Another one-run setback as Cougars fall to Kernels

The Kane County Cougars came up short Wednesday, suffering an 8-7 loss to the Cedar Rapids Kernels in front of 7,661 at Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva.

The Kernels (21-20) struck first, jumping out to a 2-0 lead to open the game. The Cougars (21-21) came right back after Yoel Yanqui hit an RBI double and then scored from second and an errant pick off throw to make it 2-2.

After a solo homer by Shane Carrier gave Cedar Rapids a 5-3 lead, Carrier notched a two-run single in the fifth for a 7-3 advantage.

The Cougars closed the gap to 7-5 in the seventh on a Yanqui double, but a home run in the ninth made it 8-5 Kernels. The Cougars scored a pair in the ninth and had the tying run on base when Ernie De La Trinidad struck out to end the game.

Cougar starter Mack Lemieux (1-3) took the loss.

The Cougars' eight-game homestand continues Thursday afternoon with game four against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.