MOORHEAD, Minn. -- MSU Moorhead softball dropped a doubleheader to eighth-ranked Augustana on Thursday afternoon. The games were the first of the conference season for both teams. 

Augie won both games in five innings, claiming the first contest 10-0 and the second by an 8-0 count. 

Game One

Augustana would hit the scoreboard early in the first inning on an RBI single to lead 1-0. As the Dragons were held without a hit in the home half, the Vikings would plate two more runs in the second on a solo home run and a single. MSUM would be held without a hit again in the second frame, which opened the door for Augie to score two more runs in the third inning on another home run. Teagan Pranchke would earn MSUM's first hit in the bottom of the third, but the Dragons would trail 5-0 after three frames. 

The Vikings would plate a run in the fourth inning to lead 6-0, eventually extending that lead to 10 runs in the fifth inning. In total, Augustana would hit three home runs and use that to pace the 10-0 run rule victory. 

Game Two

Dragon starter Isabel Rodriguez would limit the Vikings to no hits in the first inning, but Augie starter Lexi Lander would keep pace, holding MSUM hitless as well. As both teams failed to score in the second inning, Rodriguez would continue her strong start, setting the Vikings down in order in the third frame. Augustana would finally get to Rodriguez in the fourth inning after working out a leadoff walk. The Vikings would eventually score two runs on two hits in the inning to lead, 2-0. 

Jessie Henry would put together a leadoff walk to give the Dragons a little bit of life in the home half. However, MSUM would not be able to score and Augustana would take full advantage. The visitors would score six runs on five hits in the top of the fifth inning, including three home runs. Augie's offensive explosion helped close the game down in five frames with the Vikings winning, 8-0.

Up Next

MSUM (8-21, 0-2 NSIC) hosts Minnesota State in an NSIC twinbill on Saturday beginning at noon.