TUCSON, Ariz. -- An explosive offensive output late was not enough for Minot State on Tuesday as the Beavers scored five runs but could not overcome Gustavus Adolphus Gusties and were bested 6-5 in the Tucson Invitational.

Junior Wyatt Toth (0-1) started and took the loss on the mound for Minot State (2-2 overall). Sophomore Conner Meldrim was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going three shutout innings while allowing two hits, walking one and striking out three.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Beavers got the scoring started early, putting one run on the board in the bottom the first inning with the game still scoreless. Junior Shane Kary put Minot State on the board with a one-out solo home run off sophomore Benny McDonald.

The Gusties (5-0) then rallied to score six runs and take a 6-1 lead before the Beavers got back on the board in the seventh. Minot State scored three runs in the frame, buoyed by a two-run single off the bat of senior Connor Hill, which brought the score to 6-4 in favor of the Gusties.

Minot State held the Gusties off the board before narrowing the gap to 6-5 in the ninth as Hill added an RBI sacrifice fly. The Beavers were unable to get any closer, though.

GAME NOTES
» Minot State's highest-scoring inning was the seventh, when it pushed three runs across.
» Senior Brent Riddle stole two bases in Tuesday's game.
» Minot State went 2-for-5 (.400) with runners in scoring position.
» Minot State pitchers faced 44 Gustavus Adolphus hitters in the game, allowing nine ground balls and seven fly balls while striking out 10.
» Shane Kary led the Beavers at the plate, going 2-for-5 with a home run and an RBI.
» Gustavus Adolphus was led offensively by senior Brady Schmitz, who went 1-for-5 with a double and two RBI.
» Senior Sam Baker led the Gusties pitching staff, throwing 1.1 shutout innings.

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