Cougars avoid sweep in Burlington

BURLINGTON, Iowa - The Kane County Cougars (25-35, 58-72) were able to salvage a win and avoid the sweep with a 2-1 victory over the Burlington Bees (32-28, 64-66) at Community Field Thursday.

Emilio Vargas (5-6) set the tone on the pitcher's mound as he tossed five shutout innings for the Cougars with only two hits allowed. Vargas was unable to top his 17 strikeout performance from his previous start, but still fanned six Bees. The Cougars' offense timed up their first run perfectly, as they tacked on a run in the top of the sixth.

Ramon Hernandez led off the inning with a double, moved to third base on an infield single from BJ Lopez and scored on Sergio Alcantara's RBI hit. Blake Smith (3-1) ended up suffering the loss after allowing the first run.

With a 1-0 advantage, the Cougar bullpen took over. Keegan Long retired the first eight Bees that he faced including a seven-pitch seventh inning. Long kept the Cougars in front 1-0 into the ninth inning when the offense was clutch once again.

Alcantara led off the frame with a single and advanced to second on Raymel Flores' bunt. With two outs, Fernery Ozuna slapped a single into right center field, putting the Cougars ahead 2-0.

Austin Mason was given the ball in the ninth inning in search of his second win in as many tries. Mason retired the first two hitters, but Jordan Serena smashed a solo shot over the left field wall on the first pitch that he saw. Mason still finished the ballgame with a fly ball off of the bat of Brennon Lund.

The Cougars return home to begin a four-game series against the Beloit Snappers.