Russell Conwell/Student Correspondent
Darren Kinnard
Section618.com

WEST FRANKFORT — The Benton Rangers extended their winning streak to five games and remained in the hunt for the SIRR Ohio title with a 4-0 win against the rival West Frankfort Redbirds. With the win, the Rangers remain a half game behind first place Harrisburg.

Through the first five innings, it was a pitchers’ duel between Benton starter Reid Baumgarte and West Frankfort starter Preston King, with neither allowing a run. The Rangers were finally able to get to King in the sixth.

Asher Wyant connected for a solo home run off the left-hander giving the Rangers a 1-0 lead. Baumgarte resisted allowing the Redbirds to get even, recording a 1-2-3 inning in the bottom half of the sixth.

In the top of the seventh inning, Tyler Chamness and Mason Tieffel reached base ahead of Jacob “Big Country” Kinsman. On the fourth pitch of the at bat, Kinsman launched a no-doubter over the fence, his seventh homer of the season. Kinsman’s three-run blast put the Rangers up 4-0.

Baumgarte finished off a three-hit shutout by striking out the final two batters, including King to end it. Baumgarte struck out 11 on the afternoon.

Benton improves to 12-6 (6-2).The Rangers will try to continue their winning ways Wednesday evening against DuQuoin at Benton Park. West Frankfort falls to 5-10-1 (2-5). The Redbirds will try to bounce back at Carterville Wednesday.