Cougars Comeback Falls Short in Loss to Dogs
GENEVA, Ill. – Despite falling behind starting with the third batter of the game, the Kane County Cougars (44-53) fought until the final strike against the Chicago Dogs (61-38) who held onto an 8-7 win Saturday night from Northwestern Medicine Field. With the win, the Dogs drop their magic number down to one game with two regular season games remaining.
The ballgame started with awkward timing and it cost the Cougars’ starter Marty Anderson (0-2). After the national anthem, Anderson started warming up to begin the game, but the rain began as well. Before the game could start, the tarp was pulled out and a 20 minute rain delay ensued. After the short delay, Anderson took the mound once again and coughed up five straight hits to the Dogs offense. After allowing a 4-0 lead, Anderson retired the next seven batters.
The Dogs didn’t find the scoreboard again until the 4th inning on a two-run hit from Danny Mars, his second of the night.
The Cougars trailed 7-0 by the 4th, but they stayed resilient. Gavin LaValley doubled home Nick Anderson to give the Cougars their first run. Then they put up a five-run 6th inning to get within on. Tony Rosselli doubled home Anderson and three batters later, Brandon Chinea singled home Rosselli. Tony Garcia’s first hit as a Cougar knocked starter John Baker (4-3) out of the ballgame. Gerardo Ramirez took the mound and hit by pitch and two walks, all with the bases loaded to bring the Cougars within one run.
Joey Terdoslavich’s first home run as a Dog put Chicago back up by two runs, as he took Christian De Leon deep in the 7th. The Cougars again got within one run on Rosselli’s RBI fielder’s choice in the 8th, but couldn’t bring home the final run.
In the 9th, the Cougars once again threatened as Nick Conti walked and Tyler Friis singled, but Jeff Kinley nailed down his 18th save with five outs.
Once again, the Cougars look to prevent the Dogs from celebrating a division championship on Sunday.
Chicago’s Jordan Kipper (11-3, 4.56) takes the mound against the Cougars’ lefty Josh Tols (4-7, 4.19). First pitch from Northwestern Medicine Field is at 6:30 p.m. Gates will open at 4:30 for a pregame concert. Tickets call 630-232-8811 or visit kccougars.com/tickets.
by Joe Brand, Kane County Cougars
