Cougars fall 11-1 at Clinton

CLINTON, Iowa — Scott DeCecco worked 8 innings for the LumberKings and allowed just 1 run as the Kane County Cougars fell 11-1 on Sunday at Ashford University Field.

DeCecco (9-7), who has allowed just 3 earned runs in 18 innings against the Cougars (14-27, 44-63) this season, dominated over his 8 innings, giving up 2 hits and allowing just two runners to reach second base. The lefty did not walk a batter nor did he record a strikeout.

Tyler Skulina (2013 draft pick) made his Cougars debut and allowed 3 runs in his first inning. The first two baserunners reached in front of Dario Pizzano, who hit a 2-run triple.

Jordy Lara brought Pizzano in with an groundout to give the LumberKings (20-22, 53-58) a 3-0 lead. Skulina (0-1) lasted 2 innings, allowing 3 runs and walking two while striking out one.

It was a 3-run game entering the bottom of the seventh when the LumberKings scored 7 runs against Jose Rosario. Gabriel Guerrero started the barrage with a 2-run single. Martin Peguero followed with an RBI single of his own.

Ketel Marte’s triple then tacked on 2 more runs. Pizzano recorded his second 2-run triple of the game to cap the 7-run seventh that included 6 hits and 3 walks.

In the sixth, Jose Dore delivered the Cougars’ only offense with a double to score Oliver Zapata.

Rosario finished after 3 innings, allowing 7 runs, walking five and giving up 6 hits.

The Cougars and LumberKings play Game 3 of their four-game series Monday at 7 p.m. Right-hander Felix Pena (4-3) will start for the Cougars against lefty Tyler Pike (7-4).

The Cougars return home to Fifth Third Bank Ballpark on Wednesday to take on the Burlington Bees at 6:30 p.m.