Rangers Take Split with Sox

Well, the Rangers held first place in the league by a half-game for approximately 3 hours on Sunday, July 5, as they defeated the Beavercreek Sox in game one of a double header 6-3, but relinquished the standings lead with an 8-6 loss in the nightcap.

Rookie Jonathan Silverman got the call in game one for the Rangers and surrendered two early runs to the Sox in the top of the first. The Rangers offense backed up Silverman with a five-spot in the bottom of the first inning off Sox starter Alex Earley. Steve Marshall led the inning off with a walk and stole second. Clint Wolf doubled home Marshall with the first run. Jake Kingsolver then followed suit with a two-run home run to center, his fourth consecutive game with a home run. Brandon Howard then walked and went to third on Robert Riley’s double to center. Shane Fallen then laced a triple to left to drive in two runs for a 5-2 lead. The Rangers added another run in the second as Marshall led off with a double and scored on Jacob Robinson’s single to right. That proved to be the only offense that the Rangers needed as Silverman gave up one more run the rest of the way. Silverman scattered seven hits, did not walk a batter, and struck out 11.

The Sox jumped out early in game two off of starter Shawn Schmitt, who surrendered 9 hits in the first two innings resulting in six Sox runs. The Rangers did take an early lead as they scored two in the top of the first inning. After Steve Marshall led the game off with a double, Clint Wolf drove him in with a single, and Brad Clark singled in another run for an early 2-0 lead. After giving up the six runs in the first two frames, Schmitt settled in and allowed only five more hits in the final four innings. The Sox had an 8-2 lead going into the fifth when the Rangers attempted a late rally. Aaron Armstrong led off with a single. Shane Fallen then reached on a fielder’s choice. The runners moved to second and third on a throwing error. Jared Bradley delivered with a pinch-hit two-run single. Bradley later scored on a throwing error after a passed ball. With the lead cut to 8-5, the Rangers started the seventh with a walk to Robert Riley. And after a strike out, Brad Clark singled for the third time in the game. Jonmarc Lippincott singled up the box to score Riley and cut the deficit to 8-6. However, the final two batters lined out to end the game.

Offensive highlights: Jake Kingsolver 2-for-3, 2RBI, HR, 2BB; Steve Marshall 2-for-5, 3 runs, 2 doubles, SB; Clint Wolf 3-for-6, 2 doubles, 2RBI; Brad Clark 3-for-3 RBI.

Historical notes: Aaron Armstrong singled in his 500^th career league-at bat, and scored his 100^th career run. Brad Clark is 1 hit away from 50 for his career. Jake Kingsolver moved into sole possession for third place in league runs scored, trailing only Clint and Jonmarc all-time. Clint is 9 RBI shy of 200 career in the league. Clint is 2 doubles shy of 50 career in the league. Shawn Schmitt is six strikeouts away from tying the MVABL all-time strikeout mark.