MINOT, N.D. -- Minot State took a 6-5 lead into the ninth inning, but could not hold on and fell 10-6 to Minnesota-Crookston Thursday.

Senior Aaron Kern (L, 1-2) came out of the bullpen for Minot State and took the loss. Junior Jordan Chappell was a bright spot for the Beavers, coming out of the bullpen as well and throwing two shutout innings, allowing one hit, with two walks and two strikeouts.

In the batter's box, the Beavers were led by senior Nolan Monthei, who went 2-for-3 on the day with a home run, two walks, and two RBIs. Sophomore Kaiden Cardoso furnished a noteworthy performance at the dish as well, going 1-for-4 with a home run, a walk, and an RBI.

Freshman Matt Malone also chipped in for Minot State, putting together one hit in five trips to the plate while adding a double and two RBIs.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Beavers put runs on the scoreboard first, starting the scoring in the second inning. Minot State got an RBI single from senior Ryley Humrighouse, scoring sophomore Jake Collins from second base.

The Golden Eagles then rallied to score three runs and take a 3-1 lead before the Beavers got back on the board in the third. Minot State scored twice on back-to-back home runs from Monthei and Cardoso, which evened the score at 3-3.

Minnesota-Crookston broke that tie and grabbed a 5-3 lead heading into the sixth when Minot State grabbed the advantage at 6-5. The Beavers recorded three runs in the frame, two of them coming across on a two-RBI double from Malone. The Beavers were unable to hold the lead, as Minnesota-Crookston scored five times over the remaining three innings to grab the 10-6 win.
 
GAME FACTS
» Junior RJ Martinez started and fanned nine Golden Eagles hitters.
» Every Beavers starter reached base safely in the loss.
» Beavers pitchers combined to strike out 12 Minnesota-Crookston batters.
» Minot State's highest-scoring inning was the sixth when it pushed three runs across.
» Minot State left 11 runners stranded on base in the loss.
» Beaver pitchers faced 43 Minnesota-Crookston hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and seven fly balls.
» The Beavers drew eight walks from Minnesota-Crookston pitching.
» Monthei led the Beavers at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs.
» Minnesota-Crookston was led offensively by freshman Mason Ruhlman, who went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, and four RBIs.
» Freshman Tyler Hegg led the Golden Eagles pitching staff, throwing 1.1 shutout innings.
 
Minot State and UMC will play their second game, and potentially the final game, of the series tomorrow afternoon. The first pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Corbett Field.