MINOT, N.D. -- Minot State put together a ferocious comeback, scoring three runs over the eighth and ninth innings, but the late-game rally came up short and they fell 7-6 to Minnesota-Crookston Friday.

Junior Blake Gallagher (1-1) started and took the loss on the mound for Minot State. Junior Jordan Chappell was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going 4.1 shutout innings while allowing two hits, walking one, and striking out five.

Senior Nolan Monthei led the way offensively for the Beavers, going 1-for-3 in the ballgame with a home run, two walks, and two RBIs. Sophomore Tyler Wiltshire put together a noteworthy performance at the plate as well, going 1-for-3 with a triple and an RBI. Junior Jordan Williams also chipped in, going 2-for-4 for Minot State with a double.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing 6-0, the Beavers first put runs on the board in the fourth inning. Monthei came across to score the lone run of the inning for Minot State and get them on the board.

The Golden Eagles expanded their lead to 7-1 before the Beavers offense got back to work, cutting into that lead in the fifth. Minot State put up two runs in the frame, punctuated with an RBI triple off the bat of Wiltshire, which brought the score to 7-3 in favor of the Golden Eagles.

Minot State held the Golden Eagles off the scoreboard before narrowing the gap to 7-5 in the eighth. The Beavers added two to their tally on Monthei's two-run homer.

Minot State kept the Golden Eagles off the board before narrowing the gap further in the ninth. Williams crossed home plate with the lone run of the inning for the Beavers, bringing the score to 7-6 in favor of Minnesota-Crookston. The Beavers were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.
 
GAME FACTS
» Chappell struck out five Golden Eagles hitters and Gallagher fanned five for Minot State.
» Minot State's highest-scoring inning was the eighth when it pushed two runs across.
» Minot State pitchers faced 43 Minnesota-Crookston hitters in the game, allowing four ground balls and 11 fly balls while striking out 11.
» Monthei led the Beavers at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs.
» Minnesota-Crookston was led offensively by freshman Brock Reller, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs.
 
Today's loss ended the 2021 campaign for the Beavers. Minot State finished the season with an overall record of 24-17 and an NSIC mark of 22-12.