ROCHESTER – The Albert Lea Tigers had the game in hand most of the way.

Tuesday, April 09, 2002

ROCHESTER – The Albert Lea Tigers had the game in hand most of the way.

They put it out of reach in the sixth inning.

The Tigers exploded for five runs in the top of the sixth, breaking open a close game on their way to a season-opening 10-3 Big Nine Conference baseball victory at Rochester John Marshall Monday.

&uot;We’re very happy,&uot; said Albert Lea coach Joe Sczublewski. &uot;Any time you can go over to Rochester and pick up a win, it’s a good win.&uot;

A lack of outdoor practice this spring didn’t hamper the Tigers’ offense as they collected 14 hits. The defense was also solid, according to Sczublewski, with the Tigers turning two double plays. Among the defensive standouts were shortstop Dave Heijerman and catcher Matt Bracker.

Adam Highum led the offense, going 3-for-4 with three doubles. Junior second baseman Zach Christenson was 2-for-3 with a triple, Bracker 2-for-4, Isaac Walton 2-for-3 and Jay Link 2-for-5. Adam Lares, Derek Goodnature and Andy Drenth added one hit each. Drenth tripled.

Walton, a senior left-hander, pitched a complete game, giving up seven hits while walking four and striking out one.

&uot;For the opener, he did fine,&uot; said Sczublewski. &uot;He battled out of some jams and showed a lot of poise on the mound.&uot;

The Tigers’ five-run sixth began with two outs and nobody on. Highum, Walton and Drenth drove in the runs with consecutive hits.

&uot;We’re happy to get started with a win,&uot; said Sczublewski. &uot;It was especially nice because all three of our teams won.&uot;

The junior varsity beat John Marshall 3-2 while the ninth-grade squad won 8-4.

The Tigers host Waseca in a nonconference game Thursday at 4:30 at Hayek Field.