Freshman pitcher Otto Wilhelmy (pictured-Vince Frantz), in his first varsity action, pitched two scoreless innings in relief of senior starter Drew Jones, earning the save in a nail-biting 4-1 win over Solon. On youth night recognizing LCBSA players, it’s quite fitting that a senior and a freshman would bookend the Ranger victory. Otto also drove in the winning run in the JV game, capping a furious 5 run 7th inning rally to edge the Comets 6-5. This sequence has never happened before in Lakewood Baseball.

Drew (WP-10 strikeouts) pitched 5 strong innings and blasted a double to score Cooper Russell (2 hits). Nick Hart drove in a run with a sacrifice fly, and Robby Koopman tripled and scored. The Ranger defense was solid–catcher Finn Schroeder made a fine catch on a foul pop in the decisive 7th, but that play didn’t end it.

The Comets loaded the bases on a hit, hit batsman, and a fielders choice in the 7th. With the bases loaded, two out and the count 3-2, the runners in motion–and the Solon bench squawking like a gaggle of irritated geese–Otto calmly fired a knee high strike to set the last Comet down looking.

The Rangers (10-0, 3-0 CWC) next take on Normandy on Monday. It was great to see so many future Rangers in their purple and gold at tonights game. The Friday Night Under the Lights games are a Lakewood tradition, a rare occasion in which high baseball draws large crowds. The mosaic of parents, kids, high schoolers–pumped up by DJ Ray–is a one off, and it’s ours. As a final meaningful touch for me, I got a hug and a great visit from my former LHS Baseball Coach, Mr. George Fannin, to whom I a debt of gratitude.

The Lakewood Rangers are one team, from one town, that fights until the final out.

Long Live Lakewood