Cougars suffer power outage against RedHawks

The Kane County Cougars were held to just 2 runs on 4 hits Wednesday as the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks claimed a 5-2 victory at Northwestern Medicine Field.

In the top of the third inning, the RedHawks (13-4) jumped out to a 2-0 lead against Cougars (11-6) starter Ben Allison (2-2). After Darian Sandford drew a leadoff walk, Peter Maris homered over the right field fence. It was the second straight game with a home run for Maris.

Fargo-Moorhead scored via the long ball once again in the top of the sixth. Following a single by Leobaldo Piña, John Silviano went yard over the left-center field fence to make it 4-0.

The Cougars cut into the Redhawks' lead in the bottom of the sixth against Fargo starter Sebastian Kessay (2-0). After Cornelius Randolph led off the frame with a walk, Sherman Johnson crushed a 2-run homer to right. Johnson has now driven in 5 runs over the last two games.

Kessay earned the win and a quality start, as he allowed 2 runs across 6 innings on 2 hits, while striking out 6 against 2 walks.

Following Johnson's home run, the RedHawks struck back in the top of the eighth. Drew Ward doubled to lead off the frame before two walks issued by Danny Taggart loaded the bases. Then, Sam Dexter grounded into a fielder's choice to score Ward and make it 5-2.

After Kessay departed, Luke Lind, Davis Feldman, Alex DuBord combined to shutout the Cougars over the final three innings. DuBord earned his league-leading eighth save with a perfect ninth inning.