Rangers come from behind to win fourth straight game John E. Banks - Staff Writer
Tinker Rangers pitcher Caleb Gray prepares to deliver a pitch during a National Adult Baseball Association game versus the Cubs July 15 at Lake Hefner Park. (Photo by John E. Banks)
After the rain put a halt to the baseball schedule for the last three weeks, the Tinker Rangers returned to the diamond on Sunday and claimed their fourth victory in a row. After falling behind mid-way through the game, the Rangers rallied to defeat the Cubs 6-3 in a National Adult Baseball Association contest at Lake Hefner Field.
The Rangers took the early advantage after consecutive hits by centerfielder Steven Escalante and third baseman Bill Nystrom. Second baseman Christopher Brooks hit a screaming line drive up the middle, scoring Escalante and giving the Rangers an early 1-0 advantage.
“We are a little rusty,” Escalante said. “We need to concentrate and play our A game to get this victory.”
Both teams played well defensively over the next several innings and pitching took over. Rangers starting pitcher Caleb Gray scattered four hits and four strikeouts over the fist three innings.
“I felt great out there and with the help of my catcher Harley Shannon I was able to keep the opposing batters at bay,” said Gray.
The Rangers fell victim of some inconsistent play in the fourth inning. Their three miscues enabled the Cubs to take a 2-1 lead.
“Come on guys, we are giving this away,” Escalante said, trying to rally his team. “Let’s get our sticks out and take this victory.”
The Rangers responded in the sixth inning behind the great hitting of Nystrom and Brooks. With three runners on base, Brooks launched a towering blast deep into centerfield scoring Nystrom and Gray, putting the Rangers ahead for good.
“Brooks saved us again today,” Escalante said. “He is an amazing player and he always gives us timely hitting and great defense.”
The Rangers put up three more runs over the next several innings and limited their opposition to only one run. Rangers pitcher Richard Skidmore held the Cubs to one run, while striking out three batters en route to the victory.
“Skidmore and Brooks were the difference,” Escalante said. “We always can count on them to provide the spark we need to get our wins. We play as a team, but those guys, always give us the spark we need.”
With the victory, the Rangers moved into third place in the American Division of the NABA and are only half a game out of second place in the standings. The win improved the Rangers season record to 6-3, while the loss dropped the Cubs to a 6-3 record as well.
The offensive and defensive most valuable player for this game was Brooks. He went three for three while driving in three runs and also he was the catalyst of three double plays turned by the Rangers defense.
For more information, visit the Tinker Rangers Web site at http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=tinker.
