Rangers Season Concludes With Loss to Sheridan

One big inning by Sheridan helped the Troopers defeat the Laramie Rangers 11-4 at the Wyoming ‘AA’ American Legion Baseball State Tournament in Casper.

Laramie (29-21) was eliminated from the state tourney last Friday.

Manager Brandon Ruckman said it was a tough game for his ball club.

"They (Sheridan) hit the ball well. You saw 16 or 17 hits, I can't remember what it was, but just a lot of hits. At the end of the day, we just aren't as deep pitching-wise, so we had to stick with it. Their a good team, hats off to them. They can pound the ball, and we just struggled getting going."

Sheridan put seven runs across in the third on seven hits. The Troopers scored on four RBI base hits, an RBI sacrifice fly, a wild pitch and a delayed steal of home.

Laramie came back with three runs in the fourth on RBI hits from Caleb Eaton and Ramon Gomez, plus an RBI fielder’s choice. That’s as close as they would get.

Sheridan added one in the fourth and three in the eighth. The Rangers got one run on an RBI single from Logan Pickard in the eighth.

Laramie was held to seven hits. Reid Baty had two of those. Blake Moore started and lasted into the fifth, but took the loss.

The Troopers pounded out 17 hits, plus took advantage of seven walks and a hit batter. Six Sheridan hitters had two or more hits.

Ruckman knew they issued quite a few walks.

"Anytime you have more than five walks, it's tough to win a game. (It was) Not our 'A' game today."

Ruckman added, "I thought the guys had a good season. I am proud of these guys and looking forward to next year."

Laramie went 1-2 at the state tournament. They finished with a nine-win improvement over 2016.

Ruckman said of their improvement that it was a credit to the kids.

"Their work ethic and just coming together. We have a lot of good things in store with these guys. I think if they stick with it, really work hard in the off-season, get stronger, faster, they're going to make some noise next year. I'm looking forward to it."