A Repeat Possibility

While they are not considered the favorite, the Laramie Rangers have their sights set on trying to win a second consecutive Class A legion baseball state title.

After winning their first state championship in legion baseball in 27 years last year in Gillette, the Laramie Rangers are hoping to benefit from being on the home field in 2014.

Laramie pitcher and utility player Marshall Stuart says,

“It gives us a big advantage playing on our own field. I mean, we know Cowboy Field. We know what hops it can give, and it’s just a really big advantage having other teams travel to us, instead of traveling to other places.”

The 2014 Wyoming American Legion Baseball Class A Championship tournament was scheduled to start on Wednesday, but the weather interfered. The entire tournament was pushed back until today.

Laramie opens against the Powell Pioneers at 7 p.m. The Rangers defeated Powell at a tournament in Billings, Montana on July 13 by a final score of 12-2 in five innings.

Manager Rich Wilson says he doesn’t expect the same team.

“There were a lot of factors… In that tournament, I don’t know how their schedule went exactly… I’m not going to take a lot into that… They could’ve been really down, just as well as, maybe that’s the true team, but I doubt it.”

Wilson also feels his team is on a good side of the bracket because of how they’ve faired against those other three teams, Green River, Casper and Powell.

“You gotta be ready to play, but those are teams, certainly, we know we can beat ‘em. I think that’s an advantage too, rather than thinking, oh, gosh, how are we going to win this game.”

Cody is the favorite according to Wilson, and he knows they’re tough. Laramie beat the Cubs twice last year in route to their state title.

An appearance at the state tournament wasn’t guaranteed for the Rangers. They had to beat a good Torrington team last Saturday at the South District Tournament in Rock Springs just to qualify.

Outfielder and pitcher Drew Burman admitted it’s a huge deal that we’re here and playing.

“It would’ve been a little embarrassing to have to host the state tournament and not be there. We didn’t want that to happen. We also wanted to compete in this state tournament, cause we still feel like we have a good chance at competing and going a long ways.”

All the Laramie Rangers games from the state tournament will be aired live on KOWB (AM 1290) and on our live stream by clicking here. David Settle will call the action from Cowboy Field.

Today’s broadcast of Laramie against Powell will start at 6:45 p.m.