Four Straight Hits Power Walk-Off Win
May 24, 2018 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release
Geneva, Illinois - Despite one hit through eight innings, the Cougars used four straight knocks in the ninth to walk off and beat the Cedar Rapids Kernels, 3-2, on Thursday night in front of 4,614 fans at Northwestern Medicine Field.
Kernels' (21-21) starter Blayne Enlow silenced the Cougar (22-21) bats for six innings. The right-hander limited the Cougars to one hit, a fourth inning single from Renae Martinez. Enlow struck out six batters and walked four. Cougar starter Brian Shaffer matched Enlow with five shutout frames of his own. However, Shaffer surrendered a one-out two-run homer to Shane Carrier, giving Cedar Rapids a 2-0 advantage. Shaffer exited after 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on four hits with five strikeouts and three walks.
Entering the ninth inning, the Cougars still had only one hit after two no-hit innings from Calvin Faucher for the Kernels. In the bottom of the ninth, Yoel Yanqui led off with a single and advanced to second when shortstop Royce Lewis' airmailed a throw trying to chase Yanqui back to first base. The next batter, Renae Martinez roped a double to left, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Ernie De La Trinidad followed with an RBI double to tie the game. Eduardo Diaz concluded the three-run game-winning rally with a single down the right field line, scoring De La Trinidad.
Matt Brill (3-0) earned the win for the Cougars, hurling a 1-2-3 top of the ninth inning. Jared Finkel (2-2) blew his second save of the series and took the loss after not recording an out against the four batters he faced.
The Cougars' eight-game homestand continues Friday afternoon with game one of four against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Right-hander Jhoan Duran (1-0, 3.00) takes the ball for the Cougars. To celebrate Memorial Day weekend, there will be post-game fireworks after the game. Purchase tickets by calling 630-232-8811 or on kccougars.com.
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Midwest League Stories from May 24, 2018
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