By John Cackowski
State Director

BROOMFIELD - The Mountain Range Rangers came to Broomfield to play an important Front Range League game. The Rangers having a lot of success came in with a 12-0 record. The Rangers started junior RHP Mike Poulson on the mound. The Eagles countered with senior RHP James Notary (Texas Christian). In the end, the Rangers batters would leave shaking their heads at the dominance they witnessed by Notary who came within 1 out of a perfect game. 

The Eagles would generate three runs in the 1st inning, highlighted by a double from senior 1B Matt Turner. On the double there was a throwing error on the ball coming in allowing the Eagles to score two runs. Notary would then help his own cause and drive in a run to make the score 3-0. 

Turner would also triple in the 5th innings driving in another run. 

That that was all Notary needed. Notary would pitch a gem of a game striking out 14 batters allowing one hit. 

In the Top of the 7th Notary would strike out the first two Rangers hitters on his way to what seemed like an inevitable perfect game, but then you could see Notary press a little knowing what was at stake. Notary would go to a 3-1 count for the the first time all day, and eventually walk Anderson. With the no-hitter still in play, Notary looked a little frustrated with the walk, and on the next pitch Smith would break up the no-hitter with a single to right. Notary would then strike out McLaughlin to end the game. 

Lost in the game was a very strong performance from Rangers pitcher Mike Pouson who only allowed 1 ER in 5 innings. The game itself only lasted an hour and twenty six minutes. 

Next up for the Eagles 

Highlights: 

Rangers
Mike Poulson: 5 IP, 7 hits, 1 ER, 1 K

Eagles
Notary: 7 IP, 1 Hit, 14 K's
Turner: 2-3, RBI's, 2B, 3B.