Latest loss ends Cougars' playoff chances

Succumbing to the home run ball, the Kane County Cougars (25-37, 58-74) dropped a 5-2 decision at the hands of the Beloit Snappers (25-37, 57-74). The Snappers hit 3 home runs, two of which came from outfielder Skye Bolt. The Cougars are now down two games in the series, with a chance only to salvage a series split. The Cougars are now officially eliminated from playoff contention.

With righty Sam McWilliams (2-6) on the mound, the Snappers' Trace Loehr led off, roping the game's first pitch with a double to the right-center gap. Two batters later, Trent Gilbert's opposite field single scored a run making it 1-0 Beloit after the first frame.

The Cougars fought back with a sucker punch of their own. Gerard Hernandez lofted a home run on to the patio deck in left field, his fifth of the season. It was Hernandez's first solo home run of the season, tying the game at one a piece.

Catching the home run fever, the Snappers scored 4 unanswered runs. McWilliams gave up a fourth inning solo blast to Bolt, followed by a monstrous 2-run shot to deep right by Brett Siddall. After the fifth, McWilliams was removed after allowing 4 runs on 9 hits. Mason McCullough took over in the sixth, but Bolt got to him too, adding his second home run of the game to make it 5- 1 Snappers.

With just one run against righty starter Angel Duno (7-6) after 5 innings, the Cougars put up a rally in the eighth. After drawing a walk, Frank Christy advanced to second and scored on a Ramon Hernandez RBI-hit.

But the Cougars could not figure out side-armer Nolan Blackwood (1) who notched his first save in his third attempt. Duno picked up the win and McWilliams suffered the defeat.