Cougars continue hot streak
The Central McLean Cougars continued to build momentum during the final full week of June, earning a pair of hard-fought victories highlighted by a dramatic walk-off win over Washburn Post 12 and an extra-inning road triumph against Post 144 Knights.
The two victories showcased a team that has steadily improved in all phases of the game, something head coach Gryphon Mulkey believes has been the key to the Cougars’ recent success.
Central McLean opened the week Tuesday by rallying from an early four-run deficit to defeat Washburn 6-5 in walk-off fashion.
Washburn scored once in each of the first three innings and added another run in the fifth to build a 4-0 advantage before the Cougars finally found their offensive rhythm.
Central McLean answered with a three-run fourth inning to cut the deficit to one. The Cougars kept the pressure on in the fifth, scoring twice to move in front 5-4. Washburn tied the game with a run in the top of the seventh, but Central McLean delivered the final blow in the bottom half, scoring the winning run to complete the comeback.
The Cougars matched Washburn with eight hits despite committing three defensive errors.
Dawson Smith led the offense with a perfect 2-for-2 day at the plate, driving in a run while adding a walk. Ethan Hanson also had an outstanding afternoon, finishing 2-for-2 with an RBI.
Landon Saueressig contributed a hit, an RBI and a walk, while Cooper Kittler and Aiden Hanson each added singles. Jackson Blotter, Jayden Troyna, Jaxon Wagner and Chase Kinn all helped keep innings alive throughout the contest.
After Hanson started on the mound, Smith delivered an effective relief appearance that helped the Cougars complete the rally.