Legion squad returns with 2 victories

Published 8:44 am Wednesday, June 13, 2012

The Albert Lea American Legion baseball team returned Sunday from a long weekend after traveling across the Mississippi River.

The team played a doubleheader both days, each time losing the first and winning the second for a 2-2 weekend record.

Albert Lea visited Onalaska, Wis., on Saturday and led the game until the sixth inning thanks to strong pitching from Carter Kortan. A few key plays allowed Onalaska to slip back into the game and win 13-10. Albert Lea had eight hits. Kortan went two for three and Connor Kortan went two for two, combining for four RBIs.

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Albert Lea dominated Onalaska 13-1 in the second game. Lucas Hanson delivered solid pitching through six innings. He gave up three hits, no walks and struck out one.

Albert Lea had 12 hits. Makael Lunning had a three-run homer. Carter Kortan and Tyler Woodside both were two for three at the plate.

The baseball team then headed for Winona for Sunday games.

They lost 3-0 in a pitcher’s duel between Albert Lea’s Cole Sanderson and Winona’s Zach Benson, who shut out Albert Lea until the fifth inning.

Albert Lea managed a single hit while Winona garnered four.

Albert Lea led or tied the entire second game to win 8-6, but it required an extra inning. Jonathan Fleek pitched five innings, Lunning one and Sorenson two to capture the win.

Winona drove in two runs in the bottom of the seventh to tie. In the top of the eighth, Lunning got a walk, Carter Kortan singled, Derek Burkhard sacrificed the runners.

Logan Enderson then nailed a two-run single up the middle for the game-winning hit.

The Albert Lea squad has a 2-3 overall record, 1-2 in the conference. The next game was Tuesday night. They played at Rochester Century. Look for results in the Tribune.

 

About Tim Engstrom

Tim Engstrom is the editor of the Albert Lea Tribune. He resides in Albert Lea with his wife, two sons and dog.

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