The postseason is viewed as a new season for struggling teams where the records can be tossed out, but for the Albert Lea Colonels Friday’s playoff game against Faribault played out like much of the regular season.

The Colonels (4-18) saw their season come to an end as sloppy play in the field led to five unearned runs and the Lakers defeated Albert Lea 9-2 in the play-in game of the first round of the Class C playoffs in Faribault.

“It seemed like when we made an error it was at the wrong time,” said Colonels manager Bill Trygstad.

Albert Lea committed five errors in the game, including a crucial one in the third inning that led to four runs for Faribault as the Lakers expanded their lead to 7-1.

The Colonels had a 1-0 lead after the first inning when Ryan Wangen drove in Jared Gavle, but Faribault stormed back for seven runs in the next two frames.

Albert Lea found just five hits in the game and didn’t score again until the seventh inning to draw the game to 7-2, but it was far too late by then.

Michael Greibrok lasted two-plus innings as he struggled with tightness in his pitching arm. He was responsible for the first seven runs and five hits, though just two runs were earned.

Colby Strilaeff came on in relief of Greibrok in the third inning and allowed just two runs in the eighth inning in his six innings of work.

Alex Olson gave the Colonels fits at the plate in his complete-game win.

“The guy changed speeds pretty well and we didn’t adjust,” Trygstad said.

Albert Lea was inconsistent throughout the year especially with its offense, but Trygstad was looking forward to the next season already.

“Hopefully come back next year the guys will work at it during the winter and see if we can improve upon this year,” he said.

Faribault 9, Albert Lea 2

Albert Lea 100 001 000 — 2 5 5

Faribault 034 000 02x — 9 6 0

WP — Alex Olson 9 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER

LP — Greibrok 2 IP, 5 H, 7 R, 2 ER