WEST LIBERTY, Iowa – The Parkside Rangers erupted late to defeat Upper Iowa 12-5 on Sunday at West Liberty High School, using a big seventh inning and strong offensive performances across the lineup.
Parkside struck first in the opening inning.
Trace Kirchberg launched a two-run home run to right field, scoring
Nolan Maciejewski and giving the Rangers an early 2-0 advantage.
The Rangers added another run in the second inning when Maciejewski doubled to right center, bringing home
Dylan Sayles to extend the lead to 3-0.
Upper Iowa responded in the fifth inning with five runs to take a 5-3 lead. The Peacocks capitalized on multiple baserunners with an RBI hit-by-pitch and a series of walks and singles to briefly swing the momentum.
Parkside began its comeback in the sixth inning.
John St. Clair grounded out to shortstop but drove in
Angel Rades, cutting the deficit to 5-4.
The Rangers broke the game open in the seventh inning with a four-run rally.
Josh Wicker delivered a two-run single to right field, scoring
Benjamin Loyd and Kirchberg to give Parkside the lead. Later in the inning, Rades singled up the middle to drive in Wicker and Loyd, pushing the Rangers ahead 8-5.
Carter Storti followed with an RBI groundout that brought home Rades and made it 9-5.
Parkside added insurance in the ninth inning. Rades continued his big day with an RBI single through the left side to score Loyd, and Storti followed with a two-run single up the middle to plate Rades and Wicker, sealing the 12-5 victory.
The Rangers totaled 12 runs on 11 hits in the win. Rades led the offense with a 4-for-4 performance, recording three RBIs and three runs scored. Kirchberg added two hits including his home run and two RBIs, while Wicker and Storti each drove in multiple runs. Maciejewski also contributed two hits and an RBI.
On the mound,
Keegan Waters started for Parkside and worked five innings while striking out three.
Peter Mulhern,
Isaiah Terrell, and
Kyler Kennen combined in relief to keep Upper Iowa off the scoreboard over the final four innings and secure the win for the Rangers.
UP NEXT
The Rangers will close out the series against the Peacocks with two games tomorrow, Monday, March 9, at 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
For all things Parkside Baseball and links to live coverage, visit
ParksideRangers.com/coverage.