7th inning sinks Cougars in 12-4 loss
CLINTON, Iowa — A 6-run seventh broke open the game for a second straight night as the Cougars fell 12-4 against the LumberKings on Monday night at Ashford University Field.
In the first the Cougars (14-28, 44-64) struck first when Jeimer Candelario clubbed a solo home run. David Holman (W, 2-6), in a spot start for the LumberKings (21-22, 54-58), would allow just 1 more hit over his next 4 innings.
Felix Pena (L, 4-4) surrendered the lead in the second inning. Three consecutive singles loaded the bases for Ketel Marte, who lined a 2-run single to center field.
In the third, D.J. Peterson smacked a solo home run. With two outs in the fourth, Dario Pizzano extended the lead by ripping a 3-run blast.
Two errors allowed a Cougars run to score in the seventh before the LumberKings blew open the game.
After the Cougars allowed 7 runs in the seventh Sunday, Pena began the seventh inning Monday with a walk and a single before leaving the game with what appeared to be a leg injury.
Nathan Dorris entered and walked three batters, gave up 3 hits and tossed a wild pitch. The lefty allowed two inherited runners to score and was charged with 4 runs of his own.
Pena finished his night after allowing 10 hits and 8 runs over 6-plus innings. Dorris tossed a scoreless ninth to complete his night.
The Cougars scored 2 runs in the ninth on a wild pitch and an RBI double by Carlos Escobar.
The Cougars go for the series split against the LumberKings in the finale of this four-game series Tuesday at 7 p.m. from Ashford University Field. Right-hander Taylor Scott (4-6) will start for the Cougars against righty Charles Kaalekahi (5-3).
The Cougars return home to Fifth Third Bank Ballpark on Wednesday to take on the Burlington Bees at 6:30 p.m.