Loss ends Cougars’ season

Needing a win and some help to advance to the postseason, the Kane County Cougars were eliminated by the Peoria Chiefs after a 6-2 defeat on Monday afternoon at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in Geneva.

Neither club scored in the first three innings. Starter Mike Giovenco (5-3) of the Cougars (68-72, 34-36) did not allow a hit until the fourth inning when Pin-Chieh Chen tripled and scored on Dustin Geiger’s sacrifice fly.

In the fifth, Peoria (63-75, 28-41) extended their advantage when Chadd Krist and Tim Saunders singled and Yaniel Cabezas hit a 3-run homer.

Giovenco hit the next batter, Oliver Zapata, was ejected and Cole White came on in relief, Zapata scored on Zeke DeVoss’ sacrifice fly.

Trailing 5-0, the Cougars’ Kenny Swab hit a 2-run homer to left off Willengton Cruz (1-4).

The Cougars, who stranded a dozen baserunners, loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh — but Alex Llanos flew out to the warning track in deep left. In the eighth, Justin Trapp singled with two men on base, but Chris Elder was thrown out at home.