Rangers start season with massive win over Redlands
Story page 30
BASEBALL: The Toowoomba Rangers have started their GBL division three season in style, recording a crushing 17-0 defeat of Redlands yesterday.
Backed by an explosive opening innings that saw the Rangers pile on 15 unanswered runs, the Toowoomba side was able to make light work of last year’s semi finalists.
Sam McNeice pitched throughout the five Redlands’ innings, recording seven K2’s and allowing only two base on balls.
Seven of the nine Rangers hitters made their way into home place throughout the afternoon.
Darryl Luchterhand said the way the team was able to start the game was the difference in the match.
“We spoke at training about coming out hard. They’re a very young side but they managed to make play-offs last year so they were kind of unknown to us,” Luchterand said.
“The way our boys come out and swung the bats, especially in the first innings to drop 15 runs, was the heart breaker for them.
“(Training) has all been in the batting cage and obviously it come to fruition today.
“Sam was outstanding on the mound. Probably the most pleasing thing was to give up no runs.
“There was glimpses of what we can do. Sam’s not going to have outings like that every day so our defence is going to come into play, but I’ve got all confidence we’re going to be in good shape.”
With roster changes coming into the new season, Luchterhand said it was pleasing to get off the mark early.
“It’s a pretty new look squad. We’ve lost six A-grade players from last season but we’ve also got a couple of heads back,” he said.
“It’s a pretty good blend of young guys and older heads.”
– Sean Teuma
Photo: Nev Madsen