by Claudio Finol’s two run home run to deep center field keyed a six run sixth inning as the Kane County Cougars etched their names in the baseball history books, defeating The Mexican League Champions Diablos Rojos del México 7-3 in the Finals of the 2026 Baseball Champions League at Alfredo Harp Stadium.
“The players showed up every day here. They were not intimidated playing the Diablos in their home park with a raucous crowd,” said Kane County Manager George Tsamis. “We walk away champions and we couldn’t be more proud to bring this Baseball Champions League title back to Kane County and the American Association.”
The Cougars grabbed an early 1-0 first inning lead on a Dillon Thomas home run, but Mexico City tied the game at 1-1 when Bryan Antonio Roque Gonazlez went deep against KC’s Konnor Ash. That set the stage for Kane County’s six run outburst in the bottom of the sixth, which began with a Josh Allen leadoff double, a Thomas RBI single, a run scoring single by Josh Rehwaldt, and then after two outs, the Finol dinger that broke the game open.
Ash allowed a run on just five hits in 4 2/3 innings and got great support from five relievers, with Jake Gozzo closing the game with a 1-2-3 ninth.
The Cougars advanced to the championship in thrilling fashion Saturday, riding Jabari Henry’s three run eighth inning homer to a 9-7 victory over Los Dantos de Managua of Nicaragua on Saturday.
Kane County went 6-0 in the series, 4-0 in round robin play before sweeping the weekend, becoming the first American Association Club to run the table in the BCS.
“I could not be prouder of what Kane County accomplished here in Mexico this week,” said American Association Commissioner Josh Schaub. “It shows not just the quality of play we have and the high level coaching and the dedication of ownership, but it shows the commitment our league has to this growing event, and sets the table for what should be a thrilling season starting in May.”
The 2026 AAPB season begins on May 14 with Fargo-Moorhead visiting Cleburne.
