Brown's 2 homers lead Cougars

Corey Brown was the hero in the Kane County Cougars' walkoff victory against the South Bend Silver Hawks on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the Cougars' center fielder was the standout again -- this time, he did it when he scored three times and hit a pair of home runs in an 8-5 win over the Silver Hawks at Elfstrom Stadium.

"He plays the game hard," Cougars manager Aaron Nieckula said. "When you play the game hard, play the game the right way, things are going to go your way. He's one of those guys. He's a go-to guy."

Said Brown: "I struck out twice today, but I was able to come back and get 2 home runs, so that was good. It's a good feeling knowing I helped out the team to get the 'W.' "

The Cougars (12-1) started the game with 3 runs in the first, led by Todd Johnson's RBI single. The Silver Hawks, however, responded with 2 runs in the second.

Brown's solo homer allowed the Cougars to take a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the second, only to have the Silver Hawks (2-12) take the lead for the first time after 3 runs in the fourth.

Matt Ray's RBI tied the game at 5-5, and the Cougars got the lead back after Johnson's run-scoring double. Another insurance run came across in the fifth on Jonathan Johnston's RBI single.

On the mound, starter Travis Banwart had a no-decision despite striking out seven and allowing a pair of walks. The bullpen, led by winner Nick Walters, combined for 5 innings, allowing 4 hits, no runs, 1 walk and 6 strikeouts.