MANKATO &045;&160;The Albert Lea Colonels got a strong first start from pitcher Mitch Meier against defending state champion Mankato, but the bats could not get going.

Meier gave up just single runs in the second, fifth and seventh but took the 3-0 loss.

Meier pitched seven innings giving up six hits, three runs and three walks.

&8220;Mitch did a great job of keeping them off balance and had some pretty good hitters taking some pretty awkward swings,&8221; said Bill Trygstad.

The Albert Lea offense was held to just one hit in the game on a first inning single from Matt Trygstad. The Colonels’ only other baserunners came in the second inning when Zac Oquist

reached on an error and Matt Trygstad drew a walk in the fourth.

Despite not getting the win it was a much better performance by the Colonels who were downed by Apple Valley 15-0 in their previous game.

&8220;This has been a brutal beginning schedule to begin with,&8221; said Bill Trygstad. &8220;We have to get the offense going, but we have probably seen the best pitching we are going to face this season.&8221;

The Colonels, who are now 0-5 on the season, face Owatonna on the road Wednesday.

Mankato 3, Albert Lea 0

Albert Lea000

000

000 &045; 0

1

2

Mankato010

010

10x &045; 3

6

1

LP &045;&160;Mitch Meier