Sanchez, Bullpen Team up to Take Series
July 9, 2018 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release
Geneva, Illinois - Yan Sanchez's RBI single in the eighth inning helped the Kane County Cougars (43-44, 8-10) clinch a series victory with a 3-2 triumph over the Cedar Rapids Kernels (45-42, 13-5) on Monday afternoon at Northwestern Medicine Field.
For the second straight day, the Kernels grabbed a run in the first inning. Akil Baddoo led off with a single, stole second and scored with two outs on Jose Miranda's RBI single. In the fourth, Andrew Bechtold led off with a walk. He scored when the next batter, Jared Akins, doubled to left field, expanding the lead to 2-0 Cedar Rapids.
In the fifth, the Cougars broke a 20-inning scoreless drought when facing Cedar Rapids right-hander Randy Dobnak. A lead-off single by Gabriel Maciel, followed by a one-out knock by Yoel Yanqui, set up Ernie De La Trinidad's sacrifice fly. The Cougars tied the game a batter later on Yan Sanchez's RBI single.
In the seventh, the Kernels loaded the bases with one out. Cougar righty Jayson McKinley struck out Bechtold and induced a fielder's choice off the bat of Jared Akins to keep the game tied, 2-2.
In the eighth, Yan Sanchez drove in Yoel Yanqui on an RBI single to give the Cougars the lead, 3-2.
In the top of the ninth, Miranda doubled with one out. Trey Cabbage walked. With runners at first and second and one out, pinch hitter Royce Lewis singled up the middle to load the bases. Erbert Gonzalez managed to strike out Jared Akins and prompt a 5-4 fielder's choice to end the game.
Gonzalez (3-1) earned the win for the Cougars. He tossed the final two innings, shutting out the Kernels. Right-hander Jayson McKinley also contributed two scoreless innings out of the pen. Starter Jhoan Duran didn't factor into the decision after five innings of two-run ball.
Cedar Rapids pitcher Randy Dobnak went seven innings and allowed two runs on eight hits, but did not earn a decision. Melvi Acosta (1-4) suffered his second loss of the series, allowing the go-ahead run in the eighth.
The Cougars are off on Tuesday before beginning a six-game road trip on Wednesday night at Bowling Green. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Follow the action live with Joe Brand on AM 1280 WBIG.
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