KENOSHA, Wis. – The Parkside softball team played in their first home games of the season on Saturday afternoon. The Rangers took on Grand Valley State at the Case Softball Complex. For the first time since joining the GLIAC, the Rangers swept the Lakers in 5-3 and 9-3 scorelines.
Game One
Behind a trio of home runs and a solid defensive effort, Parkside secured a 5-3 victory over Grand Valley State. The Rangers' offense was led by
Mia Johnson, who went deep twice, and
Toni Rodriguez, who delivered a crucial two-run shot.
Parkside wasted no time getting on the board, as Johnson launched a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first to give the Rangers an early 1-0 lead. Grand Valley State responded in the second on a RBI double to drive in a run, evening the score at 1-1.
The Rangers regained the lead in the third inning as Johnson crushed her second home run of the game. Later in the inning,
Haley Remington added a solo blast of her own, extending Parkside's advantage to 3-1.
After a quiet fourth inning, the Rangers struck again in the fifth. Johnson led off with a double, and Rodriguez capitalized, blasting a two-run homer down the left-field line to push the lead to 5-1.
Grand Valley State fought back in the sixth, manufacturing two runs off sacrifice flies from to close the gap to 5-3. However, Parkside's defense held strong in the seventh, stranding two runners to secure the victory.
Parkside's pitching staff delivered a steady performance, keeping the Lakers in check despite their late push.
Olivia Masnica would pitch her way to the win with
Hope Maes securing the save in the effort. The Rangers' defense also stepped up, limiting Grand Valley State to just three runs despite multiple baserunners. The Rangers pick up the 5-3 victory.
Game Two
Behind a dominant offensive performance and another standout game from
Mia Johnson, Parkside powered past Grand Valley State with a 9-3 victory.
The Rangers broke through in the second inning when Johnson crushed a three-run home run to left field, giving Parkside an early 3-0 lead. They extended their advantage in the third, capitalizing on defensive miscues as
Ava Swain's RBI double and a throwing error pushed the lead to 5-0.
Johnson struck again in the fourth, launching her second home run of the game to deep center, making it 6-0. Grand Valley State got on the board in the fifth with a solo home run, but the Rangers quickly responded. In the bottom of the inning,
Rylee Baetz delivered a clutch two-run double to extend the lead to 8-1.
After the Lakers added another solo shot in the sixth,
Haley Remington answered with a long ball of her own to put the game out of reach. Grand Valley State tacked on a run in the seventh, but it wasn't enough to overcome Parkside's offensive explosion.
Johnson led the way with two home runs and four RBIs, while Baetz, Swain, and Remington each chipped in key hits. The Rangers' pitching and defense held strong, stranding multiple Laker baserunners and limiting the damage.
Ellie Curtis went the full seven inning in the victory, allowing eight hits and striking out two en route to her fourth win on the year. The Rangers would cruise to a 9-3 victory.
Up Next
The Rangers will remain at home on Wednesday as they will host Roosevelt at the Case Softball Complex. First pitch of doubleheader action is slated for 1 p.m. CDT with coverage available at ParksideRangers.com/coverage.
