AA Kane County Cougars

Tapani Dazzles as Cougars Split Doubleheader with Explorers

Published on June 9, 2022 under American Association (AA)
Kane County Cougars News Release


GENEVA, Ill. - The Kane County Cougars split a doubleheader against the Sioux City Explorers on Thursday at Northwestern Medicine Field. After falling 9-3 in game one, Cougars right-hander Ryan Tapani delivered a seven-inning complete game shutout with nine strikeouts to lead the Cougars to a 6-0 win in game two.

In game one, the Explorers (9-13) cruised to a 9-3 victory as Sioux City quickly jumped on Cougars (13-11) starter Ben Allison (2-3). The Explorers plated a run in the first on an RBI fielder's choice off the bat of Nate Samson.

One inning later, Sioux City put up a four spot. The first three hitters of the inning reached base before Danny Amaral knocked in two runs with a single to make it 3-0. A Nick Franklin RBI double and a Gabe Snyder single made it 5-0. The Explorers added two more in the top of the third on a bases-loaded walk to Amaral and a sacrifice fly from Franklin to push the lead to 7-0.

The Explorers would add two more, including one on a Nick Franklin solo homer, to make it a 9-0 edge. In the bottom of the seventh, the Cougars finally got on the board against Sioux City starter Kevin McCanna (4-1). With runners at first and second, Sherman Johnson blasted his third home run of the season to make it a 9-3 final. McCanna finished off a seven-inning complete game to earn the win.

Following a 42-minute break between games, the Cougars jumped out to an early lead in game two against Sioux City starter Tyler Beardsley (2-2). In the bottom of the first, Ernie De La Trinidad drew a walk and Steve Lombardozzi singled before Jimmy Kerrigan smacked a three-run homer over the left-field fence to make it 3-0.

Bolstered by an early lead, Tapani (3-2) was tremendous on the mound for Kane County. Tapani retired the first nine hitters in order and allowed just four baserunners throughout the game. The right-hander allowed just three hits with nine strikeouts and no walks in his first career complete game shutout.

Kane County added a run in the bottom of the fifth on a B.J. Lopez RBI groundout and two more in the sixth on a single by Cornelius Randolph to make it 6-0. Tapani closed out the shutout with three strikeouts in the ninth.

The Cougars welcome the Winnipeg Goldeyes for a three-game series beginning Friday night. Right-hander Alex Manasa (0-1, 3.60) will go against Cougars' left-hander Koby Bishop (0-0, 8.59), and first pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. For tickets call 630-232-8811 or visit kccougars.com/tickets.

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American Association Stories from June 9, 2022


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