BOX SCORE

CLERMONT, Fla. – Minot State (16-4) used a four-run top of the fifth inning and a strong pitching effort to defeat No. 25 Augustana softball 7-0 on Monday afternoon in Clermont, Fla. The Vikings were held scoreless for the first time this season, dropping to 10-4 on the season.
 
Augustana managed six hits in the contest, getting two from Sarah Kennedy who extended her hitting streak to 19 games dating back to May 9 of last season.
 
Minot State's Mindy Lorimor improved to 13-3 in the circle, striking out six batters while allowing six hits and two walks. Jenelle Trautmann was tagged with the loss after allowing seven runs on six hits while striking out eight.
 
Minot State scored four runs on four hits in the top of the fifth inning getting two clutch two-out hits. Melissa Bell singled in two runs before Ali Cygan tripled in two more to put the Beavers in front 4-0.
 
The Vikings threatened in the bottom of the fifth but would leave the bases loaded after Lorimor got Kennedy to pop out to third to end the inning.
 
Trautmann led off the bottom of the sixth with a double but the Vikings were unable to push a run across and the Beavers scored three runs on one hit in the top of the seventh to go in front 7-0.
 
The Vikings started a rally in the bottom of the seventh after a one-out single by Carley Pickett and a two-out single by Kennedy. Augustana left the bases loaded for the second time in the game and Minot State would pick up the non-conference victory.
 
Augustana returns to action on Tuesday afternoon with a pair of games starting with No. 14 Caldwell at 12 p.m. (CT). The Vikings will then take on Wayne State (Mich.) at 4 p.m. (CT).