ESCANABA - Even if Wishigan League baseball games run nine innings, it is still difficult to fall into an early hole and come back.
The Escanaba Polecats rallied after spotting Felch a 2-0 first inning lead here Wednesday before the Rangers held on for an 8-5 victory at Al Ness Field.
The Polecats (2-5) committed two infield errors on the opening two batters as Felch scored twice. Escanaba had two more errors that also contributed to Felch's offense.
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Dennis Grall | Daily Press
Escanaba Polecats shortstop Josh Broderson bends to scoop up a ground ball in the third inning Wednesday against the Felch Rangers at Al Ness Field. Felch won 8-5.
"We came out a little flat on defense," said Escanaba manager Jon Bintner. "That put us in a hole early and we never got out of that funk. A slow start ruined our night."
Felch added three runs in the fifth before Escanaba finally got on the board against Bill Tuck, scoring twice on Troy Rodman's single in the bottom of the fifth.
Escanaba drew within 7-5 by scoring three times in the eighth on a two-run double by Tony Peacock and Josh Broderson's RBI single, but Felch added a final run in the ninth when Wade Holsworth doubled and scored on Tuck's single.
Rodman and Jim Barnes had three hits for the Polecats while Tuck had three hits for Felch.
The Polecats are idle until July 8 when they visit Kingsford.