Hammond, Ind. - Parkside saw their nine-game winning streak come to an end with a loss in game one of Saturday's doubleheader against Purdue Northwest. However, the Rangers bounced back in game two with an 8-6 victory, reclaiming their 14th win of the season.
GAME ONE
The game opened with an early exchange of runs. Parkside struck first in the top of the first inning, rallying for two runs powered by a two-RBI single from Owen Brock, bringing home Peter Fusek and Dylan Sayles. However, Purdue Northwest responded quickly in the bottom of the inning, tying the game at 2-2 with two runs of their own.
Parkside regained the lead in the third. Fusek led off with a single and stole second before scoring on a Jackson Lindquist double to right-center. Brock's sacrifice fly advanced Lindquist to third, but the Rangers couldn't extend their advantage, leaving the score at 3-2 after three innings.
Purdue Northwest, however, took control in the bottom of the fourth, erupting for five runs, including a three-run home run that put them firmly in the driver's seat. Despite a late push from Parkside in the top of the fifth and sixth innings—highlighted by a two-run rally featuring an RBI triple from Fusek and a sacrifice groundout by Sayles—the Rangers couldn't overcome the deficit.
Purdue Northwest won the game 8-6, snapping Parkside's nine-game winning streak.
GAME TWO
Parkside came out on top in a thrilling back-and-forth affair, edging Purdue Northwest 8-7 in the final game of the doubleheader. Behind solid pitching from Keegan Waters and timely hitting, Parkside grabbed an early lead and held on through a late rally by Purdue Northwest.
The Rangers struck early in the second inning with a four-run outburst. Fusek, who was a standout both at the plate and on the mound, led off with a single and advanced to second on a fielder's choice. Sayles followed with a single, and with the bases loaded, Angel Rades delivered a clutch two-run double to right-center. The Rangers added two more runs in the frame thanks to solid baserunning and a fielder's choice, staking them to a 4-0 lead.
Purdue Northwest answered in the bottom of the second, scoring two quick runs. The momentum shifted slightly, but Parkside still led 4-2.
In the third inning, Purdue Northwest tied the game at 4-4, aided by a passed ball and a single, which brought home two runs. But Parkside responded promptly, retaking the lead in the fourth on a well-timed triple from Rades that scored Fusek for a 5-4 advantage.
The Rangers extended their lead to 7-4 in the sixth inning. Koto Sato drove in a run with a single, followed by another clutch RBI hit from Rades. Sayles then added a solo shot, boosting the Parkside lead to 8-4. Purdue Northwest didn't back down, however, scratching across two more runs in the bottom of the eighth to make it a one-run game. The Pride's rally included an RBI single and a groundout, narrowing the gap to 8-7.
Parkside's pitching staff held firm under pressure. Waters started and tossed 2.1 solid innings, allowing just two hits and two earned runs. Carter Storti came in relief and threw 3.2 innings, limiting the damage and fanning six batters. Despite some late pressure from Purdue Northwest, Fusek closed the game, escaping pressure in the final inning to secure the 8-7 win.
NEXT
Parkside returns to action on Monday at home for a twin bill against No. 20 Minnesota Mankato at Historic Simmons Field. The first game is set to begin at 1:00 PM. For coverage of the event, visit ParksideRangers.com/coverage.
