Kenosha, Wis. — Despite a promising start and a strong effort on the mound from Peter Fusek, the Parkside Rangers dropped a tough non-conference contest to Carthage on Tuesday evening at Historic Simmons Field, 6-3.

How it happened:
Parkside struck first in the bottom of the opening frame. After Dylan Sayles ripped a two-out single and promptly stole second, Owen Brock delivered a clutch RBI single up the middle to give the Rangers an early 1-0 edge.

Fusek was in control through four innings, allowing just two hits and no runs while striking out four. His poise on the mound gave Parkside early momentum, and he even contributed at the plate with a double and a stolen base.

However, Carthage found life in the middle innings. The Firebirds capitalized on a throwing error and timely hitting in the sixth to plate two runs and take their first lead. They extended it with single runs in the seventh and eighth before tacking on one more insurance tally in the ninth.

Parkside mounted a surge in the bottom of the seventh. After a leadoff base hit from Sam Mommer and a walk to Jackson Lindquist, Jake Petasek drove home a run to bring Parkside back within one. The Rangers tied the game as Lindquist scored on a double play. Parkside drew even at 3-3 after seven innings but didn't score again.

Relievers Nick Tinajero and Aben Beinlich did their best to keep the Rangers in it late, combining for two innings of work and minimizing further damage.

Offensively, Sayles stayed hot with a 2-for-4 day, while Brock also finished with a pair of hits and an RBI.

Next:
Parkside's record drops to 25-15 after the loss. They are back in action tomorrow against Viterbo. First pitch is slated for 3:00 PM at Historic Simmons Field. For coverage of the event, visit ParksideRangers.com/coverage.