By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
The Merrill Rangers baseball team held an early two-run lead, however would end up losing in eight innings, due to the ten-run rule. Merrill’s lead was diminished in the fifth inning, however Rib Lake would then run off with the game, combining for 11 runs in the seventh and eighth innings, to earn a 13-3 win.
Merrill grabbed the lead in the bottom of the second inning. Back-to-back singles from Chase Nelson and Brad Kanitz got the Rangers rolling. Adam Messerschmidt then busted out of his slump, hitting a single to center field, scoring both runners. Rib Lake later tied the game, scoring two runs in the fifth inning. Rib Lake then took the lead in the seventh inning, scoring three runs to lead Merrill 5-2.
The Rangers responded with one run in their half of the seventh, however it wouldn’t be enough, as the Rib Lake offense exploded with eight runs in the top of the eighth inning. To keep the game going the Rangers needed to score one run in the bottom of the eighth, however that didn’t happen, as Rib Lake took the 13-3 victory.
Leading hitters for Merrill include: Adam Messerschmidt (1-3, 2RBI), Brad Kanitz (2-3, R), Chase Nelson (1-3, R) and Justin Pyan (2-3).