The Liberal Rattlers went 2-1 at the Arnold Lankford Classic in Elk City and Weatherford. The Rattlers finish their season winning six of their last nine games. After a 14-0 loss to the Ada Braves Thursday night in Elk City, the Rattlers topped the Burkburnett Blacksox 10-6 Friday morning in Weatherford and topped the Oklahoma Jets 12-5 Saturday morning in Weatherford.
On Thursday night in Elk City, the Rattlers walked 10 and had two hits in the loss to the Jets. Taylan Hill and Manny Mendoza had hits.
On Friday morning at Eagle Field in Weatherford, the Rattlers played the 8am against the Blacksox 16u (Black). The Rattlers built a 9-0 lead with one in the first, four in the second, and four in the third. The Rattlers were unable to end the game early with a run rule and struggled with field conditions as rain fell during the late innings. There was a lengthy rain delay before the Rattlers gained three outs to win the game 10-6. The Rattlers out-hit the Blacksox 8-4. Manny Mendoza pitched three shutout innings. Austin Dodge closed out the game. Bren Kappelmann and Blayden Betts had two hits a piece. Betts drove home three runs. Taylan Hill scored four runs.
On Saturday morning in Weatherford, the Rattlers played another 8am game against the Oklahoma Jets. The Rattlers started fast again taking a 5-1 lead after two. The Jets tied the game 5-5 with three in the third and one in the sixth. But the Rattlers responded with a seven run sixth to blow the game open. Hayden Pendergraft went five strong innings with six strikeouts and no walks. Blayden Betts closed it out. Blayden Betts slammed a home run and drove home four runs. Bren Kappelmann was 3-2 with three RBI’s and two runs. He delivered a clutch two RBI single in that sixth inning to make a 5-5 game a 7-5 game. Manny Mendoza slammed a triple to center.
Liberal’s final record is 9-14. They will have an exhibition game with the Bee Jays Monday night at 7pm at Brent Gould Field.
