Box Score

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Minot State (N.D.) (2-3 overall) scored five runs in the bottom of the third and held on for a 5-4 victory over Fort Lewis (1-4) yesterday in the final game of the Desert Stinger for both teams.

Kyla Thiesen hit a three-run homer and Stacy Fourni followed with a two-run shot to provide all the offense the Beavers would need.

All five runs came off Skyhawk starting pitcher Kassie Haubert (1-1 overall), who surrendered five runs (four earned) on four hits and three walks.

Stephanie Janes came in to get the final two outs of the third inning and pitched scoreless softball the rest of the way, working 4.2 innings in relief and allowing just four hits and one walk.

“Stephanie came in and shut 'em down,” said second-year FLC head coach Kira Zeiter. Janes pitched through injuries throughout the entire 2011 season, and appears to be back in form. She worked 7.2 innings in two games at the Desert Stinger, allowing a team-low 3.65 ERA.

The Skyhawks started their comeback in the fifth frame when Natalie Janes blasted a four-bagger over the centerfield fence, scoring Destinee DeHerrera, who had reached on an error.

In the sixth, FLC trimmed the lead to a single run when Chelsea Rodriguez homered to left field, plating Jordan Willis, who had reached on an error. The tater was Rodriguez's third in five games this season.

Minot State pitcher Mandy Greenb retired the side in the seventh to earn the victory. The two home runs were the only two hits she allowed in the game, striking out 14 Skyhawks in the process.

“That came down to pitch selection,” said Zeiter. “We need to make sure we hit pitches that are in the zone and be smarter batters.”

Fort Lewis concludes its non-conference schedule at the Grand Canyon Invitational in Phoenix this coming Saturday and Sunday. The Skyhawks will play two games each against Grand Canyon (Ariz.) (3-4) and Notre Dame de Namur (Calif.) (3-2).