Austin baseball team edges Albert Lea in Hayek Field doubleheader

 

While defense and pitching were strong for the Tigers, the team’s bats fell short.

The Austin baseball team swept Albert Lea in a doubleheader Tuesday at Hayek Field. The Packers (5-4 overall, 3-4 Big Nine Conference) won Tuesday’s first game 5-3.

Jake Kilby went the distance for the Tigers on the mound, giving up four earned runs on six hits. The senior walked four and struck out nine in his seven-inning appearance.

Albert Lea seniors Mason Hammer, Jake Thompson and Parker Mullenbach led the Tigers on offense. The three starters combined for one run scored and three RBIs on four doubles. Sophomores Alex Goodmanson and Ty Harms each scored runs for Albert Lea, as well.

Albert Lea coach Joe Sczublewski said while his team played strong defense all day, it stranded 12 base runners.

“We had our opportunities. … We needed a timely hit,” he said. “That could’ve broke the game open, but it just didn’t happen.”

Game 2 in Tuesday’s doubleheader came down to a battle of the pitchers, between Albert Lea’s Taylor Heavner and Austin’s Jason Stoulil. Heavner also pitched a seven-inning game, allowing two earned runs on five hits, while walking and striking out three. The Packers ultimately won Game 2 by a score of 2-1.

Thompson was once again an offensive leader for the Tigers, driving in Sam Moyer for the team’s lone run in Game 2.

“It was a pitchers’ battle,” Sczublewski said. “Our defense rose to the occasion, (Austin was) just able to edge us out.”

Next, Albert Lea (3-6, 2-4) will go on the road to play Rochester John Marshall at 5 p.m. Thursday. The Rockets (4-5, 3-4) are coming off of a 4-3 loss to Mankato West on Tuesday. Albert Lea previously lost to Mankato West 6-5 on April 14.