Pitching versatility lifting Rangers

A STRONG pitching core has propelled the Toowoomba Rangers, as they look to keep their winning streak in tact.

SAFE AS A BANK: Sean Rodgers fields for Toowoomba Rangers against Carina Redsox White. Picture: Kevin Farmer

BASEBALL: After making the most of a two-game home-stand, the Toowoomba Rangers are hoping to take their hot run of form on the road.

Tomorrow they will travel to Redcliffe to take on the Padres, riding high on the back of a four-game win streak that has seen them move into second spot on the GBL division four ladder.

While their opponents have struggled to start the season, winning just one of their six games, player-coach Luke Ardill said they would be looking to maintain their momentum and not take the home side lightly.

“Just because they’re down towards the bottom of the ladder, the game can still go any way,” Ardill said.

“They’re hungry for a win and we want to stay near the top of the ladder. We’re not taking them lightly and will look to keep doing what we’ve been doing.

“We’re one of the most travelled teams in the competition, and while we would always rather play at home, we won’t think about the travel too much.”

The Rangers will take a full-strength side into tomorrow’s encounter, presenting Ardill with a good headache in terms of selections.

One of the luxuries they have been able to enjoy of late is the chance to give multiple pitchers time at the mound.

“We’ve got a strong pitching rotation at the moment,” Ardill said.

“Sam (McNeice) is our gun and most reliable pitcher, but we’ve got four that can pitch at the moment and we haven’t been trying to use him too much as a starter.

“Last year our depth wasn’t as great, and he had to do a lot of pitching. My job this year is to make sure we don’t use him too much when we don’t need to. It makes his pitching even stronger if he gets that rest.”

The Rangers will be looking to post another big score with the bat, having reached double digits in their last three outings.

“The boys have been working hard at training and it’s really starting to pay off,” he said.

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