Bolivar, MO. – Parkside completed a four-game sweep over Southwest Baptist, winning the final two games of the series on Saturday. The Rangers are off to their best start in program history, with a 9-1 record based on available statistics.
GAME ONE
Parkside dominated Southwest Baptist in a 3-0 shutout at Dodson Field. Behind another stellar performance from starter Sam Mommer (2-0), who threw a complete game, the Rangers shined both on the mound and in the field. Mommer limited the Bearcats to just four hits while striking out seven and walking none. He retired the final 10 batters he faced, securing his first career complete-game shutout.
The game remained scoreless until the second inning. With one out, Carter Storti singled to left, followed by a hit through the left side by Josh Wicker, putting runners on first and second. A double-play ball from Jacob York moved Storti to third, and Nathan Hanel singled to shortstop, driving in the first run of the game for a 1-0 Parkside lead.
The Rangers added another run in the fourth. Owen Brock led off with a single to left, followed by a single from Storti. Brock advanced to third on a throwing error by the Bearcats' catcher, and York's sacrifice fly brought Brock home for a 2-0 lead. Though Storti stole second, the inning ended with him stranded.
Parkside's final run came in the seventh. Wicker doubled to left to start the inning, and after Koto Sato's successful sacrifice bunt, Hanel delivered an RBI single to right, scoring Wicker and extending the lead to 3-0.
GAME TWO
Game two featured a back-and-forth battle. Southwest Baptist struck first with a run in the bottom of the first, but Parkside responded with three runs in the second. However, the Bearcats quickly answered with three runs in the third to tie the game at 6-6.
In the top of the seventh, with the score still tied, the Rangers exploded for five runs. A series of timely hits, including a pinch-hit double by Camden Kearney that drove in three runs, gave Parkside a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Kearney's clutch hit capped off a relentless rally that showcased the Rangers' ability to capitalize on every opportunity.
Peter Fusek, who had been solid on the mound, also had a standout performance at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Max Johnson continued to lead off the lineup with two RBIs, while Wicker added two of his own. On the mound, Fusek was instrumental in holding off the Bearcats, pitching 4.2 scoreless innings after a shaky start in relief.
Parkside wrapped up the win with ease, holding Southwest Baptist scoreless in the final frame. The Rangers finished with 12 runs on 14 hits, demonstrating their offensive depth and versatility.
NEXT
Parkside will look to keep their momentum going next weekend at historic Simmons Field, where they will face Lincoln University of Missouri in a four-game set starting on Friday. For coverage of the event, visit ParksideRangers.com/coverage.
