4/14/2024
Game 2
The Rangers rebounded from an Opening Day loss with a 5-2 defeat of the Mad River Machine at Carroll high school.
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Brandon Saylor got his first start of the season and was efficient over 3 1/3 innings of work, allowing an unearned run, striking out 3. With the team trailing 1-0 into the bottom of the 3rd, the Rangers worked a little 2-out magic. Eric Becker made his 1000th career at-bat worthwhile with a single to left. Jesse Jones followed with a single. Rob Pederson's 50th career double produced the first two runs of the game and a Rangers 2-1 advantage.
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Joe Becker relieved Saylor in the top of the 4th. The Rangers made a little breathing room in the bottom of the 5th as Joe, Eric, and Jesse singled in succession to load the bases. Pederson plated Joe Becker for a 3-1 lead. Kyle Moyer hit a sac fly to make it 4-1, and Mike Seebock singled to increase the lead to 5-1. Becker allowed an unearned run in the 6th, but that was all the Machine could manufacture.
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Kenny Owens pitched a 1-2-3 9th inning to pick up his second career save. Becker earned his 1st win of the year and his 85th career victory.
Rangers 5,
Machine 2
Offensive highlights: Eric Becker 2-for-5, 2 R; Jesse Jones 2-for-4, 2R; Rob Pederson 1-for-5, 3RBI, double; Kyle Moyer 1-for-3, RBI, sac; Mike Seebock 2-for-3 RBI; Andrew Duffield 2-for-4, double; Joe Becker 2-for-3, R, double.
Historical Notes: Rob Pederson hit his 50th career double, which also happened to be his 50th MVABL extra-base hit. Eric Becker singled in the 3rd inning in his 1000th career at-bat. Eric became the 25th MVABL player with 200 runs scored. The Rangers are 5 hits away from 9000 franchise hits.