Young Leads Kane County Cougars To Shutout Over Bees

Securing their first win streak of the second half, the Kane County Cougars (2-4) reeled in their 13th shutout of the season behind starter, southpaw Alex Young (3-1) in an afternoon game against the Burlington Bees (2-4) by a 2-0 score.

Young logged a season high seven innings in a quality start that saw the Cougars score single runs in the fourth and fifth innings. With both a run and RBI, Zach Nehrir's offensive prowess was enough to guide the Cougars to the victory.

As expected, this game was a pitcher's duel. With both hurlers racking up quick outs, the Cougars solved the Bees righty Jared Ruxer (3-2) in the fourth inning.

The main sparkplug was Zach Nehrir. After reaching on a walk, he stole third and Austin Byler sent him home on an infield hit. With two men on in the fifth, Nehrir socked a single to left field scoring another run.

Two runs were plenty for Young. He lasted a season-high seven shutout frames with just 4 hits allowed. Young also struck out six and walked one. In only one inning did Young allow consecutive batters to reach base.

It was the first time this season that Cougar starting pitchers have tossed back-to-back quality starts of seven innings or more. Justin Donatella logged seven and one-third innings on two runs in the Cougars 3-2 win on Monday.

The Bees attempted a comeback in the eighth inning against the Cougars' Keegan Long (0-1). Burlington's Jake Yacinich reached on a throwing error to second with one out. Michael Hermosillo hit a hot shot stopped by Raymel Flores on a diving attempt saving a run.

Alex Young picked up the victory as Ruxer took his first loss since April and Julio Perez (1) tossed a scoreless ninth for his first save. Wednesday, the Cougars play game three with the Bees at 6:30 p.m. On the mound for the Cougars, right-hander Sam McWilliams (0-0, 2.08 ERA) takes the ball eyeing his first win. Burlington starts right-hander Joe Gatto (3-8, 7.03 ERA).