Cougars swept by Chiefs

Peoria - Strong defense from the Cougars (22-24) and brilliant middle relief from Keegan Long were not enough to claim a victory in the last game of the road trip as the Chiefs (24-22) won 4-3 from Dozer Park.

The Cougars finished the seven-game trip with just two wins and were swept by the Chiefs for the first time this season.

The Chiefs scored the games first 2 runs in the second inning against the Cougars' starter, right-hander, Bo Takahashi (1-1). Takahashi picked off a runner at second base, but the Chiefs responded with back-to-back base hits including a Dylan Becker RBI single. The second run scored on a bases loaded hit by pitch.

Takahashi was removed with 1 out in the second. finishing with 2 earned runs allowed on 4 hits, 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts.

The Cougars tied the game, 2-2, with a rally of their own in the top of the third against the Chiefs' starter, right-hander Ryan Helsley (3-1). The rally was capped off by a 2-RBI line drive to center by Zach Nehrir.

But the Cougars failed to capitalize in the fourth against Helsley when they had two runners in scoring position with no outs.

Keegan Long kept the Cougars in the ballgame with superior relief work. Usually a closer, Long tossed 3⅓ innings, giving up 1 hit with 2 strikeouts and a walk. Long exited after the fifth inning.

In the seventh, Edmundo Sosa had an RBI base hit, giving the Chiefs a 4-3 lead. Chris Chinea added to the Chiefs lead with an RBI base hit as Peoria went ahead 4-2.

The Cougars rallied the eighth inning when Zach Nehrir collected his second hit, and Joey Armstrong followed with an RBI base hit cutting the Chiefs lead to just one.

But Peoria was able to hold on as Luke Harrison tallied his second save of the season. Drew Muren was tagged with his first loss and Ryan Helsley got the win for the Chiefs.

The Cougars begin a 7-game homestand on Friday, Friday's first pitch against the Beloit Snappers is at 6:30 p.m. For tickets call 630-232-8811 or visit kccougars.com.