The Laramie Rangers were able to withstand a furious Jackson rally and beat the Giants, 14-10, in their opening game at the Wyoming 'AA' State Legion baseball tournament.

Laramie (22-23) nearly squandered a seven-run advantage. They led 10-3, when Jackson (14-34) scored six times in the bottom of the eighth inning. With a 10-9 lead, the Rangers scored four insurance runs in the ninth and held on for the win.

The Giants held a 3-2 lead after two innings. Laramie responded with three in the third. Marshall Stuart hit a two-run double that gave the Rangers the lead for good, at 5-3.

Harrison Yates added to the lead in the sixth inning. He launched a two-run home run to left-field. It was his second of the season.

Jackson’s rally was fueled by consecutive RBI singles with the bases loaded. A hit batter and two Rangers errors led to four more runs and cut the Laramie lead to 10-9.

Blake Moore smacked an RBI double, followed by RBI singles from Nate Hill and Bernaski led to a four-run frame that gave Laramie enough cushion.

Joseph Legerski was the winning pitcher. He went five innings and surrendered three unearned runs with four walks and four strikeouts. Cameron Campbell and Marshall Stuart preserved victory, with Stuart getting the save.

The Rangers pounded out 16 hits, which included five doubles and Yates’ home run. Bernaski had four hits and drove in two. Hill and Legerski added three hits apiece. Stuart finished with two doubles and four RBI’s.

Laramie was almost done in by seven errors defensively.

The Rangers will face either Gillette or Cody in their second game of the state tournament. First pitch is scheduled for tomorrow at 4 p.m. from Thorne-Rider Stadium in Sheridan.

More From KOWB 1290