Grand slam Rodgers leads Rangers to dominant win

A MEMORABLE moment from Sean Rodgers put the icing on the cake for the Toowoomba Rangers in their latest victory.

Sean Rodgers hits a grand slam for Rangers. Toowoomba Rangers vs Beenleigh Hawks. Picture: Nev Madsen.

BASEBALL: Another week, another dominant showing by the Toowoomba Rangers.

Beenleigh came into Commonwealth Oval hoping to improve on their solitary win for the season, however left with their tail between their legs as the Rangers powered to an 11-1 victory.

It keeps them rolling along in second, just one win behind the first-placed Wests Bulldogs with just three weeks remaining before the Christmas break.

The win was rubber stamped in the fourth innings with the Rangers holding a slender lead.

With bases loaded, Sean Rodgers stepped up to the plate, launching the ball over the fence to complete a rare grand slam.

That helped catapult the home side to an unassailable lead, with the mercy rule coming into effect at the end of the fifth.

Darryl Luchterhand said although it took a while for them to get on top of their opponents, he felt the game was always in their keeping.

“The scoreline says it was another good win, but it probably wasn’t until later in the game that we were able to take full control,” Luchterhand said.

“We scored the majority of our runs on the back of Sean’s grand slam, and although it was relatively close until then, we didn’t feel like it was in any doubt.

“It’s nice to hit a home run, but to hit a grand slam is even better. Sean has been one of our best hitters for the last couple of years, and we celebrated after the game.”

Luchterhand said the side’s strong pitching core again laid the platform, conceding just the one run.

“Laurie Taylor threw a great game,” he said.

“He only gave up one run before Sam (McNeice) came in for the last little bit.

“We didn’t have to play a great deal of defence.

“Ardy (coach Luke Ardill) has a great amount of pitching on the roster, and I don’t think Sam will start next week, and he’ll be used sparingly until the bigger games and playoffs.

“It’s good to know what we’ve got plenty of depth in case something does happen.”

The Rangers next play Redcliffe Padres White on the road on Sunday.

Originally published as