Cougars pop Kernels

The Kane County Cougars completed their first-half home schedule with a 28-7 record after defeating the Cedar Rapids Kernels 2-1 on Monday night in Midwest League action at Fifth Third Ballpark in Geneva.

The Cougars (43-21), who featured Cubs outfielder Ryan Sweeney (0-for-2, walk) in a rehab assignment, already had clinched the Western Division title and a playoff berth.

Trailing 1-0, the Cougars took the lead in the fourth when Jordan Hankins reached on a one-out walk. Jacob Rogers delivered an RBI double off the top of the wall and continued to third base on an error.

Two batters later, Daniel Lockhart hit a short fly to left-center on which Jason Kanzler made a diving catch. But Rogers scored what proved to be the winning run on the sacrifice fly.

Starter Jen-Ho Tseng worked 3 innings in his return from the disabled list. A trio of relievers combined to strike out 11 Kernels and allow only 1 hit. Winner Michael Heesch worked 2⅓ scoreless innings, James Pugliese added 2⅔ shutout innings, and Tyler Bremer finished off the ninth to earn his seventh save.

The Cougars hit the road to visit the Peoria Chiefs on Tuesday at 7 p.m. when they send Tyler Skulina (4-2, 2.93 ERA) against Chase Brookshire (1-3, 6.21).