The Albert Lea Colonels found the hits they have lacked at the start of the season Thursday against New Richland, but couldn’t find the timely hits in a 5-3 loss in New Richland.

The Colonels (0-4) tallied 10 hits in the game, but stranded 10 runners in the game.

“We haven’t had that many hits in a game so that’s good to see the bats,” said head coach Bill Trygstad. “We didn’t strike out as much as we have been, that’s encouraging.”

The Reds (3-2) had just as many hits but were able to make the most of their chances.

Albert Lea took a 3-0 lead after the top of the fourth, but New Richland responded in the bottom half of the inning with three runs as Vinnie VanEgelburg came through with a clutch two-out single. Runners Chris Somage and Seth Tukua were running as Nick Hagen delivered home and both easily scored to make the game 3-2. Then Ben Groth hit a ball that shortstop Zac Oquist had difficulty handling and allowed Tony Schlaak to score the tying run.

In the fifth inning Somage drove in the game-winning run with one out on a single that plated Adam Warmke.

The hitting was just what the Reds were searching for after a four-hit performance Friday against Rochester.

“When we played in Rochester Friday night we had four hits by three guys and now everybody is starting to take it a little more serious and wanting to come out and do a little extra in the cage,” said New Richland head coach Jason Churchill.

Reds’ starter Aaron Gilliland and Colonels’ starter Nick Hagen had nearly identical lines as each gave up three runs and struck out five.

Albert Lea played with a very short bench for the second consecutive game as the Colonels had just 10 players, including Michael Greibrok who is nursing an injury. The lack of depth produced some position shifting as two left-handers worked behind the plate. Devin Kaasa started at catcher and Ryan Wangen caught the final two innings for Albert Lea.

Left-hander Brandon Klukow pitched the final two innings and produced a left-handed battery, something rarely seen.

Klukow allowed one run on two hits and struck out five. He also went 3-for-3 with an RBI, one run scored and two walks.

Colton Schlaak went 2-for-2 with a run scored for New Richland while Somage went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.

“We needed a couple of timely hits,” Trygstad said. “We just didn’t get the key hit.”

The Colonels play Wednesday at Owatonna. The Reds play Sunday against Lake Crystal on the road.

New Richland 5, Albert Lea 3

Albert Lea 010 200 000 — 3 10 3

New Richland 000 310 01x — 5 10 0

WP — Aaron Gilliland 5 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 5 K

LP — Nick Hagen 6 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5K