Kenosha, Wis - The Parkside Rangers took both games over the Northland Lumberjacks in a double header on Friday. In both games, Parkside pitching was stellar, allowing just two-runs in both games combined. Parkside took game one 3-1, and game two 7-1. For the first time since 2011, Parkside has won five straight games.
GAME ONE
In a low scoring battle in the opening game, the pitching was the story for both sides. Both teams allowed just one singular walk each. After the game was tied for five plus innings, Parkside broke through for two runs in the sixth. In the seven-inning game, that would be enough to ride them to a victory.
In the second inning, Owen Brock got the scoring started. Brock clubbed a solo shot over the left field fence. This marked Brock's third home run of the season, granting Parkside a 1-0 advantage.
Parkside sent out Carter Storti to start game number one. For the most part, Storti has been dominant offensively this season, but in this game he displayed his ability to deal off the mound. Storti lasted four innings, allowing just one run, zero walks, and he collected three strikeouts in the process.
Storti handed the ball over to another freshman, Ryan Klukas. Klukas continued the consistent effort, dealing two scoreless innings. Klukas allowed just one hit and struck out one hitter.
In the sixth inning, Parkside got runners on base for Koto Sato. Sato bunted a base hit and drove home Joe Hoeks to give Parkside the lead. The next batter, Jude Allen, put down a perfect sacrifice bunt to bring home John St. Clair. Small ball was perfectly executed and Parkside led 3-1 after the sixth inning.
Leo Burger entered to pitch in the final inning and slammed the door. En route to his first collegiate save, Burger had a perfect 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout. Parkside saw Ryan Klukas secure his first win as a pitcher as well.
GAME TWO
Even after falling behind in the opening inning, Parkside took control thanks to seven unanswered runs. The pitching remained dominant as they allowed just one run and two hits through the full seven innings. Parkside's offense came alive behind a big game from Andrew Harris.
Northland drew first blood in game two, scoring a quick run in the opening frame. However, Andrew Harris' big game began early in the first inning. After Peter Fusek reached to begin the game, Harris drove him in with a base hit. Parkside took an early 2-1 lead after Northland committed a balk and the go-ahead run scored.
Parkside got another solid start out of their arsenal. Maguire Delagrave got the nod for game two and dealt 4.2 innings with five strikeouts. He allowed the single run in the first inning but was consistent throughout and gave Parkside a real shot to win.
In the third inning, Parkside plated two more runs. Harris struck again, driving in Fusek on another RBI single. Later in the inning, Joe Hoeks drove home Angel Rades on a sacrifice fly. Parkside led 4-1 after three innings of baseball.
In the fifth inning, Northland had their biggest and most dangerous threat of the baseball game. Nathan Ciemny took over with the tying runs on base and the bases loaded. Ciemny struck out the first batter he faced and stranded three Northland base runners. In the bottom half of the inning, Parkside responded with two more runs. Harris once again singled home Fusek. Harris finished the game going 3-3 with three RBI's. Plus, both Fusek and Rades had multi-hit games.
In the sixth, Andrew Mack collected an RBI hit. He provided some late insurance, singling home Zach Alburg. Parkside possessed a 7-1 advantage headed to the final inning. Ciemny got the final seven outs of the game and collected two strikeouts.
In both games, Parkside did not commit an error and played two clean baseball games. They are 9-7 overall and will look for a three-game sweep over Northland tomorrow.
NEXT
Parkside will return to action tomorrow morning to conclude a three-game set with Northland at 11:00 am. In addition, Parkside will take on Rockford later in the day to conclude the weekend at 3:00 pm. For coverage of the event, visit
ParksideRangers.com/coverage.
