Cougars comeback falls short against Chiefs

Cougars starting pitcher, right-hander Tyler Mark (0-2), allowed 4 runs in the first inning and the Cougars (19-18) late comeback fell a run short as the Peoria Chiefs (19-18) took Game 1 of the three-game series at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark, 4-3. The Chiefs scored 4 runs in the first inning and also stole 4 bases on 4 hits.

Down 4-0, the Cougars could not score against the hard-throwing Sandy Alcantara until the sixth inning. Josh Anderson scored on a throwing error making it 4-1 Chiefs.

Receiving excellent bullpen work from Gabe Speier and Mason McCullough, the Cougars forced Alcantara out of the game in the 8th, and plated 2 more runs.

Jason Morozowski hit the ball the other way for an RBI groundout, and with 2 outs, Galli Cribbs knocked a base hit up the middle to score another run, as the Cougars cut the Chiefs lead to 4-3.

But the Cougars could not find a way to figure out the Chiefs closer, right-hander Luke Harrison, who shut down the Cougars in the final inning.

With the loss, Tyler Mark took his first home defeat. Sandy Alcantara (4-2) picked up the victory for Peoria. Luke Harrison got the save.

The Cougars play again at home at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Game 2 against the Chiefs.