A game between two rivals was everything to be expected when the Albert Lea and Austin American Legion teams met Thursday at Hayek Field.

Post 91 walked away with a 9-6, nine-inning victory to make up for a 7-3 loss to Albert Lea Tuesday night in Austin.

Preston Higbe delivered a game-winning two-run single in the bottom of the ninth that gave Austin an 8-6 lead and Jake Hines followed with an RBI single that made the game 9-6.

“This game had all the emotion, I’ll say that, from exasperation to anger,” said Post 91 head coach Bob Stratton. “We’re lucky to win this game.”

Through the first five innings the game was a pitchers’ duel between Albert Lea starter Logan Kortan and Post 91 starter Brady Klingfus.

Klingfus kept the Post 56 hitters off balance by mixing his pitches well. He limited Albert Lea to two hits entering the seventh inning.

Kortan was just as tough, keeping Austin off the board for five innings and allowing just three hits.

“It was an entertaining game,” said Albert Lea head coach Jack Kortan.

Post 56 held on to a 2-0 lead entering the top of the sixth when Austin was able to finally produce at the plate. Joel Swatfager tied the game on an RBI groundout to second after Adam Hemann and Mark Harber connected for back-to-back doubles.

In the top of the seventh the offense showed up for both teams in full force.

Austin got to Albert Lea reliever Jordan Cooper for four runs in the top of the seventh as John Kirby, Swatfager and Nate Wahlert each connected for RBI singles. Wahlert drove in two runs to take a 6-2 lead.

Facing a four-run deficit and down to its final out Post 56 found a way to tie the game. Connor Kortan laced a bases-loaded double to tie the game at 6 as he cleared the bases, which spelled the end for Klingfus, who allowed just one earned run in 6 2/3 innings of work.

“I really feel sorry for my left-hander,” Stratton said. “He didn’t deserve the fate. He pitched a great game.”

Not a bad way to renew an old rivalry.

Austin 9, Albert Lea 6, 9 innings

Austin 000 002 403 — 9 14 3

Albert Lea 100 010 400 — 6 6 4

WP — Joel Swatfager 2 1/3 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 1 K

LP — Cody Hansen 2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3