Goranson fans 20 for Elk Grove
As the first batter, Elk Grove senior Dani Goranson started out Monday’s game against visiting Palatine with a home run over the right field fence.
But that was nothing compared to what she would do for the next 60-plus minutes in the Mid-Suburban League crossover game.
The Michigan State-bound right-hander recorded 20 strikeouts in a 2-hitter as the Grenadiers posted a 5-1 triumph over the Pirates, who were home on the scoreboard because their field was unplayable due to rain.
“It’s quite an accomplishment, “ said hall of fame coach Ken Grams of Goranson’s MSL record for strikeouts in a seven-inning game, which broke Megan Huitink’s mark of 18 during the 2002 season. “Palatine is a nice team but Dani was just cooking. She was throwing the ball well the whole game and just felt good.”
Goranson’s 20 strikeouts tied Huitink for the school record.
“It was just one of those days where everything was working,” Grams added. “Dani was a little stronger and able to throw the ball where she wanted for the most part. It was mainly that she was throwing hard.”
Elk Grove’s only other out was when catcher Devan Parkison threw a runner out trying to steal second base as shortstop Becca Maher made the tag to end the fourth inning.
“My dad (Jim) always told me my goal should be 21 strikeouts,” said Goranson, who raised her record to 13-4. “I was so close. It didn’t really even register that I had that many strikeouts because they were hitting a lot of foul balls and I didn’t realize they weren’t putting a lot of ball in play.”
Lauren Logan and Courtney English had the 2 hits for Palatine (12-13, 4-6) which scored in the sixth inning.
Pirates shortstop Tori Walzak walked, went to second base on a wild pitch, third on an error, and scored on wild pitch with two outs.
Goranson faced 25 batters, including the 2 hits, 2 walks and 1 error.
“I warmed up well and everything felt good,” Goranson said. “After starting out the game with a home run, everything felt good from there on.”
Senior first baseman Becca Walz belted a 3-run homer in the third inning and Krista Soesbe added an RBI single for a 5-0 lead.
Goranson finished the game 3-for-4 with the home run and RBI.
Barrington 7, Hersey 6 (8 inn.): A sacrifice fly to center by Jordan Wekony brought home Ally McLaughlin for Barrington’s winning run in the bottom of the eighth.
Top hitters for the Fillies were McLaughlin (2-for-4, 2 runs), Wekony (2-for-4, double, 2 RBI, 2 runs), Raegan Fingerman (2-for-4, 2 RBI) and Morgan Olszewski (2-for-3, double, 2 RBI).
Hersey was led by Alex Tinaglia (3-for-5, 2 RBI), Sarah Platt (2-for-3, home run, RBI), Melissa Cecala (2-for-4, double, RBI) and Gina Fasolo (double).
Platt (5-4) threw all eight innings for Hersey (11-12, 3-7), striking out four.
Winning pitcher Cassidy Kraimer (14-3) struck out four in 41⁄3 innings (no runs the last 3 innings) while teammate Emma Woods gave up 1 earned in 32⁄3 innings.
Conant 16, Rolling Meadows 0 (5 innings): Winning pitcher Briana Cavin (20-2) belted 2 home runs and a double while going 4-for-4 with 4 RBI and 3 runs.
She struck out six while tossing a 1-hitter for the visiting Cougars (22-2,10-1), who were the home team because the game was scheduled to be played in Hoffman Estates. The Cougars’ field was unplayable due to rain.
Other top hitters for the Cougars were Miranda Cavin (3-for-4, double, 2 runs, RBI), Sarah Thompson (3-for-3, 3 RBI, 2 runs), Kim Jacobson (2-for-4, RBI, 1 run), Megan Reff (1-for-2, 4 RBI, home run, 2 runs) and Shannon O’Connor (double).
Sophomore Chloe Prodanovic had the only hit for Meadows (13-11, 4-6).
Today’s games: Rain washed out two MSL crossovers on Monday. Rescheduled for 4:30 p.m. starts today are Wheeling at Hoffman Estates and Prospect at Schaumburg.