Albert Lea sweeps Owatonna in doubleheader

The Albert Lea baseball team took control of the Big Nine Conference standings Wednesday with a doubleheader sweep of Owatonna.

The Tigers had previously been tied with the Huskies for first place with one conference loss.

Albert Lea won game one 5-3 and game two 8-7 in eight innings.

In both games, the Tigers rallied to win in the final inning.

“The kids just never let up,” Albert Lea head coach Joe Sczublewsi said. “They were big wins for us against an outstanding Owatonna team.”

In game one, the Tigers took a two-run lead in the first inning. After the Huskies intentionally walked Makael Lunning to load the bases, a double by Derek Burkard scored Dylan See-Rockers and Johnathan Fleek.

In the third inning, Lunning scored on a single by Lucas Hansen. The Huskies tied the game at three in the bottom of the inning.

After three scoreless innings for both teams, a two-RBI double by Chris Enderson scored Lunning and Wyatt Paulsen. In the bottom of the seventh, See-Rockers preserved the win for the Tigers. He pitched the entire game, struck out three batters and allowed eight hits.

In game two, Fleek earned the pitching win for Albert Lea. Enderson also pitched for 3 2/3 innings.

The Tigers trailed by one run in the bottom of the eighth inning. However, a double by Paulsen scored Zach Bordewick, and Enderson was walked with the bases loaded for the win.

Coach Sczublewski said he was impressed with his team’s defense, especially that of center fielder Makael Lunning.

“He makes some outstanding plays,” Sczublewski said. “He gets a really good jump on the ball and covers the whole field.

“It makes things easier on our pitchers. We’re getting spoiled out there.”

Albert Lea is 6-2 overall and 6-1 in the conference.

Next, the Tigers host a doubleheader against Mankato West at 4 p.m. today.