5/7/2023
Game 3
Playing at Oakwood HS for the first time in team history, the Rangers powered its way to a 9-1 victory over the Wright Knights. With Markus Neff and Cooper Nolte providing the offensive outbursts, and Brandon Saylor cruising through a 1-hitter, the Rangers start the season 3-0.
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Both teams went out quietly in the first inning. The noise came from the Rangers bats in the top of the second inning. Cooper Nolte started with a triple to right. Nick Gilmore singled home Nolte for a 1-0 lead. After Cal Walters singled in his first plate appearance of the season and Grant Kincaid walked, Jaret Quinn scored Gilmore with a sac fly, and Mike Seebock plated a third run on a fielder's choice.
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The Rangers added three more runs in the third on back-to-back home runs from Neff (2-run shot) and Nolte. The Knights responded with a solo home run off the bat of Zach Gomia.
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With a 6-1 lead in the top of the fifth, Nolte belted his second HR of the day. The final runs came in the 7th as Nolte doubled home Brandon Ward, and later scored on a flyball.
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Brandon Saylor's only blemish on the mound was the solo HR allowed. He finished with a complete game 1-hitter, striking out 6 batters.
Rangers 9, Knights 1
Offensive highlights: Rob Pederson 2-for-4, R, SB; Brandon Ward 2-for-4, R, 2 SB; Markus Neff HR, 2 RBI; Cooper Nolte 4-for-4, 4R, 3 RBI, double, triple, 2-HR; Nick Gilmore 2-for-4, R, 2RBI, SB; Cal Walters 2-for-3, R.
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Historical Notes: Nick Gilmore picked up his 25th MVABL hit. Brandon Ward scored his 200th MVABL run. Eric Becker needs 1 more RBI to reach 100 for his career as a Ranger. 7 of Neff's 11 career regular season home runs have been against the Knights.