By Staff
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Kane County Cougars came into South Bend and showed why they were the first half Western Division winner and are 20 games over .500 for the year.
The Cougars pitching shut down the South Bend offense, as the visitors rolled to a 5-2 win over the Silver Hawks Monday night at Coveleski Stadium.
Kane County starter Matt Lynch kept the Silver Hawks hitters off-balance all night. Lynch, 4-1 since joining the Cougars after being drafted in the 10th round out of Florida State in this year's draft, allowed just one run on eight hits over six innings. The lefty struck out six Silver Hawks while walking none.
On the other hand, Silver Hawks starter Jared Doyle was, for the most part, ineffective, as he repeatedly fell victim to two-out rallies by the Cougars.
Three of Kane County's five runs came with two outs in the inning. Doyle (10-7) gave up five runs on nine hits in 6 2/3 innings of work.
John McCurdy powered the Cougars offense, as the shortstop went 3-for-4 with three runs, a double and an RBI. Francis Gomez, Brian Stavisky and Jason Basil all finished the night with two hits apiece for the Cougars.
Jerry Gil, Sean Luellwitz, Neb Brown and Jeff Cook all had two hits apiece for the Hawks, but the South Bend offense was unable to come through in the clutch, stranding eight runners on base.
The Silver Hawks will return to action tonight at 8 p.m. (Michigan time) when they host the Kane County Cougars in the second game of a four-game set.
Tuesday is All Faiths Night with Pulse FM. Church groups receive a $2 ticket discount, and fans with their church bulletins receive the same discount as well. Tuesday is also Police, Fire and EMS Appreciation Night. All police, fire and EMS workers and their families receive free tickets for Tuesday's game.