Late Rally Lifts Rangers to Win

For the sixth time this season, the Rangers won in their final at-bat. This time the Rangers overcame a 1-0 deficit by plating four runs in the top of the seventh to knock off the Royals 4-1 on Tuesday, July 17 at Action Sports Center.

Josh Lakes got his third start of the season and held the Royals’ bats in check, scattering five hits over 7 innings, striking out 3 and allowing one unearned run in improving his record to 2-0.

The Royals scored their only run in the bottom of the first inning as a misplayed groundball allowed Paul Wilson to score. Royals starter Jason Holmberg baffled Rangers batters over the first 6 innings of play, allowing doubles to Jonathan Rose, Jonmarc Lippincott and a single to Joe Staten. However, the Rangers finally turned things around in the top of the seventh inning. James Robinson led off with a single to center. Lippincott followed with a single, but Robinson was thrown out at third for the first out. Jelani Arnold followed with a single, before Robert Riley roped a two-run double to left-center to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead. After a flyout, Zach Carroll provided some insurance with an RBI double. Rose’s RBI single made it 4-1. The Royals threatened in the bottom of the seventh as they loaded the bases with two outs. But Lakes got a groundout to end the game in yet another hour-and-a-half barn-burner vs. the Royals.

Offensive Highlights: Jonmarc Lippincott 2-3, double; Robert Riley 1-3, double, 2RBI; Zach Carroll 1-3, double, RBI; Jonathan Rose 2-3, double, RBI.

Historical Notes: Joe Staten is 1 hit away from his 200^th career hit. Jonmarc is 3 RBIs away from his 400^th career run batted in. Shawn is 9 1/3 innings pitched away from 500 career innings pitched in league play. Shawn is 18 Ks away from 500 in league play.