Payamps' quality starts aid Cougars to win

Joel Payamps notched a quality start as the Cougars (24-25) used three runs in the third inning to boost past the Beloit Snappers (24-25) 4-2.

Trevor Mitsui had a big night at the plate for the Cougars going 2-for-3 with an RBI.

It appeared the Cougars would score first on a sacrifice fly in the first inning. Leadoff man, Jason Morozowski, reached on a throwing error and advanced to third with one out. After tagging up on a fly ball, the throw from left was late, but on appeal, and a subsequent Snapper throw to third, it was ruled that Morozowski left the base too early keeping the game scoreless.

Beloit got on the board first in support of their starter, right-hander Angel Duno (3-3) with a third inning solo home run to Brett Siddall, his first of the season. It was also Joel Payamps' first home run allowed of 2016.

Similar to Saturday night's contest, the Cougars had a quick retort. The Cougars scored three runs in the home half of the third inning helped by two Snapper errors.

Sergio Alcantara started the frame with a base hit, as the next batter Jeff Smith also reached on a throwing error, and Jason Morozowski got the Cougars on the board with a sacrifice fly. Two more runs scored an RBI from Trevor Mitsui and an error by Beloit second baseman, Jesus Lopez.

Presented with a 3-1 lead, the Cougars Joel Payamps (2-3) was ultraefficient. He gave up one more run in the seventh, but exited with a quality start, the Cougars 16th this season.

The Cougars added another run in the eighth inning after a leadoff Trevor Mitsui double and follow up RBI single for Grant Heyman.

In total, starter Joel Payamps went six and two-thirds innings on six hits, two runs, and seven strikeouts with no walks earning the win. Beloit's Angel Duno (3-3) also notched a quality start in the loss, with Cameron Gann earning his league-leading ninth save.