Kenosha, Wis. – Parkside suffered defeats in its opening conference games of the season on Friday, as Grand Valley State's powerful offense proved too much to handle. The Lakers launched a combined seven home runs across the two games to take both contests.
GAME ONE
Parkside fell behind early as Grand Valley State used a pair of home runs to jump out to a 3-0 lead by the second inning. The Rangers had opportunities early but couldn't push runs across against GVSU ace Jayden Dentler, who scattered eight hits while striking out seven in a complete-game effort.
A rough sixth inning proved to be the difference, as the Lakers exploded for six runs, including a three-run homer from Ayden VanEnkevort and another three-run blast from Jovan Gill, putting the game out of reach.
Parkside's offense finally broke through in the bottom of the fifth when Carter Storti launched a two-run homer to left, putting the Rangers on the board. Nathan Hanel added a late spark with a ground-rule double in the seventh before scoring on a wild pitch, but the deficit was too much to overcome.
On the mound, Allen Leitner battled through 4.1 innings but was tagged for six runs on 10 hits. Charlie Campbell, Mateo Fuentes, and Nick Tinajero combined in relief, but GVSU's bats remained red-hot, racking up five home runs in the game.
GAME TWO
The Lakers' offense remained relentless, scoring in seven different innings while collecting 14 hits in game two.
Parkside managed seven hits but struggled to contain Grand Valley State's potent lineup. Nathan Hanel got the Rangers on the board in the third inning with a solo home run, while Dylan Sayles launched a two-run homer in the eighth. Max Johnson added an RBI single late, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
GVSU's pitching duo of Owen Avery and Colby Phipps stifled the Rangers' offense. Avery tossed six strong innings, allowing just one run on two hits while striking out six. Phipps came in for the final three frames, surrendering three runs on five hits but securing his second save of the season.
Keegan Waters took the loss for Parkside, giving up three runs (two earned) over four innings.
NEXT
Parkside and Grand Valley State will continue their four-game series tomorrow. Game three is slated for a 1:00 PM start at Historic Simmons Field. For coverage, visit ParksideRangers.com/coverage.
