Cougars’ sweep bid comes up short

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Kane County Cougars were shooting for a sweep, but the Cedar Rapis Kernels spoiled those plans.

The Cougars, who have won three series in a row including the first two games of each, came up short 3-1 Thursday afternoon at Veterans Memorial.

The Cougars struck for their first and only run in the second inning on an RBI double by Yowill Espinal. The Cougars had 3 hits, 5 walks and 2 hit batsmen but stranded eight runners.

Starter Leondy Perez (1-5) suffered the loss despite tossing his fourth straight quality start. He gave up 2 runs in the second and another in the third in a 6-inning effort, allowing 7 hits with 5 strikeouts and no walks. Reliever Mitch Hodge worked 2 scoreless innings.

Kernels starter Max Russell (4-2), the reigning Midwest League pitcher of the week, got the win. His stint of 7⅔ innings was the longest against the Cougars this season. Dakota Robinson notched his fourth save.

The Cougars (15-26) continue their 10-game road swing today at 6:30 p.m. against the Beloit Snappers.