ALLENDALE, Mich. – The Parkside softball team traveled to Michigan for more GLIAC action on Saturday. The Rangers and the Lakers played in doubleheader action where they would split the day. Game one would go to the Rangers in a 7-1 victory, and game two would be taken by GVSU 2-0.
Game One
A five-run seventh inning and stellar pitching down the stretch powered Parkside to a 7–1 road victory over Grand Valley State on Saturday afternoon. The Rangers rallied from a one-run deficit to notch a win over the Lakers, scoring all seven of their runs in the final two frames.
After falling behind 1–0 in the third, Parkside broke through in the top of the sixth.
Mia Johnson sparked the rally with an infield single before advancing to third on a bunt and a base hit. With two outs and the bases loaded,
Rylee Baetz came through with a clutch two-RBI single up the middle to put the Rangers ahead 2–1.
Parkside kept its foot on the gas in the seventh, sending nine batters to the plate in a backbreaking five-run frame. After a leadoff walk by
Reese Valha and a double by Johnson,
Ava Swain delivered a two-out, two-RBI double to left to extend the lead to 4–1.
Megan Medlin followed with a single, and
Toni Rodriguez added a two-run base hit of her own. The inning was capped by a Valha grounder that led to an error, allowing one more to score and pushing the lead to 7–1.
Ellie Curtis was brilliant in the circle for the Rangers. The junior would go all seven innings, with five strikeouts and allowing just five Laker hits. Curtis captured her sixth win of the year after her performance.
Game Two
Despite a strong defensive effort and another solid showing in the circle, Parkside was edged 2–0 by Grand Valley State in the second game of their weekend matchup. The Rangers held the Lakers to just two runs, but couldn't cash in on limited scoring chances at the plate.
The Rangers put pressure on early, working two baserunners in the top of the first inning.
Mia Johnson drew a leadoff walk and advanced into scoring position, but Parkside couldn't convert, leaving two stranded. That would become a theme throughout the afternoon, as the Rangers were held to just one hit in the first six innings against a sharp Grand Valley pitching performance.
Grand Valley opened the scoring in the third, capitalizing on back-to-back singles and a sacrifice bunt to move runners into scoring position. A sacrifice fly plated the game's first run. The Lakers tacked on an insurance run in the fifth on an RBI double to make it 2–0.
Parkside had their best scoring opportunity in the top of the seventh when
Taylor Utrata doubled to right with two outs, but a flyout ended the rally and sealed the shutout.
Utrata led the Rangers offensively with the team's lone extra-base hit, while
Haley Remington reached base twice via walks. The defense remained sound throughout, committing no errors and stranding six Laker baserunners—including leaving the bases loaded in the sixth to keep the game within reach.
Up Next
The Rangers will return to action on Wednesday as they will travel to Upper Iowa for their last non-conference battle of the season. First pitch of doubleheader action is slated for 12 pm CDT. Coverage can be found at ParksideRangers.com/coverage.
