Rangers start hot, but fall short vs. Vernon

VERNON – Coming off a non-conference win, Ranger was ready to start the turnaround Thursday against Vernon College. The Rangers came out in Game 1 and posted a three spot on a J.J. Avalos home run. However, the Chaps used a late-inning rally to steal the opener 9-4. Unfortunately, for the Rangers, Game 2 was almost a carbon copy of Game 1. RC jumped out 2-0 in the first only to see Vernon chip away and win 7-4.

DECIDING MOMENTS

Game 1: The game went to the bottom of sixth tied 4-4. Vernon got runners on base with an error, single and walk combo. A double gave the Chaps a lead, 5-4, and Sawyer Toole highlighted the inning with a 3-run home run to break the game open, 8-4.

Ranger started the series with a bang, they loaded the bases with nobody out. Cayde Williams singled, Sebastian Battle was hit-by-pitch and Ryan Dufrene singled. Things quickly turned around with a strikeout and pick off double play. Avalos came through for the Rangers and blasted a 3-run home run.

Game 2: Ranger got off to another hot start with a Battle triple and Dufrene RBI groundout. Hagen Tucker then singled in Avalos to put the visitors up 2-0.

Vernon scored single runs in the first, third and fourth and two in the fifth. Ranger answered back in the sixth and the game went to the eighth with Ranger down just 5-3. Vernon put the game away on Marco Rivera 2-run home run.

BREAKING OUT OF THE BOX SCORE

Avalos had a home run, three hits and three RBIs on the day. Dufrene had a pair of hits and RBIs, as did Tucker. Rico Carrasco drove in a run.

SCHEDULE SAYS

Ranger is now 12-23 on the season and will host Vernon on Saturday weather permitting at 1 and 4 p.m.