The Burlington Bees continue their playoff series with the Kane County Cougars this evening. It’s do-or-die for the Bees as they need a win to force a game three in the best-of-three first round playoff series. The pitching match-up on paper seems to be favorable for the Bees.

RHP Yordano Ventura toes the rubber for the Kane County Cougars tonight. Ventura last pitched against Cedar Rapids on September 2 in Cedar Rapids and allowed one earned run on four hits over five innings pitched. He has not fared well this year against Burlington, with a 0-1 record and a 12.27 ERA in two starts. He pitched in Burlington on June 29 and allowed six earned runs on seven hits over three innings pitched. He allowed four earned runs on seven hits in four and one-thirds innings pitched in Kane County on July 9. Ventura is 4-6 with a 4.27 ERA in 2011.

RHP Josh Bowman gets the start for the Burlington Bees in game two tonight. He pitched two scoreless innings in a start against Cedar Rapids on September 4 in his final “tune up” before the playoffs. Bowman’s last start against Kane County was a loss back on July 11. He allowed six earned runs on 10 hits in six and one-thirds innings pitched at Elfstrom Stadium. He is 8-6 with a 3.55 ERA in 2011.