RAPID RIVER — The Rapid River Rockets earned a sweep (7-6, 14-8) over the Menominee Maroons Friday night in Rapid River during Parent Recognition night at the Rapid River softball park.

“Friday night was Parent Recognition at Rapid River softball park, and what a treat the moms and dads were in for,” said Rockets coach George Kanyuh. “We won both games with Menominee, the second one with a walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh by Natalie Belanger.”

The game didn’t start off in the Rockets’ favor, however, as Menominee’s Kennedy Olson hit a three-run homer — her second of the day — in the first inning to put the Maroons up 3-0.

Belanger, after hitting a triple, was pushed home by Myah Pearson in the bottom of the inning to earn one run back.

Heading into the bottom of the seventh, the score was tied at six.

After Emily Goodacre popped out, Belanger stepped up to the plate, and with the count at 2-0, she nailed the ball over the centerfield fence for a solo walk-off shot.

“The parents and fans were screaming, horns were honking, the players jumping up and down,” said Kanyuh. “It was definitely a Kodak moment.”

Aside from her home run, Belanger had a double and triple with two RBIs and three runs scored. She pitched the game as well with 11 strikeouts and just one walk. She gave up nine runs, five earned.

Cecilia Pilon had two hits with 3 RBIs, while Pearson and Carrigan Flath each had two hits.

In the opener, the Rockets took the win 14-8 with a big — seven-run — fourth inning making the difference.

Belanger threw the whole game and gave up nine hits, one walk, and eight runs (5 ER). She struck out 17 Maroons.

Pearson had three hits and two runs scored, Maizie Nelson had three hits with two RBIs, Madi LaChance had three hits, two runs scored and one RBI, and Belanger had two hits, two RBIs and scored two runs.

“It was the first time all season we played two hard-fought, focused, ball games, limiting errors and getting timely hits with great pitching all rolled into one to culminate in two victories,” said Kanyuh. “I’m hoping we carry the momentum of these games into the final week of the season next week.”

The week starts today for the Rockets as they host the Ishpeming Hematites in Rapid River for Senior Recognition day for the team.