Crestwood, IL – Parkside wrapped up its four-game series against Roosevelt with its second consecutive doubleheader sweep on Saturday. Once again, the Rangers showcased their high-powered offense, scoring a combined 19 runs in the two games and 42 over the weekend. After winning 21 games last season, Parkside is nearing that mark before the month of April.
Game One
The Parkside Rangers showcased their resilience and firepower in a thrilling 9-7 comeback victory over Roosevelt in Game One of Saturday's doubleheader. Trailing 6-2 entering the sixth, the Rangers erupted for seven runs in the frame, seizing control and never looking back.
Parkside wasted no time getting on the board in the first inning as Peter Fusek continued his big series, manufacturing a run with aggressive baserunning—stealing second and third before scoring on a Jake Petasek groundout. However, Roosevelt responded with three runs in the bottom half and extended its lead to 6-2 by the fourth.
Parkside entered the sixth inning trailing 6-2. Owen Brock came up clutch, going 2-for-4 with a two-run double that ignited the comeback, pulling Parkside within 6-4.
Later in the inning, after Parkside tied the game, Jake Petasek delivered the knockout blow, roping a three-run double to right field to cap off the decisive rally. Parkside notched seven runs in the sixth. Petasek finished 2-for-4 with five RBIs, proving to be the offensive catalyst Parkside needed.
On the mound, Charlie Campbell was lights-out in relief, silencing Roosevelt's bats over three innings while allowing just one run and striking out four. His dominant outing shut the door on any potential Roosevelt rally, earning him his first victory of the season.
Roosevelt scratched across one more run in the sixth, but Campbell's composure ensured Parkside walked away with the win.
Game Two
Parkside secured a 10-5 victory over Roosevelt in the second game, riding a balanced offensive attack and strong pitching performances to complete the sweep.
The Rangers jumped out to an early lead, plating two runs in the second inning behind an RBI single from John St. Clair and a sacrifice fly from Fusek. Parkside added three more runs in the third, highlighted by an RBI double from Brock and a run-scoring double by Max Johnson to take a 5-0 lead.
Roosevelt responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the third to cut the deficit to 5-2.
Parkside continued to add to its lead, scoring single runs in the fourth and sixth innings, the latter coming on a groundout by Dylan Sayles to bring home Fusek. The Rangers put the game out of reach with a three-run eighth, capitalizing on a Roosevelt error and productive outs, including a sacrifice fly from Brock.
On the mound, Noah Gerritson earned the win for Parkside, working five innings while allowing three earned runs on eight hits and striking out five. Nathan Ciemny followed with three strong innings, yielding just one unearned run while striking out three. Austin Drayna closed out the game, allowing one run in the ninth but securing the win.
This victory marks the 20th of the season for Parkside. The Rangers have now won five straight and sit at 20-7 overall and 5-3 in conference play.
Next
Parkside will take a brief break from conference play with a non-conference game against Upper Iowa on Tuesday at home. First pitch is slated for 3:00 PM at Historic Simmons Field. For coverage of the event, visit ParksideRangers.com/coverage.
