For weeks, the Albert Lea High School baseball Tigers couldn’t buy a victory.

Now they have two in three days.

The Tigers gathered a little more momentum entering the section tournament, finishing the regular season with a 9-5 triumph over Rochester John Marshall at Hayek Field Friday. On Tuesday, the Tigers ended an eight-game losing skid with a 3-2 win over Austin.

&uot;We’re playing better now,&uot; said Tigers coach Joe Sczublewski. &uot;We changed things up, and we’re playing better than we were a couple weeks ago.&uot;

Senior left-hander Adam Highum pitched a complete game against JM, giving up one earned run on four hits. He fanned four, walked four and hit three batters. He also picked off two baserunners.

&uot;He pitched a strong game,&uot; said Sczublewski. &uot;Each time out he gets a little better.&uot;

Dave Heijerman led the offense, going 4-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Derek Goodnature was 2-for-4 with two RBIs, Isaac Walton 2-for-3, Brandon Klukow 2-for-4. Matt Bracker and Jay Link each contributed one hit.

&uot;We got some timely hitting, especially in the fifth inning,&uot; said Sczublewski.

The Tigers finished 5-12 in the Big Nine while improving to 5-15 overall.

Sczublewski said the section seedings are expected Tuesday, with the Tigers opening Thursday on the road.

Roch. JM

101

020

1 &045; 5

4

3

Albert Lea102

060

x &045; 9 12

4

WP &045; Adam Highum