Park Rangers have narrow victory over the Turf Monsters

Park Rangers – 3 | Turf Monsters – 2

The Park Rangers and Turf Monsters started the 2022 summer season off in a thrilling, down to the wire game.

The Park Rangers pitching staff recorded eleven strikeouts from the combined efforts of Brant Brown, Eli Clotfelter, and Jacob Bishop.  Bishop made his appearance in the bottom of the seventh inning and finished off the batter that had the ability to drive in the tying run with a colossal fastball.

The Rangers got on the board in the top of the third inning when designated hitter Brandon Micetich doubled off of an error and then right fielder Aidan Brown doubled again to drive Micetich home.

It was déjà vu in the top of the fourth when shortstop Sean Spring also reached base on an error and was driven in by a double from first baseman Jackson Micheels.

The final run for the Rangers came from left fielder Tommy Dilz after he reached base from a walk, stole second, and was driven home through a single up the middle from second baseman Kyle Walker.

Walker also shined on the field at second when he snagged two-line drives and finished the game with 4 assists.

Park Rangers coach, Tony Meyer, shared his thoughts on the season opening win.

“We have a great group of guys with a lot of promise, and we’re here to play good baseball and have a fun summer…while picking up wins as often as we can.”

The Turf Monsters pitching staff wasn’t far behind with six strikeouts between Ben Vore and Chris Adams.  Two double plays complimented the six strikeouts with a 643 GDP in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Then, in the top of the 4th inning, a fly ball to dead left accompanied by a precise throw to home kept the Rangers with a manageable lead.

The first run for the Monsters came in the bottom of the fourth when center fielder Cole Hill reached on a walk and was hit around the bases by second baseman Cooper Miles, first baseman Chase Hug, and right fielder Ganin Thompson.

The final run of the game came in the bottom of the 7th when designated hitter Peter Levin walked and scored on a double by shortstop Nate Bingman.  The Monsters threatened the Rangers when they landed Bingman on second, who would have been the tying run, but they fell short in a valiant effort.

Turf Monsters coach, Jaxon Shirley, was optimistic despite the loss and commends Ben Vore for his initial performance in the season opener. 

The Park Rangers take on Snapping Turtles while the Turf Monsters tackle the Bomb Squad.  Both games begin at 7 pm.