Cougars clinch playoff spot

For the 10th time in 18 seasons as a franchise and the fourth in six years as an Oakland Athletics affiliate, the Kane County Cougars have qualified for the postseason.

Their 3-1 win Wednesday night over the host Clinton LumberKings, coupled with the Beloit Snappers' loss, puts the Cougars in the Midwest League playoffs in September.

Scott Deal and Chad Kerfoot allowed 4 hits against the best offense in the league, and the Cougars never trailed.

Deal (4-2) allowed 1 run on 3 hits, walked two and struck out two over 5½ innings, and Kerfoot posted his third save with 3¿ innings of 1-hit relief with no walks and 4 strikeouts.

Flyers prevail: The Schaumburg Flyers defeated the Winnipeg Goldeyes 9-8 in Northern League action at Alexian Field.