WASECA – The Albert Lea VFW baseball team appears to be putting it together when it matters most.

Wednesday, July 14, 1999

WASECA – The Albert Lea VFW baseball team appears to be putting it together when it matters most.

With the district tournament looming a week away, Post 447 ended the regular season Thursday with its second big victory in a row.

A night after winning 11-3 at Waseca, Albert Lea defeated Faribault 12-2 in six innings at Hayek Field.

&uot;The biggest thing is we haven’t had many errors the last two games, and that sure makes a difference,&uot; said coach Bob Hamberg. &uot;It’s a good time to be entering the playoffs.&uot;

In both games, Post 447 had impressive pitching and plenty of offense to compliment the defense.

In Thursday’s rescheduled game, Albert Lea outhit Faribault 13-2.

Adam Hamberg was the pitcher, going all six innings while giving up three walks and striking out two.

David Dahl was the offensive leader, going 3-for-5. Al Attig was 2-for-4 with two RBIs, Isaac Walton 2-for-5. Players with one hit apiece were Phil Wacholz, Adam Highum, Adam Hamberg, Cole Tlamka, Derek Anderson and Chad Bakken. Highum, Attig and Tlamka all had two RBIs, Wacholz one.

&uot;Dahl played an excellent game at shortstop, and Adam pitched a good game,&uot; said Coach Hamberg. &uot;Highum also made a great catch in center field.&uot;

Walton, a left-hander coming off an injury, went the distance on the mound at Waseca Wednesday night. He scattered six hits, walking three and striking out four in seven innings.

Albert Lea registered 15 hits.

Highum led the way, going 3-for-4 while driving in three runs. Adam Hamberg was 2-for-4 with three RBIs, Wacholz 2-for-4 with two RBIs, Anderson 2-for-3 with one RBI and Bakken 2-for-4 with one RBI. Tlamka was 2-for-3. Attig added one hit.

&uot;Isaac pitched a great game,&uot; said coach Hamberg. &uot;He’s getting back to where he was when he left off. When he’s on, he’s tough.&uot;

The wins improved Post 447’s record to 7-8 overall and 6-4 in the Western Division.

Albert Lea hosts the district tournament July 17 and 18 at Hayek Field.