April 27 was close for the Ballard High School baseball team. It was close to a win. Close to ending their current losing streak at nine games. Close to something positive.

Unfortunately for the Beavers, things didn't swing their way. They lost 2-1 to Inglemoor, their 10th loss in a row.

Pitcher Jimmy Pugel held the shutout for six innings, even working himself out of a bases-loaded jam early in the game.

Ballard went into the top of the seventh and final inning with a 1-0 lead after scoring in the bottom of the sixth, but Inglemoor did just enough in the seventh to pull out the win.

The Beavers had five hits, most from Emmett Niland, who was a perfect three-for-three on the day.

Ballard will have a chance to bookend a lousy month if the team can win against Roosevelt April 29. Ballard's last victory was a 14-1 romp over Roosevelt March 30. The Beavers also beat Roosevelt 11-2 March 16.

The April 29 game is at 7 p.m. at Lower Woodland.