Lincoln stops Kane County Cougars

The Kane County Cougars (9-5) were held in check for much of Saturday night as the Lincoln Saltdogs (5-10) earned a 5-2 victory at Northwestern Medicine Field to even the series at one game apiece.

Lincoln struck first in the opening inning against Vin Timpanelli (1-2). After loading the bases with two outs, Connor Bagnieski lined a two-run single into right field to give the Saltdogs an early 2-0 advantage.

The Saltdogs added to their lead in the third. Tanner O'Tremba singled with two outs before Bagnieski ripped an RBI double down the right-field line. Nick Shumpert followed with a run-scoring single, extending the lead to 4-0.

Despite the early damage, Timpanelli settled in and kept the Cougars within striking distance. The right-hander worked six innings, allowing four runs while repeatedly escaping traffic. Zach Veen followed with two scoreless relief innings, stranding runners in both the seventh and eighth.