Early Falcon errors with two outs were responsible for a three-run deficit against Linn after five innings Monday night. The Lady Wildcats went on to shutout Fayette 5-0 in Central State 8 action on the Falcons’ diamond.

Fayette is now 6-3 overall after falling two runs short of the championship at the New Franklin Tournament on Saturday. The loss to Linn on Monday evens the Falcons’ conference to 1-1.

Tied scoreless after two innings, Linn scored a run in the top of the third and two in the top of the fifth. All three came with two outs on the board following errors that allowed those scoring runs on base.

“I think they got our number early and held onto it, and we didn't flip the switch when we needed to get the runs we needed,” said Fayette Bri Busker after Monday’s game.

Fayette had opportunities but couldn’t string together the team’s six hits in a way to drive runs home. The Falcons left runners on base and five of the seven innings and stranded the bases loaded in the bottom of third.

“It’s frustrating, but we have to learn from it and grow from it and get two wins later this week,” Busker said. She said she has been trying to figure out adjustments to lineups.

Fayette committed three errors behind pitcher Brylee Eubanks. The freshman ace struck out five batters, issued two walks, and surrendered five unearned runs on seven hits.

At the plate, she went 2-for-2 as one of only two Falcons with a multi-hit game. Sophomore Blakely Baylor went 2-for-3. Leadoff hitter Emma Hilgedick and left fielder Greycen Syferd, both seniors, each laid down a hit.

Fayette struck out only twice and was never issued a walk. But three Falcons were struck by pitches, and two reached base on errors.

Linn pitcher Emma Starke claimed the win in the circle after allowing six hits.

Monday’s loss came just two days after Fayette went 2-1 at the New Franklin Tournament on Saturday. The Falcons shut out Van Far 16-0 in the first game and advanced to the championship after edging Jamestown 2-0.

“It was a good tournament. We showed up and run-ruled our first game, which was great going into the rest of the day,” Busker said.

But the Falcons couldn’t get past Harrisburg in the championship game, losing 2-0 to the conference and district rival.

Fayette finished with five hits, including a double by senior Brooklyn Wies, but couldn’t drive a run across the plate.

The Bulldogs drove in two runs on seven hits, including two doubles by sophomore Camryn Gray.

“We knew their bats were hot, and we had to shut it down on defense,” Busker said. “We had runners in scoring position; we just couldn't execute when we needed to.”

Fayette gets another crack at Harrisburg (11-1) Thursday night on the road. The game will have a lot on the line, counting toward both district and CS8 standings. The Bulldogs cruised past CS8 opponent Russellville 12-0 Monday night.

Fayette was scheduled to face another area arrival, New Franklin (4-7), Tuesday night at home after the Advertiser went to press. The Lady Bulldogs went 1-2 in their own tournament on Saturday, defeating Van Far but losing to Jamestown and Community. They lost a heartbreaker Monday night at home to Brunswick 9-6 after rallying for four runs in the bottom of the seventh.

On Saturday, Fayette hosts its annual tournament. Pool play begins at 9 a.m. at the Fayette High School and Central Methodist University fields. A full schedule appears below.