MWL1 Kane County Cougars

The Battle for First - All Cougars, they sweep

Published on May 2, 2003 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release


Geneva, IL - After a rainout on Thursday night, the Kane County Cougars (20-8) opened up their 8-game homestand, by sweeping a doubleheader from the Peoria Chiefs (16-11), 2-1 and 5-0. With two wins, the Cougars remain the best team in the Midwest League, and own a 3.5 game lead over the Chiefs.

Both starters for Kane County pitched complete games, and allowed just one run in 14 innings pitched. In game one, Drew Dickinson (4-1) hurled his second straight complete game, improving to 3-0 at Elfstrom Stadium.

"Outstanding starting pitching and timely hitting was the key to the sweep," said Cougars' manager Webster Garrison. "This is a great start, taking a doubleheader from the team right behind us," added Garrison.

Nelson Cruz, who blasted a game ending home run in the bottom of the seventh inning, aided Dickinson's win. The blast was the 7th home run of the season for Cruz (league leader), and came off losing pitcher, Miguel Martinez (2-2), who also pitched a complete game. Cruz was part of the first run by leading off the fifth with a double, and later scored a fielder's choice by Jason Basil.

In game two, Joe Blanton (2-3) ended a personal three-game losing streak, by shutting out the Chiefs on just one hit. Blanton, fanned a professional high 10, and faced one batter over the minimum. Travis Hanson had the only hit, a single with two outs in the fourth inning.

John Baker provided the game-winning RBI, with a first inning two out single.. In the third inning, Cruz drove in a run with a ground out, and Basil had the biggest hit of the game, delivering a two-run single. The Cougars and the Chiefs play game three of their series on Saturday - game time is 4:00 PM. Shane Komine RHP (4-0, 2.01) makes his sixth start of the season for Kane County. Donovan Graves RHP (1-1, 2..84) will be on the hill for the Peoria Chiefs.

3:45 PM Cougars On-Deck Show, 4:00 PM First Pitch on AM-1280 WBIG

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Midwest League Stories from May 2, 2003


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