The Albert Lea Colonels had a frustrating start to the 2001 season, dropping three games to teams that played in last year’s amateur baseball state tournament.

Saturday, June 09, 2001

The Albert Lea Colonels had a frustrating start to the 2001 season, dropping three games to teams that played in last year’s amateur baseball state tournament.

It figured to get somewhat easier Friday night when Blue Earth came to town, but it didn’t. No, the visitors weren’t in last year’s state tournament, but they have several players off Blue Earth Area’s high school state tournament team from two years ago and beat the Colonels 14-2 in seven innings at Hayek Field.

Unlike the Colonels’ previous game, in which they improved greatly from their opening weekend, manager Bill Trygstad was not encouraged.

&uot;We played hard,&uot; said Trygstad. &uot;We’re just not getting the key hits when we need them. We need to score more than two runs to win a game.&uot;

Bryan Baggett, Matt Trygstad and Brett Damerow had two hits apiece, Tim Davis and Ryan Haugsdal one each.

Mike Piechowski allowed seven earned runs in 4 2/3 innings and took the loss; he walked one and fanned five.

&uot;We’re fielding a young team,&uot; said Bill Trygstad. &uot;We need to find out who will step up and play where. Everyone’s getting a shot right now.&uot;

The Colonels’ record fell to 0-4 while Blue Earth improved to 6-2.

The Colonels play at Austin Monday.

Blue Earth 050 330 3 – 14 18 0

Albert Lea 002 000 0 – 2 8 4

LP – Mike Piechowski