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