One more to go for the Kane County Cougars.
Right-fielder Alex Melconian lined a first-inning grand slam Tuesday night to lead the Cougars to a 9-2 victory over Lansing for a 2-1 lead in the Midwest League championship series.
A win in Wednesday’s 6 p.m. game at Geneva’s Elfstrom Stadium will give Kane County its first title in the franchise’s seven-year history.
Melconian, acquired by the Cougars from Utica (N.Y.) two weeks ago, rocked Lugnut starter Allen Sanders with two out in the first to give the Cougars to an early 4-0 lead.
“I knew I hit it hard,” said the 22-year-old right-fielder. “But I didn’t think it was going to go out. I was pretty shocked when I looked up and the umpire was (signaling) home run.”
Starting pitcher Aaron Cames (9-10), who threw a no-hitter Aug. 24, worked through seven sometimes rocky innings. He gave up two runs on nine hits, struck out three and walked one.
Kane County added two runs in the sixth as catcher Ryan Robertson blasted a solo home run and shortstop Joe Aversa followed with an RBI single.
The Cougars added three more runs in the eighth, including a leadoff homer by first baseman Jason Garrett.
