The Sean Gaston coaching era is off to a good start.

The Albert Lea baseball team was in Waverly, Iowa, at Wartburg College, Saturday night to face Hutchinson.

A pair of back-to-back three-run innings and a dual pitching performance from Cody Ball and Ty Harms helped Albert Lea to a 7-2 win.

“It was a great overall team win,” Gaston said. “The boys showed resiliency and mental toughness. Good teams show this trait, and we will need to continue to develop this mindset.”

Ball pitched the first three innings of the game, allowing two runs with walking three and striking out three.

Harms came on to pitch the final four innings and allowed no runs on two hits.

The Tigers pitching staff gave up three hits as a team.

Harms also provided a bit of offense for his team. He went 1-3 at the plate and drove in three runs.

Alex Goodmanson went 3-3 with a triple, RBI, two runs scored and a walk.

Alex Bledsoe finished 2-3.

“It was awesome to see some players get their first varsity experience and shine,” Gaston said. “It was an excellent start to the season and now we can get back to work today, learning from this game, cleaning up some things and getting ready for (Austin) on Saturday.”

Albert Lea will play in Austin.

First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.