BOLIVAR, Mo. – The Parkside softball team opened their week with a sweep against Southwest Baptist. The Rangers took game one 9-4 and game two 4-2.
Game One
Olivia Masnica got the starting nod inside the circle for the Rangers in game one. The senior would toss five innings and secure the win.
Hope Maes came on in relief of Masnica, tossing two innings and slamming the door on the Bearcats allowing just three hits and striking out one batter.
Cassie Rutledge continued to see the ball well, going 2-4 and the only Ranger with multiple hits in game one.
The game would remain scoreless between both sides up until the top of the fourth inning of play.
Mia Johnson would step up to the plate with a runner on first and launch a two run homerun over the left center wall. It would be Johnson's first long ball of the season and would lead to a 2-0 Ranger lead heading to the bottom half of the fourth inning.
The Rangers continued to pour it on in the top of the fifth adding three runs on just three hits. Southwest Baptist would finally answer in the top half of the fifth inning with three runs of their own. Parkside still held the 5-3 lead at the conclusion of the fifth inning.
Parkside's offense wasn't done yet, adding four more runs in the top of the sixth inning. The Rangers would have the bases loaded with just one out Rutledge would push two across on a stand up double.
Rylee Baetz would add another run on a single to left field as the Rangers would remain in control 9-3.
The Bearcats would tack on just one more run to make the score 9-4, but the damage was already done, as the Rangers would win game one.
Game Two
Shelly Deisz started on the mound for the Rangers in game two. The junior threw the complete game for Parkside in the win while allowing just seven hits and striking out three batters. Deisz picked up her third win of the season. Freshman
Taylor Utrata led the offensive charge for Parkside, going 2-3 in game two while notching her first collegiate homerun.
Just like game one, it took a while for runs to cross the plate. The Rangers would strike first in the top half of the fifth inning as they pushed three runs across the plate. They did so on four hits including a
Haley Remington single. Parkside would lead 2-0 heading into the bottom of the fifth.
The Bearcats made it interesting in the bottom of the sixth inning producing two runs and cutting into the Rangers lead 3-2.
Utrata delivered the dagger with a leadoff solo shot to left centerfield in the seventh innings. Her first collegiate homerun was a timely one, as it would give the Rangers an insurance run and stretch their lead to 4-2. The Rangers would retire the side in the bottom of the seventh to secure the win.
Up Next
The Rangers return to action tomorrow as they will take on William Jewell. Game one is set for 3 p.m. CDT. Coverage can be found at ParksideRangers.com/coverage.
