The Fullerton Legion baseball team has found itself in a bit of a rut, but even with their recent struggles they're still in the middle of the pack in the Lehigh Valley Legion Baseball League.

After beating Coplay on June 10, they lost their next two games to Emmaus and South Parkland. Additionally, they dropped a game to Salisbury prior to their win against Coplay.

Even though they've hit this snag, they're currently 2-4 in the LVLBL which puts them just percentage points out of fifth place.

In the game against Coplay, Dakota Schiffer got the win for the Ramblers, going the distance for the 4-3 victory.

Schiffer's arsenal on the mound includes four pitches, mixing in an occasional knuckleball. General manager Jim Hein said that Schiffer's control is also a big part of his success, something he was able to do against Coplay, allowing just three walks during his stint on the hill.

"He was right on target," said Hein. "He's a good pitcher. He really knows how to mix up his pitches and keep the hitters off balance."

However, it started out a bit rocky for Schiffer. He surrendered three runs in the top of the first to their crosstown rivals.

The Ramblers chipped away, scoring a run in their half of the first, then adding one more more in the fourth, and then two in the fifth for the one-run win.

"It looked like it was going to be a long night, but the guys kept battling," said Hein. "They just kept plugging away."

In the win, Alex Bruneio led the way at the plate, going 2-3 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored. Additionally, David Gonzalez singled and a stolen base, while Matt Melosky chipped in with an RBI.

Their recent troubles have been their inability to get a big hit in a key situation. Hein said that while they're getting hits throughout their line-up, they've stranded too many runners in this current dip.

"We're just not getting the hits when we need the hits when we need them," Hein said.

In the game against Emmaus, they banged out 12 hits and had the bases loaded a few times, stranding 11 runners. They weren't able to get the hit crucial hit that would have reversed the outcome. They eventually lost to the Hornets, 8-2.

"We're getting a lot of hits, just not when we need them," said Hein.

As with many teams, the Ramblers are dealing with senior week, graduation, and vacations, all of which impacts their roster. Hein said that they haven't been at full strength the last few games, but remains confident that they can right the ship and make it back to the playoffs.

They've also had to contend with being nomads since Henry Glasser Field was made unplayable after the recent carnival, a victim of the rain and crowds. Hein said that may be contributing to their recent slide since they're always traveling, a team without a home field.

Still, he knows they have the talent to overcome many obstacles.

"I think we have a good team, and we'll be right there at the end," said Hein. "Once things get going, we'll be all right."