Kenny Owens turned in a masterful performance in the latest edition of the Backyard Battle. The 2nd-year pitcher allowed two hits and an unearned run as the Rangers stunned the Redlegs 12-1 at Oak Grove Park on Thursday night.
The Rangers put 4 runs on the board early in the top of the second inning. Kyle Moyer reached on an error, and Eric Becker followed with a single. Chris Ridl then hit a ball to the gap, but settled for a fielder's choice as Becker was forced at second. Mike Seebock drove in Moyer with an RBI single. Nick Gilmore had a bases-loaded walk, and Rob Pederson roped a double down the right field line to drive in a pair.
The hit parade continued in the third. With the bases loaded, Gilmore singled home a run. Pederson's ground ball out produced another. And Markus Neff got just enough of one to launch his first home run of the season giving the Rangers a 9-0 cushion.
Rob Pederson's league-leading 7th HR, a 2-run shot to right, in the fifth inning increased the lead to 11-0.
In the bottom of the sixth, Redlegs shortstop Brad Malott reached on a bloop single to left and moved to second after a walk. Tyler Eaton then hit a groundball to first base that couldn't be handled cleanly, allowing the Redlegs to score their lone run of the night.
Eric Becker's third hit of the game plated Pederson with the final tally for the Rangers in the top of the seventh.
Owens registered his first career complete game, striking out 6 batters.