The Austin baseball team needed a top-tier pitching performance and an onslaught of offense to beat Big Nine Conference-leading Rochester Century. They got neither.

Tim Johnson struggled with his control and the Packers moved only two runners into scoring position in an 8-0 league loss to Century Thursday night at Mayo Field in Rochester. Johnson walked six and hit two Panther batters in his 3 1/3 innings, allowing seven runs before exiting in the fourth with Century staked to a 7-0 lead.

Adam Van Proosdy pitched the final 3 2/3 innings in relief, allowing three hits and one earned run as the Packers (5-13, 5-11) lost their fourth straight.

"Obviously the problem with Tim was his command," said Austin coach Kris Fadness. "He had a hard time getting ahead on hitters, so he had to throw a steady diet of straight stuff across the plate. And against a team like Century you're not going to get away with that.

"If there was a highlight it was Adam's pitching."

Peter Zblewski pitched seven scoreless innings for the win, striking out seven while scattering six Packer hits. Austin's Billy Anderson was 2-3 to highlight.

"Obviously it's been the weakness of our team for all season," Fadness said of the offense. "He (Zblewski) took advantage of our mistakes at the plate. He was nothing we haven't seen before. We're just not real disciplined at the plate."

Andy Klapperick and Andy Swank were the only Packer batters to make it to second base. Swank, a sophomore, was called up to play third base Thursday night and went 1-3, also reaching on an error.

The Packers travel to Waseca tonight for their first non-conference game since April 26. Austin hosts Mankato West in the final regular-season contest Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at Marcusen Park.

Linescore:

Century0214010--8101

Austin0000000--061

WP--Zblewski. LP--Johnson.