Rangers Fall to Astros on Opening Day, 7-2

The Dayton Rangers looked mentally out of it from the get-go in a 7-2 loss to the Dayton Astros on Opening Day.

   Jonathan Silverman got the start for the Rangers, and despite striking out the side in the first inning, the Astros were able to muster two runs with the help of two fielding miscues. With the Astros staked to a two-run lead, the Rangers answered back in the bottom of the third to tie it up. Astros starter Ernie Barker walked the first three batters of the inning. Shawn Haffner came in to relieve Barker and Jake Kingsolver abruptly sent a liner down the left field line to plate Steve Marshall and Jonmarc Lippincott for the only two runs of the game for the Rangers.

   The Astros plated the go ahead runs in the fourth on a fielding error and throwing error. Silverman lasted 7 innings and picked up his first loss in the MVABL, scattering 7 hits, 2 earned runs, no walks, and striking out 11. Shawn Schmitt struck out 2 in two innings of relief.

Offensive highlights: Steve Marshall 1-3, BB, SB; Jonmarc Lippincott 1-2, BB, sac; Jake Kingsolver 1-3, 2b, 2RBI