With a young, relatively inexperienced squad, first-year Albert Lea American Legion baseball coach Matt Trygstad is looking for runs any way he can get them.

&uot;We’re going to be as aggressive as possible,&uot; said Trygstad. &uot;You’ll see a lot of bunting, a lot of base stealing, a lot of movement.&uot;

It resulted in a lot of trouble for Owatonna Thursday night as Albert Lea built a 5-1 lead and held on for a 7-6 victory at Hayek Field.

Post 56’s scrappy approach was particulary effective in the second inning, when the locals scored five runs on three hits.

Matt Bracker led off with a single, Nate Loberg reached on an error and Luke Stevens singled to load the bases. Bryce Hofmeister walked to force in the first run, Derek Goodnature knocked in another with a single and Stevens stole home. Pinch-runner Josh Diaz scored when Isaiah Parry was caught in a run-down between on an early steal play.

A two-out rally produced what turned out to be the game-winning runs in the fourth. Goodnature doubled, Josh Hansen singled him home and Parry hit a run-scoring double.

Goodnature finished 3-for-4, Stevens 2-for-3. Egan Mattson had the other Albert Lea hit.

Diaz got the pitching win in relief of Goodnature, who started and went 2 1/3 innings before developing arm trouble. Diaz pitched the next 2 1/3 innings, giving up five hits while walking none and fanning four. Stevens pitched the final two innings for a save.

&uot;The guys fought real hard, they didn’t lose their cool,&uot; said assistant coach Craig Smith. &uot;It was a good win for us. I hope it brings up our confidence.&uot;

Post 56 plays Monday against the Rochester Redhawks at Mayo Field and Tuesday at Mankato.

Albert Lea 7, Owatonna 6

Owatonna

010

030

2 &045; 6

8

3

Albert Lea

050

200

x &045; 7

9

4

WP &045; Josh Diaz