14-0

Well it was a flurry to the finish of the season as the Rangers played 5 games in 4 days. Broken teeth, vacations, and summer worn boys would pose a threat to the perfect season, but the boys came together and pulled it off defeating the Saints and the Cubs with only 8 players in the field. The bats came alive Monday and Tuesday night and the defense was great as usual. Great job boys on a successful season. Closing ceremonies are on Tuesday night. I will let you know when I get the trophies in my hands.

Thanks for everything,
You guys have been awesome

Coach Fowler

Petition sign up and News Feed

Please go to Edmond Youth Sports and sign the petition that will help to improve our fields and facilities. The mission and objectives are there as is a news feed of events such as a board meeting June 9th. This is a good way for us to have some say in how our league fees are spent. Click onthe link below to get started.

Edmond Youth Sports

Here is a link to the brackets for this weekends tournament. See you there.

June 5-7 brackets

Misc Pictures

Here is a start on some pictures. More to come as I continue to sift through them.

Rangers Win Another Close one

It was a good night for baseball in Edmond Oklahoma. Confidence was high for the Ramgers coming off a come from behind win on Tuesday night. Defense would be a large part of the game for both teams as the Rangers and Rockhounds put the ball in play all night long.

Jones started on the mound for the rangers and pitched a solid 2.2 inning stint -- bandaged hand and all. The 2nd pitch of the game jammed the 1st batter of the night offering a weak ground ball fielded cleanly by Dodson at 1st base. The 2nd batter was walked and would come around to score the only run for the Rockhounds in the 1st inning. Weber and Cady both singled in the bottom of the 1st, and the Rangers were able to get 1 run across to tie the score 1-1 after inning #1.

A lead off walk came around to score for the Rockhounds before striking out the side in the top of the 2nd. Treat was robbed of a base hit in the bottom half as he hit a screamer down the 1st base line which was snatched cleanly out of the air by the ockhound 1st baseman. It was good to see Treat hit the ball well without any ill effects tonight since he is still playing with a broken bone in his left hand. Fowler beat out an infield hit to deep short and was brought around to score by Jones on a fielder's choice.

Jones effort came to an end in the 3rd with 2 out when he started to struggle with some control mostly due to an injured thumb on his throwing hand. Cady did his share in the field, catching a line drive heading for the outfield and conserving precious runs. 2 runs came across in the 3rd before Matlock came in with 2 out inheriting a runner on 2nd. Onyl 2 pitches would be needed as the 3rd out was gunned down by Fowler trying to steal 3rd base. Moving to the bottom half, a lead off double by Matlock and RBI singles by Phillips and Dodson would once again tie the game at the end of the inning.

4-4 in the 4th inning with 14 on the mound, the Rangers needed some defense, much like they had played all night long. After a lead off double, the Rockhounds had the go ahead run at 2nd base with 0 out. It would appear that the Rockhounds did not learn their lesson in the 3rd as the tested Fowler's arm once again. A good throw down the line and a good tag by Phillips would end the Rockhound momentum. Sharp retired the side with a well played catch in left field fighting off the sun in the process. Treat led off the offensive 4th with a single down the 3rd base line and stole 2nd and 3rd. Fowler took one in the middle of the back for the team and Jones would be intentionally walked to load the bases with noone out and the infield very shallow. Sharp would come in to run for Treat as a throw to 3rd base ricocheted of of his ankle bone. The winning run came across on a wild pitch to Matlock 2 batters later. The Rangers completed another gritty comeback win proving that their success from the night before was no fluke.

Great job boys. Keep up the good work.


'Til next time, I'm outta here!


Coach Fowler

Cady Delivers Walk Off Single

The Rangers moved to 10-0 in league play tonight in a fierce battle. Sharp pitched 2 solid innings tonight striking out 3 and walking none. He gave up 3 runs on 3 hits and left the game after the 2nd inning with a 5-3 lead.

The Rangers offense hit the ball well and put the ball in play all over the field, but the Bulls battled as well with some solid defense. Several close calls at third could have put an end to several Bull rallies through the 1st 3 innings, but they would not fall the Rangers way tonight.

Jones made a great defensive play catching a line drive at 3rd. Weber and Dodson executed a play nicely at 1st to preserve Sharp's effort in the 2nd inning.

Dodson took the ball from Sharp in the 3rd. He also pitched well striking out 3 in 2 innings. A couple of seeing eye singles and a couple of fielding errors would give the Bulls some momentum as they built a 4 run lead going into the bottom of the 3rd.

Dodson led off the 3rd with a single, but was doubled up while stealing 2nd on a successfully retrieved pop fly. It wasn't looking good for the Rangers who were trailing by 4 in the bottom of the 3rd with 2 out and noone on. They would get 3 runs across aided by a beautiful double to center field by Cady, who broke out of a minor slump in a big way.

Special thanks to Treat who has played the last week with a broken hand. He has come up with a couple of gritty performances, as resting on the bench proved to be difficult for his competitive spirit

The Rangers would take the field for the 4th inning trailing by 1. The bulls led off with a triple, and placed an insurance run on 3rd with no out. Dodson struck out the next batter. The second out of the inning came at home plate as the Bull's base runner tried to steal home. A ball in the dirt blocked by Fowler made the play at home possible. Dodson made quick work of the 4th batter of the inning striking out his 3rd of the night.

2 walks and 2 hit batters later in the bottom of the fourth brought Cady to the plate with the bases loaded and 1 out in a tie ball game. A well hit walk off to right field would score 2 including the winning run.

We have questioned what the boys would do when they found themselves behind and up against a wall. They came through tonight showing how well they can play when they play with heart. The Rangers move to 10 - 0. Next up, the Rockhounds 5/27 at 6:00.

Scrub the Rust Off; Here We come

Well it had been 3 weeks since the Rangers last played a game, but they finally hit the field again. The rust showed a little on Tues evening, but the Rangers skinned the Rattlers 8-7 led by some spectacular defensive plays and excellent pitching.

The boys were ready to play, but Father Time is a difficult foe to avenge. They would prove to be their own worst enemy as the evening progressed. Offense has been a difficult task this year, as the young Rangers have started a new season.

As if three weeks off wasn't enough, add a potential season ending injury to Treat's glove hand and you get a recipe for a team with obstacles to overcome. Fowler stepped up and strapped on the armor to catch for Matlock, who pitched very well through 3 innings.

He struck out 7, bringing his season total to 14 and allowed 7 runs. The top of the 3rd would prove to be very eventful as Matlock pitched into a bit of a jam aided by a blown call by the field umpire and some timely Rattler hitting.

Sharp stopped the bleeding with an outstanding assist from left field by gunning down a Rattler trying to stretch a single into a double. Dodson finished the half inning, and saved the tying run, with a pro-style stretch at first base that retired the final Rattler of the evening. All in all, it was a successful night for the Rangers.
Wednesday would prove to be more of the same as the Rangers faced the Edmond Cubs. Pitching and defense have been the staples all year for this young team. They got some help from the offense tonight, though.

Cady pitched well in the first inning. He struck out 2, bringing his season total to 5, and allowed 2 runs. He helped his cause by laying down a bunt single and scoring 2 runs.

Just when the Cubs thought they were going to get something going in the first, Matlock snuffed the attempted steal of 3rd as Phillips easily applied the tag to retire the side.
Fowler also singled in the second and scored 2 times. Webber and Matlock were robbed of base hits be very good Cub defensive plays. Jones scored twice also before taking the ball from Cady to pitch the 2nd inning.

After struggling with the first 2 batters and walking them both, Jones' arm came alive as he sat down the next 3 allowing no runs across. With 3 Ks tonight, he has 18 on the year, leading the Rangers in this category.

Rangers 10 Cubs 2

Next up St. Mary's Saints on Friday night.

'Til next time, I'm outta here.

Rangers Extend Win Streak to 4

The Rangers finally got a night to play baseball that didn't consist of 45 mph winds, torrential rainfall, or cold mist. They have dug up the ability to string four games together to place in the win column bringing their league record to a perfect 5-0 and overall record of 6-6.

It had been pitching and defense that started the string. But over the course of the last week, the bats seemed to come alive. Following Matlock's dominating performance against the Bulls, Jones proved to have no let down. From the first pitch, the Cardinals were backing up and spent the rest of the night trying to catch up with his 50 mph fastball. Jones chalked up his 2nd win of the season by striking out 7 in 3 innings of work. The Rangers scored 12 runs, but they all came the hard way -- one base at a time on only 2 hits. The defense played well when called upon delivering the win by a margin of 12-8.
The next obstacle in the way of the Rangers perfect season was the Saints. The visiting Rangers were sat down early by some fantastic defense by the Saints aided by base running errors by the Rangers. Fowler started strong on the mound allowing only 2 runs in the first while striking out the side. The Rangers were finally able to string some hits together as Sharp and Cady got their first RBI's of the season. Cady and Jones led the charge each doubling in the second. The offense had life as the Rangers scored 6 in the second the fun way. Fowler struggled in the 2nd inning pitching into and out of a bases loaded jam. Four runs were allowed in the 2nd and we went to the 3rd all tied up.

The offense picked up right where they left off as Jones, Dodson, and Phillips all singled in the third. High's double scored 2 in the third, and that would prove to be enough. Fowler took the mound in the 3rd and regrouped to throw a 4 up 3 down inning delivering the Rangers their 4th win of the season and collecting his first win from the mound. He would strike out 7 in the 8-7 effort while getting plenty of offensive support. Jones (2-2), High(2-2), Sharp (1-1), and Cady (1-1) were all perfect from the plate sparking the offense on to a much needed positive performance.
The Rangers faced the Bloodhounds on Wednesday. The Bloodhound pitching struggled to record outs as happens frequently at this age. However the offense did seem to build on the performance from a few nights ago. Even though there weren't many pitches to hit, the ones that did come across were driven well. Dodson did masterful job on the mound working quickly throughout the evening. His pace was hasty as he delivered K after K after K. The defense came to play as they have all season when called upon. Dodson struck out 6 in his first win in the 11-2 victory. Matlocks triple in the 1st and a good catching performance by Treat behind the plate gave the Rangers all the momentum they needed to move on to victory.

Practice cancelled

Field is too wet and I haven't been able to take the time to locate a cage. See you tomorrow night

Matlock and Defense Hold Strong

It was a big weekend for the Rangers. They showed a lot of promise defensively against some very solid offensive teams in the Coke Challenge at Hafer Park. The weekend started early on Saturday morning as the first pitch went down at 9:00. Cold and windy conditions made it very difficult for Dodson to harness the powerhouse that is the Oklahoma Elite. After struggling out of the gate and allowing 14 runs on a string of errors and base hits, Dodson left the mound for 2nd base and from there the defense finally came together. Fowler came in with the bases loaded and 0 out and took the mound. 11 pitches, 1 strikeout, and 2 key defensive plays by Dodson and Phillips retired the side allowing only 2 more runs across. After scoring 4 runs in the 1st, the 2nd looked promising. The Rangers had to get on base the painful way as 2 of the 1st 3 batters took one for the team. They were able to get one more run across but muster no more.

The second inning went much better defensively. This inning was all about team defense. Back ups were in place. The outfield of Sharp, Cady, and High did a masterful job of keeping everything in front and forcing the Elite to earn 2 runs the hard way. In the end it was a good learning experience. They played well against the eventual tournament champion but lost 18-5.

The 2nd game was one to forget.

The night cap came at 9:00 Saturday evening against the Stillwater Eagles. Again, the day turned very cold and VERY windy, but the defense was up to the task. Fowler pitched 4 innings in a complete game. The defense came together across the board and played amazingly. Jones and Phillips had several plays on the left side of the infield. Weber and Cady had great defensive plays at 2nd. Dodson found a new role playing 1st base with ease. Matlock was like the Great Wall of China behind the plate. Treat, who was resting his weary legs from the catching position, High, Sharp, played great in the outfield and gave nothing out for free.

Offensively, however, the Rangers have to find an answer. The defense played well enough to win, but it is hard to do so when runs can't be scored. Kuddos have to go out to Matlock who got the only 3 hits of the tournament for the Rangers stroking 1 in each game.

With the tournament behind them, the Rangers returned to league play on Monday night. The Bulls would be their next opponent and It would be Matlock's job to dispose of them on the mound. He pitched a ferocious game striking out six. When he wasn't striking out batters, he was catching pop flies and doubling off runners. Treat gunned down one of the few baserunners for the Bulls who was trying to steal third. The defense came together and put togethersom more great plays allowing only one hit in 3 innings. It was, however, Matlock's night and it is a good thing for the Rangers. The offense was still a struggle tonight as the hits seem to be few and far between. I have to give them credit for finding ways to get on base and score runs. We are all hoping the light switch id flipped soon and we all see this talented group of young men sprout into the offensive super power I know they can be.

It was a successful night for the Rangers as the beat the Bulls 9-2 and improve their record to
3-6 overall and 2-0 in league play.

Go Rangers! and until next time, I'm outta here!

Pictures will be coming as I get them in.
Coach Fowler

Short Night for the Rangers

Indeed it was a short night for the Rangers. The beautiful sun-filled day turned dark and ominous as the evening progressed. The Rangers were poised and ready to take their third win of the season, but fickle Mother Nature would have none of it.

The Rangers took the field to start the game.

Fowler took the mound and prepared to face the Cardinals.

As the umpires took the field and shouted, "Play Ball!", the announcement came over the ball park that all games had been cancelled. I thought it was a bad call at first, but the rain clouds opened and a marvelous thunder and lightning storm ensued that that would not have been safe to play in.

I guess that is what happens sometimes when playing baseball in the Spring in the Great State of Oklahoma. Beautiful days go south in a hurry, but they also turn back beautiful very quickly. You know what they say, "If you don't like the weather around here, hang around a minute -- it'll change."

Don't forget practice on Tuesday and Thursday at 6:15 at the field. The place may change on Thursday so watch your emails. We also have a tournament this weekend at Hafer Park. I will send out the brackets as soon as I get them.

Cady Dominates in Season Opener!

Mother Nature held off just lomg enough last night to squeeze in the season opener for the Edmond Rangers. With some valuable experience under their belts, the young Rangers entered the season with great confidence and high expectations of the season to come. High winds and intermittent rain showers would make it difficult to stay focused on this evening.

The visiting Rangers jumped on top of the Rattlers by 3 in the top of the first. It wasn't quite the offensive exhibition they had hoped for, but given the conditions, was certainly a good starting point. Cady held the ball for the opener and took the mound searching for his second career victory and hoping to get the Rangers off on the right foot this season. Even though he pitched very well in this 1st inning, the defense behind him was struggling. After a brief meeting on the mound with the infield, their heads were back in the game and the defense held for the last two outs. The Rattlers, however, would muster 4 runs to go up by 1 entering the 2nd inning.

The Rangers came out and quietly scored 12 runs in the next two innings punctuated by a stunning defensive 2nd inning. Cady would only be asked to throw 11 pitches on his way to a 3 up 3 down inning. He struck out 2 and retired the third 1-3. Fowler was prepped and ready to come in and close out the game, but his services would not be needed as the game would be called due to time limitations in the middle of the 3rd. Rangers 15, Rattlers 4. Good way to start the season, boys.

Performances not to be forgotten: Phillips had a great game at 3rd base and came up with some key plays on the corner. Treat made his 1st appearance after coming off of injured reserve, and is recovering from his surgery very nicely. Cady had a nice night on the mound.

Overall, it was a very successful night for the Rangers. Until next time, I'm outta here!

Next game: March 30 at 7:30

The Schedule is Here and some more pictures

Here is the schedule for this season. I will get a new one posted with practice times shortly. I also got some more pictures for you to check out.

Edmond Rangers
All games will be played on Field 11.
Rainout Number 340-8998

Monday 23-Mar Edmond Rangers vs Gissy 7:30pm
Monday 30-Mar Abeln vs Edmond Rangers 7:30pm
Friday 3-Apr Coke Challenge Tournament at Hafer Park thru Sun
Monday 6-Apr Toombs vs Edmond Rangers 7:30pm

Monday 13-Apr Couture vs Edmond Rangers 6pm
Monday 20-Apr Edmond Rangers vs Grigsby 6pm
Tuesday 28-Apr Edmond Rangers vs Jones 6pm
Monday 4-May Piatt vs Edmond Rangers 6pm
Tuesday 5-May Edmond Rangers vs Smai 6pm
Tuesday 12-May Gissy vs Edmond Rangers 7:30pm
Monday 18-May Abeln vs Edmond Rangers 7:30pm
Tuesday 26-May Toombs vs Edmond Rangers 7:30pm
Thursday 4-Jun Edmond Rangers vs Grigsby 7:30pm
Friday 5-Jun Biagini Benefit Tournament at Hafer Park thru Sun
Monday 8-Jun Edmond Rangers vs Grigsby 7:30pm

Tuesday 9-Jun Edmond Rangers vs Jones 7:30pm

Upcoming dates

Sun 3/15 2:00 Practice
Thurs 3/19 6:15 Practice
Sun 3/22 2:00 Practice
Mon 3/23 Opening Day
Fri 4/3-4/5 Coke Challenge at Hafer Park
Fri 6/5-6/7 Biagini Benefit at Hafer Park

I will post a schedule as soon as I have it in my hand.
All practices will be held at the practice field and are subject to change if weather should be prohibitive.

ErSPN Sports Center

You are tuned in to the ErSPN and this is Sport's Center.

Ladies and gentlemen, get autographs now while you can...

The Edmond Rangers participated in a hotly contested pool play tournament at Hafer Park last weekend. It was difficult at times, but all in all a very rewarding weekend. It proved to be a good time for the team to come together and learn to play as a team. The first game of the day was against the Nighthawks, also of Edmond. The Rangers ran in to a buzz saw with a baseball jersey on.

Fowler had a valiant starting effort on the mound, but the Nighthawks would prove far too much for the Rangers to handle this time around. Dodson is set and ready to go should he be called on to make a play. However they would need much more then his services as the Hawks plated 23 runs and ravaged through 3 pitchers while allowing the Rangers only 2.

The evening game would prove to be much more successful for the Rangers. Henry kept things going as the Red Sox were hit early and often by a constant barrage of Ranger offensive fire power. They would jump out to an early lead and never look back as they capped off the week end with a mighty confidence builder, paying back the Sox for a defeat earlier in the weekend by drumming them 15-4. Jones (left) would also contribute to the firestorm supporting his own cause. He would go on to pitch a game that will live in infamy for these Rangers who backed up this great pitching with good solid defense. Jones would chalk up a win in his first ever start of his young career. High (lower left) and Matlock (lower right) would break out of slumps with great offensive games as well.

Cady (left), Dodson (lower left) and Fowler (lower right) made offensive contributions as well.
So much could be said for the improvement seen from the Rangers this weekend. Let's just say it looks like another fun year covering the Rangers.

Matlock and Treat teamed up to play great games behind the plate. They worked hard and will be sore for a few days after being tested greatly.

Thanks for tuning in to the Edmond Rangers Sporting Network (ErSPN). 'Til next time, I'm outta here!

More from the weekend

I am still really amped about last weekend. The boys kept it going with a GREAT practice tonight. Here are a few of the pictures I have (of course they are of my boy) but I do have a slew of others to post from the evening game. I will post a schedule of the coming weeks leading up to the start of the season.

Look for more to come

Thanks, Coach Fowler

Progress!!!

Wow! I never thought progress could feel so good. After a tough weekend, I was questioning my ability and coaching process. I knew we could play better than we were, but for some reason, we weren't getting it out of them. What a joy to see the light switch finally switch and see our boys come out and play good, hard nosed, fundamentally solid baseball. I am so proud of how hard we played. We were talking, backing each other up, and playing well together as a team. Every single kid out there this weekend has something to be proud of -- no exceptions.

Thanks for a great weekend. I will have some pictures to post in the next day or two.

Practice Sunday

Don't forget practice this Sunday 2:00 to 4:00

Great Practice Today

Great practice today guys!! I am trying to get some money from Bob Moore to pay for some of our fees etc... I will let everyone know in the next day or two exactly what everything will cost -- uniforms, tournament fees, baseballs, and stuff like that. I will also let you know a schedule of events that I currently know about.

Josh

Practice Today

Practice today at 2:00 at the practice field across from Tealridge. See you there

Spring Training

Well it is that time again. We had a great practice on Sunday. I was very impressed to see how quickly the skills start to come back after being gone for a while. We have added 4 boys to our roster from the Bronchos and lost a couple. I think this season is going to be a very good one. Here are some of the upcoming events

1/20 5:30-6:30 batting practice at the Edmond Cages
1/25 2:00-4:00 practice at the practice field or at the cages depending on the weather