The Austin softball team had their hands full with the No. 1 ranked Scarlets in Todd Park Monday and Mankato West took control early and beat the Packers 16-0 in five innings.

Austin (4-12 overall, 3-9 Big Nine) mustered just one hit Lexi Schoper of West (17-1 overall, 9-1 Big Nine) as she struck out nine and allowed zero walks.

“She’s the best pitcher in the state. They’re a good softball team,” Austin head coach Al Eckmann said. “We didn’t quit. We kept working and we kept batting. We’re getting better, but sometimes you’ve got to take your lumps while you’re getting better.”

The Scarlets had five extra base hits and 17 total hits in the game and they led 9-0 after one inning.

The Packers have a busy week ahead before the playoffs begin next week. Austin will play at Owatonna Tuesday and it will host Northfield and Rochester Century Thursday.

“We’ve got to get our pitchers all where they need to be,” Eckmann said. “It’s good that we got a lot of kids to play tonight.”

West 9 2 0 3 2 — 16 17 0

Austin 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 1 3

Austin pitching: Jaidyn Bastian (L) 2/3 IP, 10 H, 1 BB, 9 ER, 1 K; Tori Garnder, 4 1/3 IP, 7 H, 5 BB, 7 R, 6 ER

Austin hitting: Brooke Pazurek, 0-for-1; Addison Medgarden, 0-for-2; Shayley Vesel, 0-for-2; Brandi Meyers, 1-for-2; Kelsey Sederquest, 0-for-2; Jordan Huntley, 0-for-2; Garnder, 0-for-1; Hannah Rasmussen, 0-for-1; Bailee Brooks, 0-for-1; Jess Piel, 0-for-1