According to coach Matt Trygstad, the Albert Lea American Legion baseball players were wearing their hitting shoes in a recent game against New Richland.

If they weren’t, they always could have borrowed Derek Goodnature’s.

Goodnature continued his red-hot summer hitting and his teammates followed suit as Post 56 edged New Richland 10-9 at Hayek Field.

&uot;It was good to see us go out there and swing the bat,&uot; said Trygstad.

That’s something Goodnature has had no problem with. Trygstad estimates Goodnature is hitting over .500 with about a half dozen doubles. Against New Richland he was 3-for-4 with three doubles, two RBIs and three runs scored.

&uot;He’s been hitting the ball real hard all year,&uot; said Trygstad.

Isaiah Parry was 2-for-3 with one double and three RBIs, Nate Loberg 2-for-4 with two runs and Kyle Hofmeister 2-for-4. Also getting hits were Derek Armstrong, Mike Minehart, Matt Bracker and Josh Diaz.

After building a 9-5 lead after six innings, Post 56 allowed four runs in the top of the seventh. New Richland had a chance to take the lead, but a baserunner who would have been safe at the plate was called out because he didn’t slide.

Seth Tukua was 3-for-4 for New Richland. Andy Wenzel was 2-for-3 with two walks, Dusty Davis 2-for-4, Brett Shultz 2-for-5.

Parry pitched all seven innings for Post 56, striking out eight batters, walking four. Five of New Richland’s runs were earned.

Dave Bakken started on the mound for the visitors and pitched three innings. Tukua finished and took the loss.

A key defensive play came in the fourth, when Loberg made a diving catch in center field.

&uot;It looked like a sure double,&uot; said Trygstad. &uot;He laid out and robbed him.&uot;

The win was the second of year in 10 games for Post 56, which returns to action at 5:30 today against the host team in the first round of the Austin Invitational at Marcusen Park. Albert Lea’s second game in the eight-team tournament is Thursday at 6 p.m.

Post 56 10, New Richland 9

New Richland

022

100

4 &045;

9

14

1

Albert Lea

060

111

1 &045; 10

13

4

WP &045; Isaiah Parry

LP &045; Seth Tukua