Kenosha, Wis. — Parkside battled until the final out but couldn't overcome a big third inning from Purdue Northwest, falling 6–4 Tuesday afternoon at Historic Simmons Field.
Parkside struck first in the opening frame.
Benjamin Loyd led off with a single, stole second, and advanced to third on a wild pitch before
Nolan Maciejewski brought him home with an RBI groundout to give the Rangers a 1–0 lead.
The Rangers added another run in the second inning.
Max Johnson singled, advanced to second on a wild pitch, stole third, and later scored on Loyd's RBI single to extend the lead to 2–0.
Purdue Northwest responded in a decisive third inning, plating five runs. After two walks and a single loaded the bases, a wild pitch brought in the Pride's first run. A passed ball tied the game at 2–2, and Brett Bounds followed with an RBI single to give Purdue Northwest its first lead. Another wild pitch made it 4–2 before Owen Winters added an RBI single to cap the five-run outburst and push the lead to 5–2.
The Pride added an insurance run in the fifth inning when Denham Kozy launched a solo home run to left field, extending the lead to 6–2.
On the mound, Parkside received a strong outing in relief from
Michael Merline, who settled things down after the third inning. He tossed 5.0 innings, allowing just one run while striking out six.
Nick Tinajero and
Peter Mulhern followed with scoreless appearances to keep the Rangers within striking distance.
Purdue Northwest's pitching staff proved effective after the early innings. Preston Burton earned the win with 3.0 scoreless innings, striking out three while allowing just one hit. Ivan Balboa added 3.0 shutout innings in relief before Ethan Knopf ran into trouble in the ninth.
Parkside made things interesting in the final inning.
Noah Goddard was hit by a pitch and
Hayden Dieschbourg drew a walk to start the rally. After loading the bases,
Joe Mrowiec delivered a sacrifice fly to score a run. Later in the inning, a wild pitch allowed another run to cross, cutting the deficit to 6–4. However, Purdue Northwest reliever Jacob Chajet entered and recorded the final out to secure the save.
Benjamin Loyd led the Rangers offensively, going 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored.
Max Johnson added two hits, a run scored, and aggressive baserunning with a stolen base.
Michael Merline led the way for Parkside on the mound, tossing 5.0 solid innings in relief while striking out six and allowing just one run, helping keep the Rangers within striking distance late in the game.
UP NEXT
The Rangers return to action Friday, March 27, traveling to University Center for a four-game series against Saginaw Valley State.
For all things Parkside Baseball and links to live coverage, visit
ParksideRangers.com/coverage .
