KENOSHA, Wis. — Parkside split a Saturday doubleheader against Davenport at Historic Simmons Field, falling 2-1 in an 11-inning opener before bouncing back with a 6-4 victory in Game 2.

Game 1
Davenport struck first in the opening inning, capitalizing on a leadoff single and a wild pitch before an RBI single to right field brought home the game's first run.

Parkside starter Keegan Waters quickly settled in after the early run, turning in a strong outing. The right-hander worked 5.2 innings, allowing just one run while recording a career-high eight strikeouts. Waters repeatedly worked out of jams, including stranding a runner at third in the second inning after a leadoff double to keep the deficit at one.

The Rangers answered in the fourth inning. Dylan Sayles sparked the rally with an infield single before Josh Wicker followed with a base hit to put runners on the corners. After Wicker stole second, Mason Mitacek delivered a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Sayles and tying the game at 1-1.

Parkside threatened again in the fifth inning when Jackson Lindquist doubled to left center, and the Rangers later put two runners in scoring position, but were unable to push across the go-ahead run.

Out of the bullpen, Parkside continued to match Davenport inning for inning. Isaiah Terrell recorded a quick out in relief, and Carson Klaus delivered 3.1 scoreless innings with four strikeouts, working through traffic to keep the game tied into extras.

The Rangers also came up with key defensive plays, including a clutch double play in the ninth inning that erased a Davenport scoring threat and extended the game.

In the 10th inning, Parkside again held firm, stranding two runners to keep the score even while looking for a walk-off opportunity in the bottom half.

Davenport broke through in the 11th inning with a pair of baserunners setting up an RBI infield single to take a 2-1 lead.

Parkside looked to answer in the bottom of the 11th, getting a one-out single from Angel Rades, but a double play ended the rally and sealed the Game 1 result.

The Rangers finished with six hits in the contest, with Sayles, Wicker, Lindquist, Nathan Hanel, Benjamin Loyd, and Rades each contributing at the plate. Parkside's pitching staff combined for 13 strikeouts in a strong all-around effort, highlighted by Waters' career day on the mound, keeping the team within striking distance throughout Game 1 of the doubleheader.
 
Game 2
Davenport jumped out early with two runs in the top of the first inning, taking advantage of walks and an RBI groundout before adding a run on an infield single to make it 2-0.

The Rangers quickly answered in the bottom half. Angel Rades and Benjamin Loyd opened the inning with back-to-back singles, and after a sacrifice bunt moved both into scoring position, Josh Wicker drove in a run with an RBI groundout to cut the deficit to 2-1.

Parkside took control in the second inning with a three-run rally. Hayden Dieschbourg drew a walk and Nathan Hanel was hit by a pitch to start the frame, before Nolan Maciejewski loaded the bases with an infield single. Rades brought home the tying run with an RBI groundout, setting the stage for Loyd, who delivered a clutch two-run triple to left field to give Parkside a 4-2 lead.

The Rangers added to their lead in the fourth inning. Hanel singled and Maciejewski followed with another base hit to put two on. After both runners advanced on a passed ball, Loyd came through again, lining a two-run single to right field to extend the advantage to 6-2.

On the mound, Michael Merline earned the win in his start, tossing 4.1 innings while allowing two runs. Despite working around five walks, Merline limited the damage and kept Parkside in position to take the lead.

Austin Grube provided a solid bridge out of the bullpen, tossing two innings while allowing two runs and keeping Davenport from mounting a larger rally.

The Panthers made things interesting in the seventh inning, scoring twice on a pair of RBI plays to cut the lead to 6-4, but Isaiah Terrell entered and shut the door. The right-hander recorded the final two outs to earn the save and secure the Game 2 victory.

Parkside finished with seven hits in the game, led by a standout performance from Loyd, who tallied three hits and four RBIs, including a go-ahead triple and a two-run single. Maciejewski added two hits, while Rades chipped in with a hit and an RBI at the top of the lineup.
 
Up Next
The Rangers will close out the series against the Panthers tomorrow, Sunday, April 12, with first pitch at 1:00 p.m.

For all things Parkside Baseball and links to live coverage, visit ParksideRangers.com/coverage .