Kane County Cougars get bats in gear to take series opener

With the help of seven unanswered runs, the Kane County Cougars (7-6) took the series opener from the Gary SouthShore RailCats (4-9) by a score of 9-6 on Thursday in Geneva.

The Cougars used 11 hits to score nine runs and take the league lead for runs scored this year (73).

Armond Upshaw had the biggest day at the plate for the Cougars, tying the game in the fourth inning with a 2-run double and giving the Cougars their first lead in the sixth inning with a 2-run single. It totaled a season-high 4 RBI for Upshaw in the game. Later in the sixth, Cornelius Randolph singled home two more runs to put the Cougars ahead 8-4.

Gary struck first with two runs in the third but created a 4-1 lead with two more runs in the fourth. All of the RailCats’ offense came on 2-run homers. Jose Contreras started the scoring with his first home run of the day in the third. Jackson Valera also went deep off Cougars starter Tommy Sommer in the fourth. Contreras added his second long ball of the night in the seventh off reliever CJ Carter (1-0).

The rest of the bullpen was perfect as Jordan Martinson worked a 1-2-3 eighth inning and Ryan Nutof finished his league-leading fourth save of the year. Gary starter Tai Tiedemann (1-1) suffered the loss.

The Cougars continue the holiday weekend series Friday. Right-hander Nick Blezer (1-0, 1.64) takes the mound against Gary pitcher Peyton Long (0-1, 10.80). First pitch at Northwestern Medicine Field is at 6:30 p.m. For tickets call (630) 232-8811 or visit kccougars.com.