Richland Defeats Vancleave 3-2
May 1, 2017
By Ronald Sims
PBR Mississippi Scouting Director
Richland – On Saturday, PBR Mississippi traveled to the campus of Richland HS, as the Rangers faced off in a first round, best-of-three match-up against the Vancleave Bulldogs. Pitchers on both sides gave their teams a chance to win, but the game would eventually be turned over to 2018 SS/RHP Brandon Smith (Richland HS, MS), Mississippi State recruit, who earned the win for the Rangers.
Vancleave started 2018 RHP Hayden Robb, who tossed five good innings, giving up three runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out six. Robb, who is uncommitted, was consistently sitting in the low 80s with his fastball from a high-3/4 arm slot, with easy arm action and good finish. Vancleave recorded seven hits on the day and were led by 2018 SS Colton Hipp and 2018 OF Bailee Hendon. Both uncommitted, they recorded five hits, one RBI and two runs collectively.
2019 LHP Luke Banta, (Richland HS, MS), got the start for the Rangers and gave them three solid inning, allowing one run on four hits and walking one while striking out one. After taking the lead in the bottom of the third inning the Rangers brought in Smith to hopefully hold their lead. Smith gave the Rangers four strong innings, surrendering one run on three hits and struk out three. The Rangers would allow the tying run aboard in the top of the seventh after an infield error, but Smith got the next hitter to fly out to center field on one pitch and then picked off the base runner to end game and continue the Richland Rangers’ playoff run.
Claiming a 3-2 victory the Richland Ranger will take on the West Lauderdale Knights next.
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