Kane County Cougars drop playoff opener on walk-off walk

PEORIA - The Kane County Cougars fell 2-1 to the Peoria Chiefs on a bases-loaded walk in Wednesday night's Midwest League playoff opener at Dozer Park.

After the Cougars' bullpen denied the Peoria offense of a hit from the third through eighth innings, Brian O'Keefe doubled to begin the ninth. Ryan Burr struck out Alex DeLeon for the first out, but a balk allowed pinch runner Derek Gibson to move to third base.

The Cougars elected to intentionally walk both Nick Thompson and Steve Bean, trying their luck with Kenny Peoples-Walls. On a full count, People-Walls took a pitch that was low and inside to bring home Gibson with the winning run.

Kyle Grana earned the win after working a perfect top of the ninth.

Jack Flaherty worked 7 innings of 1-run baseball only allowing 5 hits, no walks and 6 strikeouts.

Ethan Elias gave up the first run in the opening inning as Harrison Bader doubled home Oscar Mercado. After that Elias stranded five runners, four in scoring position and struck out seven Chiefs.

The Cougars' starter was off the hook for the loss when the Cougars tied the game in the fifth.

After Dawel Lugo led off with a single, he moved to second on a flyball and a groundout, Victor Reyes' bouncer over the third baseman's head tied the game at 1-1.

The Cougars' bullpen allowed just one baserunner before until the ninth inning. Nick Baker pitched 2 scoreless innings, striking out four. Luis Ramirez and Jency Solis each worked a perfect inning. Cougars pitchers struck out 14.

Kane County looks to keep its season alive Thursday as they host Peoria for Game 2. Brad Keller (8-9, 2.60) goes for the Cougars against Peoria left-hander Austin Gomber (15-3, 2.67). First pitch from Fifth Third Bank Ballpark is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.