattered just three hits, struck out seven batters and walked one.
Despite Kelly and Cabezas' brilliance, neither picked up a decision. In the bottom of the seventh, Cedar Rapids tied the game, 1-1, on Trevor Casanova's RBI double against reliever Wesley Rodriguez. That was the lone tally charged to Rodriguez in his two innings.
In the top of the ninth, with one out and runners at the corners, Buddy Kennedy hit a ball to second baseman Yeltsin Encarnacion. The fielder dropped the ball, allowing Eduardo Diaz to score from third and make it 2-1 Cougars. The following batter was Fletcher. He unloaded for a three-run homer to make it 5-1.
Rodriguez (3-1) earned the win thanks to the Cougars late offense. Jose Martinez (4-3) allowed all four runs in the ninth to take the loss for Cedar Rapids.
The Cougars and Kernels play the finale of the three-game series on Monday afternoon, beginning at 12:05 P.M. LHP Kenny Hernandez (4-1, 1.47) takes the ball for the Cougars against Kernels RHP Kai-Wei Teng (2-0, 2.57). Purchase tickets by calling 630-232-8811 or on kccougars.com.
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