Cougars fall to Snappers in series opener

The Beloit Snappers (7-5) didn't let the fact that the Kane County Cougars (7-4) entered tonight's game in first place intimidate them as they took game one of the series by a score of 6-1 on Monday night at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in Geneva.

After two innings of scoreless baseball, the Snappers offense took over as Steven Pallares and Trace Loehr recorded back to back singles to put two runners on for Brett Siddall. His line drive double to right cleared the bases to make it 2-0, chasing Cougars starter Taylor Clarke (1-1) from the mound.

The Cougars pitching staff held the Snappers offense at bay for two innings before they added to their lead in the top of the sixth. Justin Higley started things off with a line drive double to center. It was 6-0 before the inning was over off a run-scoring single from Trace Loehr and back-to-back RBI doubles from Skye Bolt and Brett Siddall.

Kane County avoided the shutout in the bottom of the ninth off an RBI double from Trevor Mitsui.

Cougars' starter Taylor Clarke (1-1) suffered his first loss of the season giving up three runs on five hits with three strikeouts. Tonight's runs were the first Clark has given up since his first start of the season back on Opening Night, April 7, against the Clinton LumberKings.

While Evan Manarino got the start for Beloit, it was James Naile (1-2) who picked up the win pitching four innings in relief, giving up two hits with five strikeouts.

The Cougars and Snappers return to action tomorrow afternoon. Tuesday's matchup will feature right-hander Angel Duno (0-0, 2.00) for Beloit against the Cougars Alex Young (0-0, 2.00). First pitch from Fifth Third Bank Ballpark is scheduled for 12 p.m.