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Rangers end season with 2-1 loss

  • Published
  • By John E. Banks
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  The Tinker Rangers were prepared to make a run through the National Adult Baseball Association National Division as they entered action against Team Dynasty on Sept. 23 at Hillsdale College in Moore.
   The run didn't last and the Rangers season ended with a 2-1 loss.
   The game was highlighted by a masterful pitching performance by Stephen Escalante, who pitched a complete game. He struck out 10 batters and scattered five hits throughout the contest. The only runs scored were unearned.
   "I had my best stuff of the year and my arm felt awesome," Escalante said. "My curveball and fastball were working to perfection this afternoon."
   The Rangers got on the board early the first inning when they played small ball to perfection. A single by shortstop Mercado-Martinez Fraynel started the scoring. He was sacrificed to second by Christopher Brooks, reached third on a passed ball and scored on a ground out by Caleb Gray.
   "This gave us an early advantage and with our experience from the recent 2007 USAF baseball tourney we were confident to notch a victory," said Escalante.
   Both teams held tight defensively and the Rangers had a 1-0 lead through five innings. Several Rangers miscues in the top of the sixth inning led to two unearned runs for Dynasty.
   "I feel bad for the outcome," Escalante said. "It was our best defensive and pitching effort of the season, just our sticks were not working today."
   The Rangers tried to muster an attack but to no avail and the game ended 2-1 in favor of the visiting Team Dynasty.
   "Steve pitched a great game today and it was a pleasure watching the opposing batters struggle against his curveball and timely fastball," said Harley Shannon, Rangers catcher.
   The Rangers next action is Oct. 5-11 at the NABA national tournament in Phoenix.
   For more information on the Rangers, visit their Web site at http://www.leaguelineup.com/tinker.