Kane County Cougars Lost 1-0 to Great Lakes Loons - A, Midwest League

MLN - THE RAW FEED - www.mlntherawfeed.com – MIDLAND , MI – The Kane County had plenty of chances to score Tuesday night against the Great Lakes Loons, but they never managed a run, losing 1-0 while stranding a season-high 14 runners in front of 2,156 at Dow Diamond. Starter Travis Banwart gave up an unearned run and pitched a quality start but got saddled with a hard-luck loss.

The game's only run came against Banwart (2-1) in the third, as Pedro Baez reached on an error by Christian Vitters and scored on another error following a bunt single, giving the Loons the 1-0 lead. Banwart yielded just four hits -- all singles -- and walked none while striking out six in the defeat. Leonardo Espinal posted a scoreless eighth in his stead.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Cougars left the bases loaded twice during the game, and stranded two men on three different occasions, including in the ninth when they loaded the bags against closer Miguel Ramirez before a game-ending 5-2 double play finished the night. Matt Smith and Michael Richard each reached base safely three times, and Todd Johnson and Vitters each had two hits. Bobby Blevins (2-1) notched the win, and Ramirez posted his sixth save for the Loons.

The Cougars (15-3), who have not lost a series in five tries this year, try to claim the rubber game Wednesday night at 6:05 CT when Jamie Richmond (1-0, 6.00) faces Steven Johnson (1-0, 1.72) of Great Lakes (10-8).

If you like the daily news of the Raw Feed, SUBSCRIBE TODAY to the nation's only alternative professional sports magazine, SZ, with original features and great action photography in baseball, hockey, basketball, and football. Just $11.99 per year for an e-zine like youʼve never seen!