The Flames tied the game in the eighth, then scored two more in the 13th inning to claim a 4-2 victory over the Rangers at Roscoe. 

Down 2-0 at the start of the eighth inning, the Flames put together a nice rally.  Ryan Schleper led off with a single, and Zac Posterick was hit by pitch.  A sacrifice moved both runners up 90 feet.  Derrick Roush hit a sharp deep to deep shortstop, and both runners scored when the shortstop threw the ball past the first baseman.  Derrick almost scored the go-ahead run, but was thrown out at home after Chris Wehseler's single and a good play by the Rangers' catcher.

With the score tied in the 13th inning, the Flames rallied for the win.  Chris Wehseler led off with a walk, with Sergei Krougove inserted as a pinch-runner.  Craig Klein sacrificed, and both runners reached safely when the pitcher's throw to second was too late to get Sergei.  Greg Holthaus sacrificed the runners to second and third, and John Kleis drove in both with a sharp single to right.

The Flames pitching and defense was very good throughout the game.  Brent Mergen started and pitched six strong innings.  Craig Rausch pitched a solid seventh, then Chad Mergen shut down the Ranger for the final six innings, earning the win.  It was an excellent effort by the whole ballclub.

Kudos to the hearty Flames fans who braved the 40-degree and windy weather to cheer the club on to the first SCL victory of the year.  Next Sunday, we travel to Lake Henry for a 1:30 tilt against the Lakers.