FARIBAULT &045; The pitching was there and, for the most part, so was the defense for the Albert Lea Colonels.

The offense was absent.

The Colonels managed only one hit in a 3-1 Southern Minny League loss at Faribault Saturday night.

&uot;We’ve been facing good pitchers, obviously, but our bats need to come around,&uot; said manager Bill Trygstad.

Aric Attig had Albert Lea’s hit, a seventh-inning single to drive in Justin Kohn, who reached on an error.

The Colonels had baserunners thrown out at the plate in the fifth and ninth innings.

Tom Bendzick pitched a complete game for the Lakers, striking out seven and walking eight.

&uot;He’s a good pitcher, but we made him look better,&uot; said Trygstad. &uot;Again, all we needed was a break here or there and we could have won it, even with only a couple hits.&uot;

Jeff Schulz started and absorbed the loss, going six innings while giving up two earned runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out three. Jay Link did not allow a hit in two innings of relief.

&uot;Our pitching was fine,&uot; said Trygstad. &uot;We just need to get the bats going.&uot;

Defensively, Trygstad said Kyle Schrad started and played well at second base. Attig made a nice catch on a line drive to third base, and Brad Carlson had a pair of fine catches in center field on deep fly balls.

The Colonels, 1-3 overall and 1-2 in the league, host Waseca tonight at 7:30.

Lakers 3, Colonels 1

AL

000

000

100 &045; 1

1

3

F

010

110

00x &045; 3

6

1

LP – Jeff Schulz