LARRY LARKIN

Sports Sunday Correspondent

Rogers County shortstop Kevin Phillips wears No. 10 on the back of his Rangers uniform. After Friday night, he may be tempted to switch to No. 5.

For the second consecutive night, he scored five runs to help lead the Rangers to an American Legion baseball victory at Claremore's Legion Field. He also hit his fifth home run of the season.

The Rangers improved to 25-4 by finally pulling away from Bartlesville and taking a 14-8 victory. The Indians dropped to 28-14.

Billed as a game to promote breast cancer awareness, the win capped a "Pink Night at the Park" for the Rangers and their fans. Both teams and the umpires came out in pink jerseys. Home plate, the bases, and the pitchers' rubber were all painted pink.

Instead of the regular gate admission, fans were asked for donations. Legion baseball official Paul Pixley and Ranger head coach Ryan Brittle announced that $1,665 was collected and will be presented to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, formerly known as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Adding to the overall pink look, some of the Rangers took things a bit further. Sluggers David Chester and Phillips each carried pink bats up to the plate in the first inning. It worked for the home team's first run. Phillips walked, stole second, then scored on a Chester single to straight-away center.

The bats were auctioned off after the inning with the proceeds going to the cancer fund.

Home plate umpire Gene Lewellen also announced before the contest he would donate his game check to the fund.

Manning the left and right field positions, respectively, brothers Jeff and Josh Thompson dyed their knee-high socks pink.

It was another busy night for Phillips. On Thursday night, during a 17-3 win over Moore, the Collinsville product scored five runs while knocking in five. Against Bartlesville, he scored five more times. He had the home run and walked three times and also was hit by a pitch.

A calculator was needed to keep track of the game's scorecard. The teams combined for 22 runs on 24 errors. Rogers County had 28 batters reach base while Bartlesville put on 23.

Of the seven pitchers used, four for the Rangers and three for the Indians, only Harrison Mendez was able to work an inning and retire three straight batters. He replaced starter Matt Brimer and worked the third, fourth and fifth innings. He was credited with the win.