Area Softball: Gobblers, Cardinals drop openers

Esko 12, Aitkin 1

AITKIN-Taylor Ehnstrom, Claire Browning and Stephanie Blazek singled for the only Aitkin hits in the Gobblers' 12-1 season-opening loss Monday to the Esko Eskomos.

Losing pitcher Maren Butenhoff allowed seven hits and four earned runs, walked six and struck out five in a complete game.

Esko 12 7 1

Aitkin 1 3 5

WP: Emilee Wilson. LP: Maren Butenhoff. Overall: A 0-1. Next: Aitkin at Crosby-Ironton 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Brandon-Evansville 12,

Staples-Motley 2

STAPLES-Quinn Uhlman's first-inning single turned out to be Staples-Motley's only hit as the Cardinals dropped their season opener 12-2 to Brandon-Evansville Monday.

Losing pitcher Carly Smith walked four, struck out six and allowed just five hits in a complete game.

Brandon-Evansville 12 5 1

Staples-Motley 2 1 6

WP: Toni Wright. LP: Carly Smith. Overall: SM 0-1. Next: Detroit Lakes at Staples-Motley 4 p.m. April 12 (2).