10U Dodgers rise to the occasion in clutch encounter with Rangers

  The Dodgers exploded for eight runs during the final two frames Monday night to earn a 9-3 victory over the Rangers in a match-up that decided the regular season 10U Fall League champion.

  The game, which was the regular-season finale, was played in chilly, misty conditions at the Canton Softball Center.

  Both teams, which had split their earlier two encounters, entered the showdown with 9-2 records.

  The Dodgers were bolstered by clutch pitching performances from Nathaniel Blain and Mateo Ruiz. Kollin Murray closed the game in impressive fashion.

  Ruiz and Blain ripped key hits for the Dodgers.

  Defensively, Dodger shortstop Cody Tapp nearly turned an impressive double play, fielding a ground ball and touching second to get a force, but his throw to first barely missed getting the batter.

  Blain also showcased his missile arm when he fielded a sharply hit single and nailed the base-runner who was attempting to stretch the hit into a double.

  Jacob Kash, DJ Jablonski and Jack Savage pitched for the Rangers.

Dodger Giovanni Marterella barely beats the throw to third base. (Ed Wright photo)

Mateo Ruiz cruises into third base. (Ed Wright photo)