Rangers Fall Flat, Losing 18-8 to Royals

  The Rangers played lackluster defense in relinquishing third place to the Kettering Royals on Sunday, August 24, losing 18-8.

The Rangers opened up the pitching arsenal, utilizing four pitchers on the day, the most used in a single game this season. However, 11 walks, numerous passed balls/wild pitches and defensive lapses in the field were too much to overcome. The Royals pitching staff tried to help out by issuing 8 walks of their own, but the Rangers could not capitalize on the opportunities that present themselves.

Shane Fallen started on the mound for the Rangers and only surrendered one hit through three innings. However, he was removed two batters into the bottom of the fourth after issuing his sixth walk of the day. The Royals jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third inning on a throwing error and RBI single from Kevin Reynolds. The Rangers battled back with four runs in the top of the fourth. James Robinson singled in Jonmarc Lippincott with the first run. Jelani Arnold doubled in another. And Brent Collinsworth singled in two more runs for a 4-2 Rangers lead.

The Royals then put 12 runs up on the board in the fourth and fifth innings to take a commanding 14-4 lead. The Rangers chipped away for three more runs in the 6^th. Jelani Arnold singled in Lippincott and Clint Wolf. James Robinson scored later on a wild pitch to cut the lead to 14-7. Brad Clark’s sac fly in the 7^th made it a 14-8 game. But the comeback was cut short as the Royals ran out the clock in the 8^th inning, scoring four times before the time limit rule was enforced.

Offensive highlights: James Robinson 2-for-4, 2 runs, RBI; Jelani Arnold 2-for-4, 3RBI, 2B; Brent Collinsworth 1-for-4, 2RBI.

Defensive highlight: Jared Bradley gunned out a runner at the plate from left field for the second straight game.

Historical Notes: Clint’s 44 hits moved him into sole possession of 7^th most in a single season.