Rochester John Marshall clinched the Big Nine Conference championship in a doubleheader at home Tuesday against Albert Lea.

The Rockets (18-2 overall, 16-2 Big Nine) took the first game 12-7 by breaking the game open in the sixth inning.

The Tigers were climbed to within two runs in the fifth inning, but No. 2 Class 3A ranked John Marshall pounded out four runs in the sixth to ice the game.

Albert Lea added a run in the seventh, but the Rockets bats were just too powerful.

&8220;It was a well-played game,&8221; Tigers coach Joe Sczublewski said. &8220;They&8217;re

a good powerhouse team.&8221;

Albert Lea witnessed that power in a 17-2 loss in the second game.

The Rockets scored three runs in the first and second innings and added five in the third and six in the fourth for the win.

Not that it needed it, but the Tigers kept giving John Marshall base runners as Albert Lea allowed 15 baserunners via a walk or a hit by pitch.

Logan Kortan had a terrific offensive night, going 4-for-6 with 4 RBIs in the losses.

Game 1

John Marshall 12, Albert Lea 7

Albert Lea – 000 420 1 – 7 11 1

John Marshall – 004 224 x – 12 13 0

Game 2

John Marshall 17, Albert Lea 2

Albert Lea – 000 02x x – 2 6 0

John Marshall – 335 6xx x – 17 6 1