By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
On Sunday afternoon the Merrill Rangers hosted the Westboro Trojans in a Dairyland league match up. The Rangers held the lead going into the eighth inning, but a late score for Westboro got them the lead and win.
The Trojans would get the early lead on Merrill, scoring one run in the top of the second inning. The Rangers would respond in the bottom of the fifth inning with one run of their own. A single by Adam Kornhorst got the Rangers started, followed by a Justin Pyan walk. Adam Messerschmidt would then bunt over both runners where Kornhorst would eventually score on a fielders choice.
Westboro was quick to take the lead back, scoring another run in the top of the sixth inning to make it a 2-1 game. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Chase Nelson would come up big for the Rangers, hitting a two RBI double to center field to give Merrill the 3-2 lead.
In the top of the eighth inning Westboro was able to capitalize with a runner on base with a two run homer to take the 4-3 lead and eventual win.
Shawn Schultz started on the mound for Merrill, going five and a third innings while allowing one run on four hits. Schultz also struck out four batters while walking none. Chase Nelson finished the game, trowing three and two thirds innings, while allowing two runs on five hits, striking out five batters along the way.
Chase Nelson led the way for Merrill’s offense with one hit in three tries, with two RBI’s, two walks and a double. Adam Messerschmidt went 1-1 at the plate with a walk and a run scored. Trevor Asmundsen was 1-2 on the day with a single, three walks and a run scored.
The Rangers will be back on the field Wednesday as they host Plover at 7:30 at Athletic Park in Merrill.