ALLENDALE, Mich. – Parkside struck for two runs in the fourth inning, but an early surge from No. 7 Grand Valley State proved enough as the Rangers fell 4-2 to the nationally ranked Lakers on Thursday afternoon in the opening game of the final GLIAC regular season series.
Grand Valley wasted little time getting on the board in the first. After a Josh Fleming single and a hit batter put traffic on the bases, Noah Brandt delivered an RBI single to right to plate the game's first run before Ayden Vanenkevort followed with another RBI single to left, giving the Lakers a 2-0 lead after one inning.
The Lakers added to their advantage in the third when Jovan Gill launched a solo home run to make it 3-0. Later in the inning, Vanenkevort singled and moved to third on Jake Skaggs' double before scoring on a wild pitch, stretching the Grand Valley lead to 4-0.
Parkside answered in the fourth inning with its best offensive frame of the day. Benjamin Loyd singled to start the rally, and Josh Wicker drew a walk. After both runners advanced on a wild pitch, Joe Mrowiec came through with a two-out, two-run single to center field, cutting the deficit in half at 4-2. Noah Goddard followed with a single to keep the pressure on, but Grand Valley starter Collin Bradley escaped further damage.
That would be Parkside's only scoring opportunity, as Bradley settled in to complete six innings, allowing just three hits and two runs while striking out five. Grand Valley's bullpen combination of Keagan Bobbitt and Ethan Houghtaling shut the door over the final three innings, with Houghtaling stranding the bases loaded in the eighth.
Brennen Miller took the loss for Parkside, working six innings while allowing four runs on eight hits. Miller settled in after a tough start, posting three scoreless innings from the fourth through sixth. Austin Grube added two scoreless innings of relief, allowing just two hits.
Mrowiec drove in both Parkside runs, while Loyd and Goddard joined him with the Rangers' only hits. Grand Valley finished with 10 hits, led by Vanenkevort's three-hit, two-RBI performance.
Up Next
The Rangers continue their series against the Lakers tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning at 12:00 p.m.
For all things Parkside Baseball and links to live coverage, visit ParksideRangers.com/coverage.
