PLEASANT HILL — The third-ranked (Class 4A) Fort Dodge softball team gave up a big inning in a ranked battle on Wednesday night.

The Dodgers (9-2 overall) dropped a 7-2 contest to No. 13 (5A) Southeast Polk (6-6).

The loss ended Fort Dodge’s seven-game win streak.

“A loss in early June is unfortunate, but we are learning as we go,” said FDSH head coach Andi Adams. “This seems like a grind, but we have a lot more monsters to play.

“I want to give our girls exposure to every type of scenario and opponent. We are getting ready for mid-July, and are doing that by having this schedule.”

Fort Dodge had seven hits on the evening. Meah McCaleb had a triple and drove in a run. Hope Alstott added an RBI.

Southeast Polk had 10 hits, including five for extra bases. The Rams slugged two home runs and three doubles.

Jesslyn Stairs was 3-for-4 with a home run. Libby Hartz, Aubrey Bacon and Ava Brady all had two hits each.

Kennedy Borud, Bacon and Brady all had doubles. Bacon had a home run and drove in three runs.

Halle Clark also drove in a run.

“They have some juniors that can hit and have been around the game,” Adams said. “If you miss a spot here or there, they’re going to make you pay for it.

“Their record is very deceptive. They play one of toughest schedules in the state and are in the best conference. We have to move on and learn from it.”

Five of the Rams’ losses are to rated opponents, including No. 1 Norwalk and a doubleheader loss to Waukee Northwest. The combined records of squads that handed the Rams setbacks is 44-10.

The Dodgers are back in action on Thursday when they host Marshalltown in a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 5 p.m.