Despite blasting two home runs, the Albert Lea softball team’s skid grew to four games.

The Tigers lost 21-5 Tuesday in five innings at Winona.

The top of the second inning was Albert Lea’s highlight reel. After Allison Grandstrand hit a single, Kassi Hardies hit a two-run shot over the center-field fence.

Winona swapped pitchers, but the Tigers had the same result later that same inning. With two strikes, Megan Kortan hit a solo homer over the left-field fence.

“There were a few bright spots,” said Albert Lea coach Dan Harms.

However, the Tigers’ three runs were preceded by 11 from Winona in the bottom of the first and followed by seven in the bottom of the second.

Behind the plate, Veronica Silva returned for three innings. Silva was injured in a collision with Albert Lea pitcher Haley Harms while chasing a pop-up on May 5 at Owatonna. Harms is done for the season with a broken ankle, but Tigers coach Dan Harms said the team needs to stay focused.

“It is what it is,” he said. “We need to deal with this adversity and move forward.”

Hanna Schilling pitched for the Tigers. She gave up 20 hits and 18 earned runs.

Next, Albert Lea (8-9, 4-6 Big Nine) will host Rochester Mayo (14-5, 8-2 Big Nine) at 5 p.m. today.