Cougars Still Going

By Justin Gottschalk
MOUNTAINDALE — August 8, 2000 – The Catskill Cougars are still a game and a half behind division leading Elmira after going 1–3 for the extended weekend.
The Cougars played back-to-back nights in Quebec last Thursday and Friday, losing three games to Les Capitales. However, they did defeat the New Jersey Jackals on Sunday, keeping pace with the rest of the Northern League Eastern Conference South Division.
Thursday was a night of disappointment for Cougars, as they lost both games of a doubleheader by just one run. In game 1, Catskill put up three runs in the late innings, as all-star catcher Guye Senjem hit a solo shot in the fifth, and left fielder Nelson Abreu doubled in the seventh, scoring two.
But it was not enough. Every time Catskill scored, the Capitales struck back. The decisive blow came in the bottom of the seventh, when Quebec put up three runs to pull out the victory.
Senjem and Rafael Martinez had two hits apiece.
In the other half of the doubleheader, Catskill managed one more run than in the first half. But so did Quebec.
After the Cougars rallied for their four runs in the top of the second, Quebec methodically worked them down, scoring two in the bottom of the second as well as the third, and one more in the fifth, the game winner.
Martinez again had two hits while Ryan Pond and Nelson Abreau each doubled.
Friday was no better for the Cougars, as Quebec handily defeated them by a score of 5-1. All-star hurler John Challinor (6-3) was given the loss after allowing four runs, only two of them earned. On the other side, Quebec started Tony Bacci (6-3) went seven scoreless, holding Catskill to just two hits and registering eight strikeouts.
Saturday saw a much-needed reversal of fortune for the Cougars, who beat league-rival New Jersey 4-3 in 10 innings.
Catskill third baseman Gavin Fingleson celebrated his birthday by singling home the winning run in the top of the tenth. He finished the night 2-for-5 with an RBI. Reliever Aaron Dinkel (4–1) got the win, coming into the game in the seventh and holding the Jackals scoreless.
Sunday’s game with New Jersey was rained out and will be made up as part of a doubleheader on August 7. Results of the games were not available as of press time.
Catskill will host Quebec in a three-game series beginning tonight at 7:05 p.m. at Mountaindale’s Baxter Stadium.