Lake Highlands Game 1- 3/21/23:
Looking to build off a win against JJ Pearce, the Rangers travel to Lake Highlands for their second district opponents. Both squads had similar records going into the series, so most people thought it would be a tough series. Sophomore Dillon Brandt took the mound for the Rangers on the misty Tuesday night.
Brandt came into the series with a relief outing in game one against Pearce. His ERA was sitting at 3.09 before Tuesday night’s game. Brandt dominated from start going the distance only allowing four hits and striking out eleven Wildcat batters. He had no earned runs. The Ranger offense started off a little slow because they couldn’t capitalize on early baserunners. But in the fourth innings, the Rangers got on the board, loading the bases and being walked in by the Wildcat pitcher. The steady supply of runs continued as the Rangers scored two runs an inning for the rest of the game, securing a 8-1 victory.
Three Rangers had multi-hit games, including Senior Jonah Timmons, who continued his hot streak, going three for four with two RBIs. Every Ranger batter reached base, while the Rangers racked up eleven total hits.
” I think we did a good job using the momentum we created after game two at Pearce to push our offense to continue to hit” – Weston Okamoto ’23
Lake Highlands Game 2- 3/24/23:
The stands were packed Friday night and the fans brought their brooms as the Rangers looked to sweep Lake Highlands. Senior ace pitcher Luke Isset took the mound for the Rangers. Isset pitched a great game in the win against Pearce and posted a 1.55 ERA, going the distance in every start going into this game. The lefty dominated the strike zone, throwing the whole game and only allowing one hit and no runs. Isset had less strikeouts than normal with only three, but he got weak contact and pop outs.
The Ranger offense had his back with a big six run inning, fueled by a bases loaded single from Junior Cam Daivs, a Senior Nick Barber single, and Freshman James Jorgenson double. Then again in the bottom of the fourth inning, the Rangers put up another six runs. This time four walks mixed with four well timed singles did the job for the Rangers.
The game only lasted five innings as the Rangers ruled Lake Highlands in a big statement win for the team. The Rangers ability to put bat to ball proved big as they only struck out once the entire game and racked up eight hits and six free bases. Senior Nick Barber led the way with a two for three, two RBI game.
” Our teamwork, determination, and patience at the plate paid off in this week’s sweep. I’m thrilled with our victory and I am proud with every player who contributed to these victories.” – Dominic Migliore ’23
The Rangers take on Irving High School on the road on Saturday, March 25th to continue their win streak. Stay tuned for The Roundup‘s weekly baseball reports and other news!
