Tucker Morrell threw four shutout innings for the Elks before the Crimson got to him in the fifth and sixth. (Photo by Erik Jacobson)

A first-inning single was Elk River’s lone hit as the Elks lost to No. 3 ranked Maple Grove 5-0 on Thursday — their fourth straight loss, and second straight by shutout.

Crimson lefthander Tyler Field gave up just the single by Sam Krick although he had some control problems with five walks and two hit batters. He struck  out seven.

The Elks had some runners on base but were unable to execute a bunt play three times,  noted coach Ryan Holmgren.

“We got great pitching from Tucker Morrell and made some highlight-reel plays in the field, but we did not execute very well on offense,” said Holmgren.

Morrell threw four shutout innings, facing just one batter over minimum, before Maple Grove scored twice on the fifth on two hits and an error.

The Crimson (6-1) broke it open in the sixth with three straight two-out, two-strike hits:: a  single by Shay Torgerson, two-run triple by Tyle Ruprecht, and double by Isaac Collins.

Morrell gave up seven hits, walked one batter and hit one, while striking out two.

The Elks, who lost 5-0 t0 Andover on Wednesday,  dropped to 5-4 in the NWSC and 5-5 overall. They will play at Blaine on Monday.