Rob Laidlaw

GAWLER Rangers lost 0-10 to Henley and Grange in division two baseball, although the game was closer than it looked, with a lack of success in the batters’ box proving to be the home side’s downfall.

Going into the final inning, the Rangers trailed 0-3, but surrendered seven further runs to end up on the wrong side of a lopsided score-line.

With Josh Lands pitching well, Gawler was in the game right up until the final frame, throwing six frames for 10 hits and seven strikeouts in a solid outing.

An inability to hit cost the Rangers dearly, with just Rick Leonard’s squib down the third base line in the fourth dig preventing a no-hitter for the opposition.

There were a couple of line shots caught in the infield, as well as two long balls in the outfield that were handled well, but otherwise Gawler’s bats were far too quiet.

It was a similar story in division three, as Gawler only recorded one hit and was in a tight battle until Henley pulled away with four runs in the final inning to win 0-8.

Jake Rodda was good on the mound, pitching five innings for six hits and five strikeouts, which included retiring the first nine batters he faced.

An infield single to Rhys Argent in the sixth dig was the Rangers sole hit, although Henley’s right-fielder was kept busy, with two catches and two grounders where he threw runners out at first base.

In women’s division two, Gawler recorded a handsome 12-7 victory over Northern Districts as two finals contenders clashed.

A big five-run first inning, after four walks, two hit by pitched balls and AJ Whichello’s hit, laid the foundation for the win.

After leading 7-2 going into its final at bat, the Rangers put the game out of reach with another five runs, with two-run hits to Ashley Filko and Naomi Oxford.

In a nail-biter, Gawler’s under 13s went down 6-3 to West Torrens.
The Rangers started well with two runs in the first frame after back-to-back RBI doubles to Ross Oxford and Deakin Filko.

Trailing 3-5 with two out in the third inning, Filko then came on to pitch and threw 3.1 innings for two hits and 10 strikeouts to keep Gawler in the game; but a failure to score meant there would be no late drama.

* * * *
RESULTS:
Division two: Gawler Rangers | H&G 0-10 (hits: Rick Leonard);
Division three: Gawler Rangers | H&G 0-8 (hits: Rhys Argent);
Division two women: Gawler Rangers d Northern Districts 12-7 (hits: AJ Whichello, Naomi Oxford, Ashlee Filko, Sarah Jane Jameson, Rebecca Teagle);
Under 15-2: Gawler Rangers | Port Adelaide 7-8;
U13-1: Gawler Rangers | West Torrens 3-6 (hits: Deakin Filko 2, Savanna Shultz-Gravador, Ross Oxford, Cadel Carter);
U13-2: Gawler Rangers d Kensington 17-14;
U11: Gawler Rangers | East Torrens 4-16.