Extra innings wild pitch paves victory for Cougars in Beloit
Scoring the go-ahead run on a wild pitch in the 10th inning, the Kane County Cougars (15-24, 48-61) claimed a series-opening win over the host Beloit Snappers (16-23, 48-60) by a 2-1 final. The Cougars held on to the victory by way of a Zach Nehrir outfield assist at home plate to prevent the Snappers from tying the game in extras.
Now on a three-game win streak, the Cougars have only scored a combined seven runs along the way. But the Cougars pitching during the streak has only surrendered four total runs protecting their spot as the top pitching team in the Midwest League.
With a quick start against right-hander Boomer Biegalski (6-6), lead off man Luis Basabe roped a double to past right-fielder Brett Siddall. With two-outs, Trevor Mitsui came through with a base hit RBI as the Cougars gained a 1-0 lead.
The Snappers evened the score with a run of their own in the third frame. Also finding two-out magic, Justin Higley's sharp line drive single plated designated hitter Michael Soto.
On the mound, the Cougars received a truly fantastic performance from right-hander Jose Almonte (0-3). After his lone blemish early, Almonte settled in for seven total innings on just three hits, one run, seven strikeouts and no walks. All of his totals were personal season lows except for his strikeout total, a season high.
In a mirrored effort, Biegalski finished his start brilliantly, managing seven total innings on just four hits and one run with six strikeouts and no free passes. With both starters executing quality starts, the game was pushed to extras.
In the 10th, the Cougars got on the board plating the go-ahead run on a wild pitch. To start the frame, Fernery Ozuna socked his eighth double of 2016 against right-handed side-armer, Nolan Blackwood (0-1). Three men later, Raymel Flores was at the plate when a wild pitch was sent to the backstop, allowing Ozuna to come home.
In a dramatic 10th inning with Austin Mason (3-0) on the slab, the Snappers put runners on the corners with just one out. On a shallow fly ball to right-center field, Nehrir made the catch and tossed home as Siddall was tagged out by catcher B.J. Lopez on a swipe and close play denying the Snappers the tie.
Mason collects the victory with three scoreless innings as Blackwood takes the loss in the 10th inning. Thursday, the Cougars play game two against the Snappers with a 7 p.m. first pitch. On the mound, right-hander Emilio Vargas (2-5, 4.54) duels the Snappers' righty Brendan Butler (1-1, 2.08 ERA).