Snappers stun Cougars in sensational nine-run comeback

The Beloit Snappers completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in team history as they rallied from a nine-run deficit to beat Kane County 12-11 Saturday night. 

Phil Pohl clinched the victory for Beloit with a two-out, walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning. The home run was Pohl's first of the season and seemed to be the only fitting way to end such a dramatic and eventful game. 

With Beloit trailing 9-0 midway through the sixth inning, the game was all but decided in Kane County's favor. The Snappers had just given up six runs in the top of the inning and had only registered one hit on the night, compared to the 14 hits for Kane County. 

A disastrous relief effort changed the game's narrative, however, as the Cougar bullpen gave up 12 runs in the final four innings of the game. 

The offensive outburst for the Snappers began with a Luis Baez grand slam that cemented the first realistic comeback thoughts of the night. After B.A. Vollmuth (1 hit in last 37 at-bats) connected with a 2-run single to put the Snappers on the board, Baez provided the exclamation point to cut the Cougar lead to 9-6. Pohl would add an RBI-groundout in the inning to bring the Snappers within two runs. 

The rally wasn't complete, however, and after Kane County produced a run in the eighth inning, the Snappers responded once again. 

Beloit began the inning by loading the bases with its first three batters but almost ended the inning before the final rally began. Melvin Mercedes grounded out into a double play, but BJ Boyd was able to reach home in the midst of the infield confusion to bring the score to 10-8.  

B.A. Vollmuth would once again come through clutch for the Snappers, as he scorched a two-run double down the left field line to tie the game at 10-10. Vollmuth's 2-run double was made possible by a double steal in his at-bat that sent runners to second and third base. 

One more piece of nifty baserunning gave the Snappers their first lead of the ballgame. Chih-Fang Pan was caught attempting to steal second base, which provided Vollmuth an opportunity to sneak home. Vollmuth was called safe on a controversial play at the plate and Beloit took a 11-10 lead heading into the ninth inning. 

The Snappers wouldn't end the game in mundane fashion, as they proceeded to blow the save opportunity in the top of the ninth inning. Carlos Penalver delivered an RBI-double down the left field line to tie the game at 11. Kane County's Jake Hannemann was ejected in the inning for pushing an umpire after he was called out trying to extend a double at second base. Kane County's manager Mark Johnson protested the call and was promptly ejected as well. 

The game appeared to be heading into extra innings with the Snappers down to their last out in the bottom of the ninth inning. Pohl capped the comeback off with his first home run of the season, a solo shot to left field to seal the 12-11 victory for Beloit. 

The win marks the fifth consecutive victory for Beloit over league-leading Kane County. 

Jen-Ho Tseng pitched a marvelous five innings for the Cougars (1 H, 0 ER, 8 SO's) before he exited the game. Matt Stalcup lasted five innings for the Snappers as well but gave up three earned runs on nine hits. 

Relievers for both teams gave up over five runs in relief without registering an out. Tyler Hollstegge replaced Stalcup and proceeded to give up five earned runs and no outs before being pulled. 

Alberto Diaz replaced Tseng in the sixth inning and gave up seven earned runs without recording an out. 

The Snappers will look to complete the sweep over Kane County Sunday at 2 p.m. at Pohlman Field.