Cougars fall 3-1 to Bowling Green

Despite outhitting the visiting Bowling Green Hot Rods, the Kane County Cougars (26-27) dropped the series opener 3-1 on Wednesday night at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark.

The Cougars again received strong pitching from their starter. Ethan Elias (5-2) worked 7 innings of 2-run baseball for his second quality start of the season. Elias served up a run in the third and fifth innings but stranded three.

After Bowling Green took its first lead in the third, the Cougars quickly answered. With two outs and Ildemaro Vargas at first base, Cody Regis blooped an RBI single into shallow left field for a 1-1 tie.

The third-inning score was the only time the Cougars scored, making it just 1 run for the offense in the last 18 innings.

The Hot Rods retook the lead against Elias with another run in the fifth. After both teams went to their bullpens, Bowling Green scored an insurance run in the ninth.

Chris Pike (6-1) walked five batters in 5 innings but was only touched for 1 run as he picked up the victory. Ryan Pennell picked up the hold, and Kyle Bird notched his sixth save.

The series between the Cougars and Hot Rods continues Thursday. Brad Keller (2-5, 2.67) will take the mound for the Cougars against Bowling Green's Enderson Franco (0-1, 3.60). First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark.