Cougars score early, hold on for win

The Kane County Cougars scored 6 runs in the first three innings Saturday night at Beloit and made it hold up as they defeated the Snappers 6-5 at Pohlman FieldFor the second night in a row, the Cougars never trailed.They jumped on Andrei Lobanov (0-4) with 4 runs in the first inning. Murray Watts singled in Gerard Hall, Cheslor Cuthbert drilled a 2-run homer, and Ryan Jenkins hit a run-scoring single.After the Snappers answered with 2 in the bottom of the first, the Cougars managed a run in the second when Angel Franco scored on a double play. Beloit scored 1 more in the bottom of the second to make it 5-3.The Cougars#146; final run came in the third on a fielder#146;s choice by Geulin Beltre.Kane County starter Yordano Ventura lasted 3 innings and gave up 5 runs on 5 hits in a no-decision.Greg Billo (2-1) worked 6 shutout innings for the win. He has not allowed a run in his last 16 innings. All 4 hits he gave up Saturday were singles.