Rangers fall to defending champions Published Aug. 2, 2007 By John E. Banks Tinker Air Force Base Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- The Tinker Air Force Base Rangers were looking to turn the corner against their National Adult Baseball Association league nemesis of the past three years July 20, but it was simply not meant to be. With sole possession of second place on the line in the American Division, the defending NABA league champion Braves snapped a 1-all tie with nine unanswered runs late in the game en route to a 10-2 victory at Reynolds Field in Oklahoma City. Both teams were deadlocked at one run apiece through the first five innings. Consecutive double plays by Rangers' pitcher Richard Skidmore, third baseman Kris Campbell, shortstop Caleb Cosmi and second baseman Christopher Brook kept the game close in the early going. But the Braves blew open the game with nine runs in the sixth and seventh innings to take control. The Rangers were able to get a run in the ninth inning for the final, 10-2, tally. "At least we showed we can play with these guys and with all the changes we made tonight our team is gaining valuable experience leading up to the NABA playoffs and the upcoming USAF baseball championship that will be held in September in Washington, D.C.," said Rangers head coach and centerfielder Steven Escalante. The highlight of the game was a spectacular catch made by Rangers catcher Harley Shannon. The ball was high in the air and he was fighting off the sun, but managed to make some great adjustments to haul the ball in. The catch got a standing ovation from Rangers' and Braves fans alike. The win by the Braves vaulted them into second place in the NABA American Division with a 7-2 record, while the loss dropped the Rangers to 6-6 on the season.