Mistakes cost Cougars in loss to River Bandits

GENEVA, Ill. - After a decisive fielding error in the sixth inning, the Kane County Cougars (9-6) dropped back-to-back games for the first time in the 2016 season to the Quad Cities River Bandits (6-10) by a score of 3-2 at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark Friday night.

With the game tied 1-1 in the sixth inning and Joel Payamps (0-2) on the mound, the River Bandits scored on a ball dropped by the pitcher covering the bag to take a one-run lead. The next swinger, Bobby Wernes, hit an RBI groundout to grace Quad Cities with a 3-1 advantage as both runs were unearned.

The Cougars attempted a comeback late, even plating a run in the seventh inning, but fell short on what could have been a major rally. With two men in scoring position, Galli Cribbs floated an RBI single to left field making it three consecutive hits with only one out. But with runners on the corners, Cribbs tried to steal second on a delayed break, and was thrown out, as Queliz could not advance home. The inning ended with only one run scored.

Earlier in the game, it was Cribbs who got the scoring started on a searing RBI double to give the Cougars an early 1-0 lead that they maintained until the River Bandits plated a run the next half inning. Cribbs finished the evening 3-for-4 with 2 RBI hitting ninth in the batting order. Five of the seven total Cougar hits came from spots 7-9 in the order.

Ryan Deemes (1-0) picks up the win for Quad Cities with a scoreless fifth frame. Payamps suffered the loss in four innings of work allowing two unearned runs. The save was credited to the River Bandits' Kevin McCanna (1).

The Cougars out hit the River Bandits, 7-3, marking the first game of eight in which the Cougars had more hits but failed to win the game.

The series continues on Saturday as Rogelio Armenteros (0-1, 2.08) will throw for Quad Cities against the Cougars' Taylor Clarke (1-1, 2.92). First pitch at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark is scheduled for 1 p.m.