Cougars hang on for eighth straight win

GENEVA - In the quickest game in 2015, the Kane County Cougars (8-1, 44-33) hung on for a 3-2 win over the Clinton LumberKings (3-6, 29-49) on Friday. The Cougars stretched their winning streak to eight games, including their 11th consecutive win at home. The team has also won 13 of its last 14 ballgames.

Clinging on to a 3-2 lead into the ninth, Zac Curtis took the mound in the fifth consecutive save situation for the Cougars. Arby Fields instantly became the potential tying run on the bases with a leadoff single. After Chris Mariscal was called out for running into the batted ball that he put down for a bunt, Chantz Mack doubled off the left field wall. Clinton had the potential tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position with only 1 out. Ildemaro Vargas made the play of the game when the Cougars shortstop gloved a quick grounder off the bat of Estarlyn Morales and fired home to retire Fields on a play at the plate. Curtis then induced a groundball off the bat of pinch hitter Pat Leyland to seal his league-leading 17th save of the season.

The Cougars scored 3 unanswered runs in the fourth and fifth innings that they coasted throughout the game. Michael Perez's RBI groundout first got the Cougars on the board. Chuck Taylor's sacrifice fly plated Henry Castillo and Cody Regis put the Cougars in front with an RBI single.