The Cougars finally got to play some defense on an actual infield and they got to see some live pitching too, but it required a trip to DuQuoin to play the Indians in a pair of season-opening games to do it.

 

With the recent poor weather conditions relegating the Cougar practice sessions to the gym or the outfield grass, it was nice to finally "take the field" to see what they could do.

 

The schedule called for a three-way round-robin with DuQuoin and Dieterich at Kinmundy's Lions Field, but when wet grounds prevented that from happening, the Cougars jumped at the chance to play when DuQuoin offered to host a doubleheader at their field.

 

In game one, the offense mustered only two hits and the defense showed there were still a few kinks to work out as they fell to the Indians 6-0.

 

Tanner Bushue took the loss as he started and pitched 3 2/3 innings allowing all six runs (four earned) on 4 hits, 4 walks, and 8 strikeouts.

 

Luke Smith and Zac Cain had the only hits for the Cougars as each rapped out a single in three trips to the plate.

 

In game two, the Cougars came out on top by a score of 3-1 as Lance Schneider took "player of the game" honors when he allowed just 3 hits, no walks, and 8 strikeouts in a complete-game pitching performance.

 

Although they stranded thirteen baserunners, the Cougar offense did a little better this time around as six different players found the hit column.

 

Bushue led the way with a run-scoring double and Shea Burton chipped in with an RBI single.

 

The Cougars return to action on Monday when they travel to Altamont to battle the Indians at 4:30PM.

 

 

 

SC at DuQuoin.....Won    3-1