Elko Express Rolls Past Athletics

Andy Yetzer pitches in his first start of the year, striking out six in six innings of work.

It was another chilly night for baseball and the Lakeville bats were just as cold. The Elko Express shut out the Athletics 8-0 on just one hit in a non-league game at Fredrickson Field on Wednesday night.

After coming off a close game and a disappointing 9th inning loss to the 2010 champion Savage Outlaws, the Athletics were flat as they struggled offensively at the plate. The game was relatively close at 3-0 through seven innings, until a five run 7th put the game out of reach.

The Athletics played well defensively, with only one error on the night, but the offense couldn't get going as they matched their lone error with a single digit in the hit column as well.

Trent Larson, playing centerfield for the first time for Lakeville, had the only hit of the evening for Lakeville with a single up the middle in the 4th.

Trent Larson was the only Athletic to collect a hit against Elko.

Southpaw Andy Yetzer got the starting nod on the hill, scattering seven hits in six innings of work, while surrendering three runs, with just two of them earned. Yetzer turned in a strong performance as he struck out six and walked two in his first appearance since coming back from college.

Veteran all-star ace Jake Hauck didn't make the start due to tightness in his right elbow. He did test the arm in relief, but had trouble locating his pitches, walking the first four batters he faced. He only gave up one hit in the inning, but a wild pitch and a fielder's choice, along with the one hit, were enough to plate five Elko runners as the Express rolled up a big inning. Hauck walked two in the 8th, but he also struck out two as he stranded both runners with no hits in a final scoreless inning of work.

Jake Hauck looks in for the sign in the 8th inning as Trent Larson looks on.

Elko struck first with one run in the 1st, then picked up two in the 3rd and had the big five-run 7th to put the game away.

With all the recent rain and the lack of playing time, the season is starting out just like last year, when similar wet conditions kept the Athletics off the field. As a result, the team has struggled at the plate as it looks for its timing.

While many teams have been fortunate to get their games in, the Athletics have seemingly had rain stalking their schedule, with three games missed so far this season. The end result has been a team desperately trying to find its stroke at the plate.

The Express out-hit the Athletics 8-1 on the night.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were:

• Trent Larson 1 for 3

The Athletics next game is Saturday, June 4th against Rosemount at Lakeville South at 5pm.

Mark Berger holds the runner in the 1st inning.

Brent Johnson at the plate in the 5th inning.