Winnipeg grabs series opener from Cougars

Winnipeg Goldeyes starter Landen Bourassa allowed just one run in a complete game performance, as the Kane County Cougars fell 3-1 in the series opener Monday night at Northwestern Medicine Field.

Bourassa (2-2) tossed his second complete game of the season to earn the victory for Winnipeg (15-14). The right-hander limited Kane County (16-13) to just five hits and notched 11 strikeouts with no walks.

Cougars claimed an early lead in the bottom of the second. With two outs, Simon Reid slashed a single through the right side. Ernny Ordoñez added another single through the right side to put runners at first and second. Harrison Smith continued the hit parade with a bloop single to score Reid and make it 1-0.

Winnipeg got on the board against Cougars starter Nick Belzer (3-1) in the top of the fourth. Max Murphy led off the frame with a double to left-center field. Two batters later, Roby Enriquez brought home Murphy with a double to right-center to tie the game 1-1.

In the top of the sixth, the Goldeyes grabbed the lead. With one out, Jake McMurray and Enriquez hit back-to-back singles before Gio Brusa drew a walk to load the bases. Andy Armstrong hit a line drive single to score two runs and give the Goldeyes a 3-1 advantage. From there, Bourassa kept the Cougars off the board to secure the victory for Winnipeg.

The Cougars continue the series with the Goldeyes on Tuesday night at Northwestern Medicine Field. Left-hander Travis Seabrooke (1-1, 1.80) takes the mound for Winnipeg against Westin Muir (3-2, 5.18) for the Cougars.