Despite posting 17 hits against a team tied for the top spot in the Big Nine Conference standings, the Albert Lea baseball team was swept in a doubleheader.

Northfield rallied with four runs in the bottom of the sixth to win 7-5 in Game 1, and the Tigers lost 14-4 in Game 2 Saturday at Northfield.

In Game 1, Albert Lea (1-5, 1-5 Big Nine) had 10 hits, compared to eight for Northfield (6-1, 6-1 Big Nine).

“We out-hit a potent Northfield team,” said Albert Lea coach Joe Sczublewski. “Our batting order from one through nine has become really solid. We battled them tough, and we’re showing that we’re capable of playing with anybody.”

Northfield, tied with Mankato West atop the conference, scored nine-or-more runs in four of its first five games, but Albert Lea pitcher Tyler Steele held the Raiders to six hits and four runs through five innings.

“That was his best outing for us,” Sczublewski said. “He had a good summer and showed improvement.”

At the plate, eight Albert Lea players had a hit. Jake Thompson and E.J. Thomas led the team by going 2-for-4.

In Game 2, Northfield took an 11-0 lead in the third inning.

Thomas and Parker Mullenbach led the Tigers with two hits each.

Next Albert Lea will host Red Wing (2-2, 2-2 Big Nine) at 4:15 p.m. today at Hayek Field.