GENEVA, Il. – After starting their season by winning five straight series, the Kane County Cougars have now dropped consecutive sets following Sunday's 7-0 loss against the Dayton Dragons in front of 6,043 fans at Elfstrom Stadium. The contest was a great pitching duel through six innings before the Dayton offense beat up the Cougars' bullpen in the late frames.

Cougars starter Craig Italiano and Dayton hurler Luis Montano matched each other through the first five innings. Italiano left a 0-0 game after the fifth, giving up four hits, walking two and fanning eight in what became a no-decision. Montano (4-0) departed after the sixth and yielded only one hit, walked none and also struck out eight. He ended up with a victory once the Dragons scored three times in the seventh versus Scott Moore.

The Cougars had chances in the late innings against the Dragons bullpen but never could manage a run. They had the bases loaded in the seventh against Jamie Arneson before an inning-ending double play and left the bags full in the eighth against Terrell Young. Dayton's Zack Cozart hit a grand slam in the top of the ninth off new Cougar Earl Oakes to make it 7-0, and Joseph Krebs, who finished the eighth when it was 3-0, notched his second save in as many games by logging the ninth.

The Cougars (16-6), who will have at least a share of first place in the Western Division when they begin play at 6 CT Monday night, continue their nine-game homestand against the Fort Wayne Wizards (9-14). Travis Banwart (2-0, 3.38) will face Geoff Vandel (0-0, 7.27).

5:45 PM (CDT) On-Deck Show, 6:00 First Pitch on WBIG Radio 1280-AM

Monday’s Starters
RHP Travis Banwart (2-0, 3.38)
Vs.
LHP Geoff Vandel (0-0, 7.27)

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