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7/23/2023

Game  17

The most anticipated game of the season didn't disappoint as the undefeated Rangers squared off with the undefeated Dayton Wolves. However, it seems controversy always rears its ugly head when these two quality teams meet up.

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Brandon Saylor got the call to pitch the second game of the split DH afternoon. Saylor was effectively wild over 5 innings, keeping the damage to a minimum and kept the game within reach of a win when he departed.

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The Wolves drew first blood in the third inning. Todd Barhorst led off with a hit-by-pitch. Sean Phillips singled with one out before Nick Wissman doubled over the centerfielder's head to give the Wolves a 1-0 lead. 

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The advantage was short-lived as Eric Becker led off the top of the fourth for the Rangers with a solo home run to left field. Rob Pederson and Markus Neff would both single in the same inning with one out, but Wolves pitcher Matt Pfeffer was able to get out of trouble with a strikeout and flyout.

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The Rangers dodged a bullet in the bottom of the fourth as Todd Barhorst doubled with two outs. Kyle Moyer was able to track down a long flyball to center by Garrett Wissman to keep the game tied at 1-1.

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Brandon Ward singled with two outs to start the fifth. Mike Seebock reached on an error to put himself and Ward into scoring position. But Pfeffer got pinch hitter Noah Schleinitz to ground out to thwart any scoring opportunity.

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The Wolves threatened again in the bottom of the fifth. Sean Phillips reached on an error to start the inning. Saylor would walk his 5th batter of the game with one out, but he squelched their attempt to take the lead by striking out Mark Barhorst and getting Austin Kelly to fly out.

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The Rangers went out 1-2-3 in the top of the sixth, and with Saylor's pitch count above the century mark, coach Gilmore turned the reins over to Noah Schleinitz. Noah allowed just a two-out single to Todd Barhorst as the game entered the 7th still tied at 1-1.

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The bats were silent in the 7th, which put the pressure on the defense in the bottom of the frame. Phillips reached on an error to start the inning. Nick Wissman then blooped in a hit to put the winning run at second. Schleinitz then struck out Snyder looking.

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Then came the controversy. Sean Phillips stole third but the throw trickled away from the third baseman. But the umpire ruled interference on the fielder allowing the winning run to score. Hate it when umpires control the outcome of the game of this magnitude, but the Rangers had their opportunities to tack on some runs, but couldn't convert.

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Wolves 2,
Rangers 1

Offensive highlights: Eric Becker 2-for-3, HR, RBI

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Historical Notes:  The loss snaps a 25-game regular game win streak by the Rangers

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