Right now the Fullerton Legion baseball team needs a win.

They've dropped six games in a row (one game was suspended), putting them in a tie for eighth place in the Lehigh Valley Legion Baseball League. That puts them perilously close of missing the playoffs for a team that's been a perennial postseason competitor the last few years.

However, it's not all gloom and doom. Their last five losses have all been by two runs or less. They've been in these games, even outhitting their opponents as was the case in Monday's 4-3, eight-inning loss to Emmaus, but they haven't been able to get that critical run across the plate when needed.

"It's just been by the skin of out teeth," said General Manager Jim Hein. "We just can't get that one big hit."

Monday's loss was a prime example as starting pitcher Jacob Fink pitched well, striking out seven in his seven-plus innings of work. Hein said he had the one rocky inning where Emmaus scored three runs, but otherwise "had a real good outing."

"He really shut the door on them after that," said Hein.

They just couldn't push that go-ahead run across the plate, despite outhitting the Hornets 10-7. They eventually lost the game in the bottom of the eighth when Emmaus scored the game-winner.

Once again they stranded a number of runners in scoring position throughout the game, contributing to the loss.

"We just couldn't get those guys in when we needed them," said Hein. "We're leaving a lot of guys on base."

The Ramblers will need to go on a winning streak if they hope to return the LVLBL playoffs. They have five games remaining (plus the conclusion of the suspended game), and Hein is confident that they can qualify for the postseason.

He said that one area that's improved has been their defense, noting they only committed one error against the Hornets. he believes if they can continue that trend, they'll be back in the playoffs and contending for a league title.

"I'm confident they can do it," he said.

While timely hitting has been a concern, their pitching rotation has been solid throughout their 13 games so far, posting a 3.04 staff ERA. They've also hit the ball well, collectively batting .303 this season.

The Ramblers are led by Jeison Peralta who's batting .462, including a double and an RBI. David Gonzalez is batting .400 with a double and 4 RBIs, while Richard Figueroa is also hitting at a .400 clip. Additionally, Nicholas Delp is batting .381, while Jeff Charles is toting a .333 average this season.

The Ramblers placed three players on this year's LVLBL All-Star squad. Peralta will be a starter as an outfielder, while Delp, a catcher/1st baseman, was selected as a reserve. Pitcher Matt Melosky was also selected to represent the LVLBL at their annual All-Star game which pits them against the Schuylkill-Berks All-Stars on June 29 at First Energy Field in Reading.