If you only saw the scoreboard, it looked like an awfully brutal weekend for the Albert Lea Colonels.

Tuesday, June 05, 2001

If you only saw the scoreboard, it looked like an awfully brutal weekend for the Albert Lea Colonels.

Unfortunately for the Colonels, they had a nice view from the dugout.

&uot;The guys were a little frustrated after (Saturday night’s) game and a little more frustrated (Sunday),&uot; said manager Bill Trygstad. &uot;We’re not as bad as the scores look.&uot;

The scores didn’t look good. The Colonels lost 16-0 to Minnesota Lake and 21-2 to Apple Valley at Hayek Field.

It was a tough season-opening test against a pair of strong opponents. Minnesota Lake is a veteran team coming off an appearance in the Class C state tournament. Apple Valley was in last year’s Class B state tourney. Both teams had played at least a half dozen games.

&uot;That makes a difference,&uot; said Trygstad, who also faced the challenge of working in several new players. &uot;We play both teams again later in the season. Hopefully, we’ll do better next time.&uot;

Tim Davis doubled for one of the Colonels’ three hits against Minnesota Lake. Matt Trygstad and Adam Benson singled.

Brady Berg pitched the first 2 1/3 innings and took the loss. Derek Anderson went the next 2 1/3. Benson did not allow a hit through the final 2 1/3 innings.

Craig Smith, a right-hander from the Austin area in his first year with the Colonels, started on the mound against Apple Valley and absorbed the loss. Ryan Haugsdal, Anderson and Bryan Baggett also pitched.

Matt Trygstad and Ryan Wangen had the lone Albert Lea hits.

&uot;We did a lot better making contact,&uot; said Bill Trygstad. &uot;But we really have to tighten up our defense.&uot;

The Colonels travel to Mankato Wednesday night for a Southern Minny League game. They host Blue Earth Friday at 7:30.

Minn. Lake 605 104 0 – 16 16 0

Albert Lea 000 000 0 – 0 3 4

LP – Brady Berg

Apple Valley 015 334 5 – 21 15 2

Albert Lea 100 001 0 – 2 2 7

LP – Craig Smith