Rangers clear rust in big win

THREE weeks off wasn’t enough to slow down a rampant Toowoomba Rangers side.

Sean Rodgers. Picture: Kevin Farmer

BASEBALL: Playoff mode has been well and truly activated by the Toowoomba Rangers as they lock down second spot on the ladder.

After three weeks on the sidelines, the Rangers showed no signs of rust as they dismantled Carina Redsox White to the tune of 14-1 in their GBL division four match.

There were plenty of encouraging signs throughout the afternoon, with nine players scoring runs and the pitching partnership of Luke Ardill and Cody Luchterhand working efficiently in tandem.

The Rangers were on the pace from the outset, dropping two runs in the first innings and another in the second to take a handy 3-0 advantage.

Then they put the result beyond any doubt in the third, scoring six runs to take a commanding 9-1 lead.

It started with a single to Mick Locke and continued with the Rangers taking advantage of every opportunity given to them as they piled further pain on the Redsox.

Five more runs in the fifth innings drew the game to an early conclusion, giving the Rangers their fifth-straight victory.

Ardill said the fixture was important in building momentum, with an added bonus of being able to rest Sam McNeiece from pitching duties.

“We played a good game but there is still a few little things to improve in our game,” Ardill said.

“Everyone got out their and did their job. Mick Locke and Sean Rodgers really had a good game with the bat.

“We’ve got a good group of players in the field, and we were able to share the pitching.

“In previous years we’ve had to use Sam every week and he’s been worn out come finals time. Now we’ve got four pitchers and it helps him out.”

The Rangers were able to maintain their position as the best attacking team in the division, something Ardill has been down to hard work.

“I see everyone down there on a Thursday night putting in and trying to improve,” he said.

“We’ve got the best attack in the division and that is something we are proud of.”

Toowoomba will take on Carina Redsox Red in their final regular season game on Sunday.

Ardill said it’s a golden opportunity to make a statement, particularly with their opponents coming into the contest on the back of a 24-1 defeat of Redcliffe.

“We’re really looking forward to this game,” he said.

“Carina Redsox Red is sitting in fourth and we want to send a message out to other teams in the finals that we are here to play.

“It should be a great game and will get our focus onto the finals.”

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