Early runs pave way for gritty Cougars win
In a nail-biting home stand opener, the Kane County Cougars (16-16, 55-44) survive back in Western Division play with a 3-2 win over the visiting Beloit Snappers (17-14, 50-50). The Cougars scored all the runs they needed in the first three innings, rolling behind a strong start from right-hander Emilio Vargas (4-4) and a solid bullpen effort. The Cougars stopped the Snappers in an eventful ninth, as the visitors stranded the bases loaded.
In a strong offensive start, the Cougars were on the board in the first innings against losing righty Matt Milburn (6-8). After three straight hits from Anfernee Grier, Marcus Wilson, and Ramon Hernandez, Seth Spivey's fielder's choice grounder allowed Grier to score.
Tacking on more hits and runs, the Cougars posted a two-run frame in the third. On another trio of knocks, Grier started the rally with a single. He then swiped his team-leading 23rd base, and Wilson drove him in with a single RBI. Two batters later, Spivey notched his second RBI of the game on a scorching double to the right-center gap. After three innings, the Cougars led 3-0.
With the eventual winner Vargas tossing a gem early, the Snappers put a dent in the deficit in the fourth. In his first league home run, Josh Vidales took Vargas yard to right field for a solo blast. Vargas settled down in the inning, retiring the next three batters he faced.
But the Snappers emerged again hungry for offense in the away half of the fifth. With two aboard, Luke Persico reeled in his third hit of the night for an RBI single to right field. Vargas was able to prevent the go-ahead runs from scoring on the bases to preserve a Cougars lead.
In protection of the lead, the Cougars received scoreless bullpen work from right-handers Tyler Mark (3-2) and Trevor Simms (1-1). The pair failed to allow a single hit in three smooth innings.
In the ninth, the Cougars brought on right-hander Jake Winston (1-1). Winston retired the first two batters he faced, but then allowed back-to-back singles to Eric Marinez and Jesus Lopez, before walking Mike Marin to load the bases. On came southpaw Junior Garcia (2), who notched the save. In a lengthy at-bat with Trace Loehr, Garcia struck him out after starting the count 3-0 to strand the bases loaded.
The Cougars and Snappers meet for game two of the series on Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. On the mound for the Cougars, right-hander Ryan Atkinson (2-5, 3.34 ERA) duels righty Xavier Altamirano (6-2, 3.06 ERA).