Bennett walk-off, two home-run game from Parker saves the day for LaGrange

Published 5:52 pm Saturday, March 16, 2024

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LaGrange had to dig deep on Saturday to earn its first region win of the season. The Grangers erased an early three-run deficit to trump Whitewater 5-4 courtesy of a Brandon Bennett walk-off single.

The Wildcats broke the game open with three runs in the top of the third, but LaGrange had a quick answer. The Grangers cut the deficit to just one run with a pair of runs in the bottom of the third.

Robbie Parker opened the scoring with a solo home run on the first pitch of the half inning. Cooper Stephens hit a single that drove in an additional run later in the inning.

Parker was just getting started as he hit another solo home run in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game at four runs apiece. Parker, an All-State pitcher a season ago, has elevated his game to new heights from the plate this year.

The Wildcats proceeded to take a 4-2 lead in the fourth, but LaGrange kept chipping away. 

Brandon Bennett got LaGrange within a run when he hit a one-run single in the fifth. This teed up Parker to tie the game up with his solo home run on the sixth.

It was perfectly poised for Bennett, who delivered a one-out two-strike single to drive home the decisive run.

Kayden Sutton pitched all seven innings for LaGrange, striking out nine while allowing just four hits and no earned runs. 

Unfortunately, he was let down by his defense behind him, who committed two errors which allowed Whitewater to score. 

Bennett and Parker led the way with two hits apiece while Mason Calhoun, Rob Skinner, Grady Westmoreland, Grayson Cockrell, and Stephens all had one hit each. 

LaGrange is now 11-4 overall and 1-2 in region play. The Grangers will travel to Whitewater for another important region matchup next Tuesday.