Rangers defeat Tank Killers in loser's bracket

By Rachel L. Watkins, The BayonetJune 5, 2009

Rangers defeat Tank Killers in loser's bracket
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The 75th Ranger Regiment Rangers captured a 17-15 victory over the Tank Killers, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment, Monday at Gowdy Field in the loser's bracket of the preseason Commander's Cup softball championships.

Tank Killers pitcher Chadwick Meeks struck out the Rangers' first batter, but Ranger Michael Vivis put the first runs on the board with an RBI double, sending home Thomas Williams and Antonio Rivera for a 2-0 lead. Meeks kept the Rangers from scoring any more runs and sent them to the field. The Tank Killers weren't able to score in the bottom of the inning.

Meeks limited the Rangers to one run in the top of the second inning while the Tank Killers remained scoreless for a 3-0 Ranger lead.

The Rangers scored five more in the top of the third inning on a Thomas Williams RBI single and a grand slam by Anthony Williams grand slam. The Tank Killers made a comeback with an Allen Gaines home run and five more runs in the inning, but still trailed 8-6.

In the top of the fifth inning, the Rangers led 14-9. The Tank Killers scored six runs in the bottom of the inning, but fell short, sealing the 17-15 win for the Rangers.

"The other team surprised us at the end - it was a close game," Rangers coach Dan Hopkins said. "When they hit the home run, that surprised us and woke us up a little. We got the win because my players kept their heads in the game and had great team effort."

As far as the tournament, Hopkins said no one should count his team out just yet.

"We were rusty starting off the season, but these teams need to watch out for us," he said.

Ranger Ryan Herbert said his team was able to get the win because of good offense and defense.

"We lost early in the tournament, but since then we have been playing consistently. I think we can make a run for the championship," he said.

The Tank Killers' loss put them out of the tournament while the Rangers played the CONUS Replacement Center Tuesday, losing 25-15 and ending their run for the championship. Check in the June 12 edition of The Bayonet for more coverage on the championship.