The Cougars picked up a key conference victory over North Clay, grabbed a another victory over Altamont, and finished in a tie with Neoga in the first three days of week three.

 

On Monday, the Cougars struggled defensively and with the bats, but managed to claw their way to a 9-9 tie in a rain-shortened game with Neoga.

 

With lightining in the western sky and an impending storm on its way, they scored four times in the bottom of the sixth on an Isaac Grapperhaus two-run double and a two-run homer off the bat of Dylan Sill to knot the score.

 

Before the next batter could take his place in the box, heavy rains drenched the field and halted play washing out the remainder of the game.

 

Dylan Sill got a no decision as he went the distance allowing 4 earned runs, on 6 hits, 6 walks, and 5 strikeouts.

 

Leading the way offensively were Grapperhaus and Sill with two hits and two RBI's.

 

On Tuesday, Tanner Bushue ran his record to 2-0 with a complete-game one-hitter as he struck out 17 hitters in the 7-0 win over North Clay. The victory kept the Cougars undefeated in conference play with a 5-0 record.

 

Offensively, the Cougars were led by Ryan Gesell's two hits and two RBI's. Kyle Monical also chipped in with a single and an RBI and Justin Armstrong and Bushue both doubled.

 

On Wednesday, the Cougars faced the Altamont Indians for the second time in five days and came out on the winning end again with a  5-0 victory.

 

Derek Harmeier pitched a complete game to earn his second win of the season allowing no runs on 7 hits, no walks, and 4 strikeouts.

 

The Cougar bats were pretty quiet in this one as they only mustered four hits, but were able to take advantage of six walks and several pass balls to pace the offense.

 

Gesell again led the way with a single and two RBI's while Ian King added a single and one RBI.

 

The Cougars are back in action on Friday when they host Cisne in anothe key conference matchup at 7:00 PM.