Cougars blast Bees 10-1

BURLINGTON, IA. - Playing the Burlington Bees (13-20) for the first time in 2016, the Cougars (18-15) plated a season-high 10 runs on 14 hits to win their fourth straight series opener, 10-3.

In the middle of a seven-game road trip, the Cougars scored 1 or more runs in the first six innings in support, left-hander starter Cody Reed (3-1). Reed pitched 5⅓ innings with just 1 run allowed and 5 strikeouts, outdueling the Angels second-ranked pitching prospect, right-hander Joe Gatto.

Reed has now struck out 36 batters in 28 innings this season, which leads the Cougars. He has won his last three starts dating back to April 30,

The Cougars scored early and often, highlighted by a 3-run home run by Eduardo de Oleo. It was his first home run of the season and it put the Cougars up 5-1 after the third inning.

The Cougars scored 3 more runs in the fourth, starting with a ground-rule RBI double from Jose Queliz.

All but two batters in the starting lineup had at least a hit for the Cougars. The first two hitters of the order, Jason Morozowski and Galli Cribbs, each had 3 hits and scored 3 runs.

The Cougars have 7-game win streak against the Bees that dates back to June 29, 2015.

Cody Reed picked up the victory and Joe Gatto (0-4) suffered the loss.

Looking for their third win of the weeklong road trip, the Cougars send right-hander Carlos Hernandez (2-2) to the mound to face Burlington's right-hander Jaime Barria (3-1). First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. with the pregame coverage starting at 6:15 p.m. on AM 1280 WBIG and kccougars.com.