Kane County Cougars win rain-shortened series finale

PEORIA - The weather in Peoria played into the Kane County Cougars' (3-1, 39-33) favor in the series finale as a timely 3-run fourth inning was enough to beat the Peoria Chiefs (1-3, 34-38) in a shortened five-inning ballgame for a 3-0 win on Sunday at Dozer Park.

The Cougars offense took advantage of a leadoff walk by Daniel Poncedeleon (6-2) when Marty Herum plated Ildemaro Vargas for the first run of the game in the top of the fourth. The Cougars continued with 3 more base hits, receiving RBI singles from Michael Perez and Henry Castillo.

Both starters stayed in the game after the first rain delay, including Ethan Elias (7-3) who now leads the Cougars in wins. Despite a long break from the second to third inning, the Cougar right-hander went on to toss five scoreless frames for technically a complete game shutout. The Cougar pitcher also tied a season high with 7 strikeouts.

After retiring the side in order in the bottom of the fifth, the game went into another rain delay due to thunderstorms and was eventually called.

The Cougars continue their road trip in Burlington. Monday begins a three-game series against the Bees at Community Field.