Rangers Sweep Dragons

  The Rangers got a scare from the Dragons in game 1, but ultimately came out on top, winning 6-4. The Rangers won 25-1 in the nightcap.

In game one, the Dragons got the scoring started in the bottom of the first when Seth Bischoff singled to start the inning, the first of four hits in the game, and came around to score on a groundout. The Rangers answered in the top of the second inning as Brent Collinsworth homered to left field. Shane Fallen singled in Jelani Arnold in the third to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead. However, the lead was short-lived as the Dragons plated another run on a single by Marcel Moore. The Rangers got the lead back as Joe Staten and Shane Fallen each hit two-run home runs for a 6-2 Rangers lead. The Dragons fought back in the bottom of the sixth as Aaron Brown and Scott Jones each doubled and scored to cut the lead to 6-4. Jacob Robinson, who pitched 6 strong innings, was relieved by righty Jim Brown. The Dragons mounted a comeback in the bottom of the seventh as they loaded the bases with two outs. But Jacob Robinson was called back to the hill to face Scott Jones. Scott then roped a shot up the middle that second baseman Jelani Arnold snagged with an outstretched arm and threw to second base to barely beat the runner at second to end the threat and the game.

In game two, Jeremy Lippincott took the mound for his first pitching appearance since May 2007. The Dragons scored first off Lipp on an RBI double by Aaron Brown. But the Rangers answered with an 8-run second and the Dragons never caught fire in the rest of game two. Lipp went four innings, striking out four before being forced out of the game with a pulled hamstring. Jim Brown relieved Lipp and threw three shutout frames, striking out four as well. The Rangers piled up 26 hits in game two.

Offensive highlights: Jelani Arnold 7-for-8, 6 runs, 4 RBI; Jacob Robinson 3-for-7, 4 runs, 4 RBI, 2-2B; Clint Wolf 3-for-5, 2 runs; Brad Clark 3-for-6, 5RBI, 2B; 5-for-8, 3 runs, 4RBI, HR, 2B; Shane Fallen 4-for-7, 4 runs, 4RBI, HR, 2B; Jared Bradley 3-for-5, run, 2RBI, SB; Aaron Armstrong 1-for-3, 3 runs, RBI.

Historical Notes: Jelani Arnold registered his first career four-hit and four-run game as a Ranger. Brad Clark had a career-high 5 RBI in game 2. Jacob recorded his 8^th win of the season, which is the most since Shawn Schmitt had 9 in 2003. Jacob tied a career-high with his 23^rd run scored of the season.