Cougars fall in extras

CLINTON, Iowa - The Kane County Cougars (28-24, 67-52) fell Wednesday to the Clinton LumberKings (22-30, 53-66) in extra innings by a score of 5-4 at Ashford University Field.

For the third consecutive day, the Cougars scored first in the contest as they plated four runs in the top of the second. After a leadoff single from Eudy Ramos, Jose Herrera belted a two-run homer in his first game back from the disabled list since June 11th. Yan Sanchez later scored Luis Silverio with a RBI double, while a Clinton error brought home Sanchez.

Cougars starter Emilio Vargas held that lead for seven strong innings with no walks and six strikeouts, but Clinton chipped away with two runs in the third inning and one run in the fifth.

The LumberKings tied the contest in the bottom of the eighth with Cougar left-hander Anfernee Benitez on the mound, as Jhombeyker Morales doubled home Joe Rizzo.

The Cougars offense had a difficult time scoring against the Clinton pitching staff as they combined for only four hits after the second inning, with no base runners reaching scoring position.

Trevor Simms (3-2) took over in the bottom of the 10th and Clinton started a rally with a Johnny Slater leadoff double. After Yojhan Quevedo reached on an infield single, the Cougars chose to walk Nick Zammarelli to face Morales. The Clinton second baseman collected his fourth hit of the day with a game-winning single up the middle for a 5-4 win.

The Cougars will look to even up the series in the finale Thursday evening. Connor Grey (1-1, 3.71) takes the mound for the Cougars against Clinton's Ljay Newsome (7-8, 4.47). First pitch from Ashford University Field is at 6:30 p.m.