Rangers drop two in Rapid City

by Wyoming Sports.org

RAPID CITY, S. D. -- It's been a tough start for the Laramie Rangers AA American Legion baseball team at the Rich Hinseth Agency Tournament.

The Rangers were rained out on Thursday in their opener with Watertown, S.D., and came back for two on Friday, dropping both games. To make matters worse, the Laramie offense managed just two runs on the day, losing to Watertown 9-1 and Albuquerque, N.M., 7-1.

The two losses drop the Rangers to 12-6 on the season.

Watertown jumped on Laramie starting pitcher Jordan Rhodine with four runs in the second inning and two more in the third. Rhodine gave up four hits and walked five in three innings. All six runs allowed were earned. Brody Hilgenkamp pitched the final 2 2/3 innings, with the game called in the bottom of the sixth because of the eight-run rule. Hilgenkamp gave up three runs on five hits.

The Rangers lone run came in the top of the sixth inning on a RBI single by Rhodine. Laramie had just four hits in the game -- two each by Rhodine and Ryan Harding.

Laramie came right back and faced Albuquerque without much more success. Albuquerque broke the game open with three runs in the third and two more in the fourth.

Coleton Wilson took the loss, giving up 11 hits in six innings. All six runs were earned. Nick Armijo pitched one inning, giving up one run on a pair of hits.

Offensively, the Laramie bats were silent again with just four hits. Rhodine led the way again with two hits, with Hilgenkamp and Skyler Joy adding one hit in the game.

Laramie will look to get going on Saturday when it faces Cherry Creek, Colo., at 2:30 p.m. On Sunday, the Rangers face Rapid City Post 22 at 2:30 p.m. and Denver Play Ball at 5 p.m.