Stuart Leads Laramie Over Wheatland, 8-3

Marshall Stuart had three hits, including a two-run triple, to lead the Laramie Rangers to an 8-3 victory over the Wheatland Lobos Thursday night.

Laramie manager Brandon Ruckman said they played a complete game.

"This is what we've been saying all season. When you hold those errors to one or less, usually you can hold teams from scoring. That's exactly what we did today."

Stuart’s triple ignited a four-run first inning in the opening game of the Dooley Oil Classic. He added a run-scoring single in the second for a 5-0 lead and finished with three RBI’s. Stuart also threw two scoreless innings in relief with two strike-outs.

Ruckman said of Marshall's performance, that he's just in that zone at the plate.

"He's just seeing it. He's on that curve up; at the top of that bell curve. He's just hitting the ball well, stroking. He does love to swing wood bats."

It was 5-0 Rangers, when Wheatland responded with two runs in the fourth. Laramie answered right back with three to stretch their lead. After Will Yates scored on a wild pitch, Albert Steiner came through with a two-run single that made it 8-2.

Harrison Yates started and picked up the win on the mound. He threw 4-and-1/3 innings and gave up three runs on three hits. Yates walked three and struck out six. Between Yates, Dylan Chalmers and Stuart, they combined for nine strike-outs.

Laramie took advantage of four walks and six stolen bases. They also played error free on defense.

"They just put it together today," added Ruckman.

The Rangers accomplished another feat by getting over .500 record-wise for the first time this season. Laramie is now 10-9 on the season.

The second game in the 2016 Dooley Oil Classic for the Rangers is Friday at 4:30 p.m. against Blue Chip Navy at Cowboy Field.