There are two things Honeybees coach Craig Montvidas has lamented throughout the course of this season: falling behind early and issuing too many walks to opposing batters.

Both were on full display during Minot’s 11-1 mercy-rule shortened loss to Wausau (Wisc.) on July 27. The Honeybees surrendered seven runs in the first inning and Minot’s pitching staff handed out 11 walks at a time of the season where every game is critical.

The only silver lining for Minot (19-18) is that the Honeybees managed to grow their lead in the push for the final playoff spot, as Mankato lost both games of its doubleheader, moving the Habaneros a full game back. Minot has five games remaining, while Mankato has four.

The first five Wausau batters reached base – four via walk and one by a hit by pitch. That was the end of Ava Conti’s day on the mound, as she was replaced by Cienna Clemens. Clemens would hand out two more free passes, but the Ignite did have to start swinging the bat. Mia Johnson recorded the lone hit of the seven-run inning on an RBI single to center to plate Molly Fitzgerald. Emily Bechtel added a sacrifice fly to score Hannah Trzinski to cap off the scoring.

The Ignite (12-27) would add two more in the second and another two in the third to put the game far out of reach for the Honeybees. Trzinski drew a bases-loaded walk and Ava Clark singled in Brooklyn Hofer in the second.

Minot’s lone run came in the fourth off the bat of Shayna Myshrall. Myshrall – who entered the game tied for the Northwoods League lead in home runs – recorded her 10th home run of the season to break what had been a four-way tie for that honor.

The Honeybees used four pitchers to get through four innings. They combined to allow 11 runs on seven hits, walking 11 and didn’t record a strike out.

Minot and Wausau play again on July 28 at 6:05 p.m.