Outmanned and outgunned, Rangers fight valiantly in defeat John E. Banks - Staff Writer
Tinker Rangers pitcher Cale Josephson sprints toward third base during the second inning of a game against the Mustang Biscuits Aug 12 at Lake Hefner Park. (Photo by John E. Banks)
The Tinker Rangers fought valiantly against the three-time defending National Adult Baseball Association National Division champion Braves on Aug. 8 at Reynolds Field, but ended up suffering an eventual 17-9 setback.
The Rangers were missing three of their key players — Bill Nystrom, Richard Skidmore and Christopher Brooks — but appeared undaunted in their quest for a two-game winning streak.
The Rangers received a gutsy pitching performance from Caleb Grey, who struck out seven before retiring in the seventh inning.
The hit parade was sparked by catcher Harley Shannon, who went 3-for-3 with a double, two singles, an RBI and two runs scored.
“We tried with all we had and we never gave up,” said Stephen Escalante, Rangers head coach.
The Rangers trailed 10-4 after three innings, but a towering two-run home run by third baseman Kris Campbell in the fourth inning brought the Rangers within striking distance.
The rally was short lived; however, as the Braves plated seven more runs over the next three innings to seal the victory.
“We gave it our best shot, and with the hitting exploits of Shannon, Campbell and Grey, it will only help us as we head into tournament play and in our league playoffs,” Escalante said.
Rangers fall to Biscuits 10-9
The Rangers came into their game against the Mustang Biscuits with high hopes and expectations.
The energy and motivation was evident; however, they lost 10-9 Aug. 12 at Lake Hefner Park.
The Rangers got off to an early 3-1 advantage behind the hitting exploits of centerfielder Grey and shortstop Caleb Cosmi. Both players had run-scoring hits, giving the Rangers the advantage after the first two innings of play.
The Rangers received outstanding pitching from Cale Josephson, who scattered seven hits and five runs while striking out a team-high seven batters in his six innings of play.
The game was played at a high level with each team scoring runs in bunches. The Rangers hitting star was Grey, who was 3-for-4 with a single, double and triple, two runs scored and two RBIs.
The Rangers were trailing 9-4 in their half of the fifth inning and were able to plate five runs in a furious rally. The rally was spirited by Grey, Cosmi and Escalante, who hit three straight singles.
Josephson then drilled a line shot into to centerfield, scoring all three runners and knotting the score at 9 apiece.
The Biscuits, however, scored the deciding run in their half of the eighth inning.
“Fellas, we played a great game,” Escalante said. “There is nothing to be ashamed of and we are right on track. A few breaks here and there and we would have won tonight.”
The Rangers are currently in sixth place with a 7-8 record while the Biscuits are in second place with a 10-3 record.
For more information on the Tinker Rangers, visit www.leaguelineup.com /tinker.
