SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Minot State University baseball found itself on the bottom end of a one-run ball game for the fifth time this season.

The Beavers gave up two runs in the bottom of the seventh to fall 6-5 to the University of Sioux Falls in game 1 Friday in nonconference NCAA Division II baseball. The Beavers were defeated 11-2 in the second game.

Close games have been the norm for Minot State as the first game was the 11th game decided by two runs or fewer for the Beavers this season.

“Yeah, it's been very frustrating,” said MSU head coach Brock Weppler. “We felt like we outplayed them in every aspect, but didn't end up on the right side of the score.”

MSU started strong scoring three runs in the top of the first, but mustered just two runs in the final six innings and just four runs over the final 13 of the double header.

“We need to learn to be able to put our foot down. We get three against a good pitcher but he is able to settle in. Some of that is him, but some of it is us,” Weppler said. “We have to keep our foot on the gas.”

The loss spoiled a solid start by Cole Stober (Jr., P, Hays, Alberta), who gave up four runs and just six hits in six innings of work. He struck out seven and walked only two batters in a no decision.

“We don't want to waste those quality starts. Cole has pitched pretty well and could by 5-2, 6-2 but has some no decisions lately,” said Weppler.

Mitch Olson (Jr., 1B, Deloraine, Manitoba) had three hits and a run batted in. Ryne Hornecker (Sr., SS, Minot, N.D.), Scott Peters (Sr., DH, Altona, Manitoba) and Andrew Roach (RFr., OF, Gilbert, Ariz.) all had two hits and one RBI. MSU outhit Sioux Falls 12-9 in the game.

Game 2 wasn't the same story. The Beavers gave up six runs in the bottom of the first inning and were fighting uphill the rest of the way.

“It put us on the defensive right away. We can't have our starters go one or two innings,” Weppler said.

The Beavers starter Austin Zorn (Fr., Bismarck, N.D.) was tagged with the loss, going just two innings, giving up eight runs.

“Austin was up in the zone and didn't make the adjustments,” Weppler said. “Part of that is being a freshman. He is going to mature and he is going to improve.”

Jordan Gilmour (Jr., OF, Gatineau, Quebec) was the only MSU player with two hits, going 2 for 3 with a run scored. Olson and Trevor Gust (RFr., C, Minot, N.D.) had the team's RBIs.

The teams will be back at it Saturday for a pair of game starting at 1 p.m.