AUSTIN &045;&160;Two starts, two wins and just four hits given up. That’s quite a way to begin your varsity baseball career and that is exactly what Nick Bunz has done for Albert Lea.

Bunz picked up the victory over rival Austin Tuesday night dominating the Packers and carrying a no-hitter into the sixth before settling for the two-hit 4-0 win.

&8220;He pitched very well tonight and got some outstanding defensive play behind him,&8221; said Albert Lea head coach Joe Sczublewski.

&8220;He is a real competitor on the mound.&8221;

Bunz struck out five and walked two as he cruised into the sixth inning before Austin strung together back-to-back hits.

However, Albert Lea would quickly erase the runners with an inning-ending 6-4-3 double

play from David Hird to Jake Villarreal to Josh Jordahl.

Bunz also got it done at the plate going 2-for-4 with a double and a leadoff home run to begin the game.

Arik Matson, who had a spectacular game at third base, had a pair of hits and scored two runs while Ben Berhow also had two hits including a double off the fence.

&8220;The story tonight was our pitching and defense,&8221; said Sczublewski whose team did not commit an error in the game.

&8220;Arik had several big plays at third and Nate Goodnature made a great running catch of a ball in centerfield in the fifth inning.&8221;

The Tigers are back in action Thursday when they host Mankato East.