Hoping to finish strong

Published 2:26 am Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Albert Lea/Austin’s Johnathan Fleek dives back to first base as Austin Blue Sox first baseman D.J. Taylor attempts to pick him off Tuesday night at Marcusen Park in Austin. Fleek was one for four with one run scored and a walk. — Eric Johnson/Albert Lea Tribune

AL/A Legion falls to Austin Blue Sox

The Albert Lea/Austin American Legion baseball team lost 8-6 to the Austin Blue Sox in Marcusen Park Tuesday.

The Blue Sox (10-8 overall) jumped out to an 8-2 lead after five innings, but Albert Lea/Austin held them scoreless the rest of the way.

Austin/Albert Lea’s E.J. Thomas hits a single against the Austin Blue Sox Tuesday evening at Marcusen Park in Austin. — Eric Johnson/Albert Lea Tribune

Zach Huntley and Alec Pepper each knocked in two runs for Post 91 and Post 56.

“We knew it was just for fun,” said Huntley. “We came out and we played well. We were relaxed, and I think that’s what we’ve got to do from this point forward.”

Albert Lea/Austin will finish its regular season against Rochester Century in Albert Lea Thursday at 7 p.m. A win could move Albert Lea/Austin up in the District standings.

“We don’t really want to go to Winona, and if we can win one game maybe we can get a home game,” Huntley said.

Steven Clennon took the loss on the mound for Albert Lea/Austin as the Blue Sox scored three runs in the third and fifth innings.

Albert Lea/Austin has an overall record of 8-12.