Hahn's 3-Run Blast Wins It In 9th!

Derek Hahn came through big for Lakeville with a 3-run home run in the 9th to win the game.

The Athletics finished off the weekend on a high note by winning a hard fought game with a much improved Inver Grove Heights team. New recruits have bolstered the Diamond Kings and the Athletics take their hats off in respect for such a well played game. Both teams were coming off frustrating losses, so this one was bound to be hard on someone. It's a positive sign for the league to see Inver Grove on the rise.

The Diamond Kings' pitching was solid and shut the Athletics hitters down with two 1-2-3 innings to start off the game. With veteran all-star ace Jake Hauck on the mound, Inver Grove struck first blood in the 2nd with two hits and a run to lead 1-0. They came back in the top of the 3rd with two runs on just one hit, but were aided by two Lakeville errors. Inver Grove led after three innings, 3-0.

Eric Watts steals 2nd base in the 5th inning.

Both teams were scoreless in the 4th, but the Athletics finally got on the board in the 5th. After a lead-off groundout to start the inning, left fielder Eric Watts drew a full count walk and then promptly stole 2nd base. Shortstop Max Shower laid down a perfect bunt that not only moved Watts to 3rd, but was so good that he was able to beat it out safely for a hit. Shower then took 2nd uncontested on catcher's indifference before 2nd baseman Eddie Golom slammed a single to left to score both Watts and Shower, making the score 3-2. Golom then moved to 2nd on a wild pitch. One out later, right fielder Kevin George stroked the first of three hits on the day with a single to left. Golom was waved around 3rd but was thrown out at the plate on a perfect throw from the Inver Grove left fielder.

Max Shower lays down a perfect bunt in the 5th inning.

The Diamond Kings kept the pressure on by adding two more runs in the 5th and final inning for Hauck. He struck out four and scattered seven hits in the outing.

Jake Hauck started on the mound for Lakeville.

Lakeville chipped away at the Inver Grove lead by adding a run in the 6th. After a lead-off groundout, 3rd baseman Trent Larson hit a single back through the middle. Centerfielder Mark Berger crushed a ball to left, but right at the Inver Grove defender. Designated hitter Jeff Farr walked, before John Degerness smacked a single to left, scoring Larson from 2nd on the play. A subsequent groundout ended the inning, stranding two, but the lead had been whittled to just one run with a 5-4 score.

Collin Baker took the mound in relief in the 6th and blanked the Diamond Kings attack, stranding two runners in the inning after a walk and an infield error.

Collin Baker pitches in relief in the 6th inning.

The Athletics finally took the lead in the 7th inning. After a lead-off out, 1st baseman Josh Storm hit a single to left. Andy Yetzer came in to pinch run for Storm. Kevin George followed with a single up the middle, just to the left of 2nd. One out later, Trent Larson hit a single up the middle to score both Yetzer and George. Mark Berger smoked a ball right at the shortstop to end the inning, but Lakeville finally had a 6-5 lead.

Inver Grove refused to give up and fought back for two more runs in the 7th on two hits and three walks, re-taking the lead with a 7-6 score.

The Lakeville offense was shut down in the 8th, but the Diamond Kings padded their lead with a solo home run to left-center, making the score 8-6.

After a 9th inning lead-off pop-out to the catcher, the Athletics offense went to work. Josh Storm walked before Kevin George collected his third hit of the night with a single to right. Derek Hahn then came to the plate and bombed a 1-0 pitch over the right field fence for a 9-8 Athletics lead. Trent Larson followed with a walk, but Mark Berger failed to go to church that morning and was snake bit once again, hitting another hard hit ball right at an Inver Grove defender for an inning ending 6-4-3 double play. (Berger hit the ball extremely well all day long, but it was atom ball for the veteran, as in "right at 'em." The Athletics had a number of well hit balls on the day, but all with the same frustrating result.)

A celebration at home: Trent Larson, Derek Hahn, Kevin George, Josh Storm and Mark Berger.

Coach Doug Johnson turned to right hander Jeff Farr in the bottom of the 9th to preserve the win. He struck out the first batter he faced, but an infield throwing error gave the Diamond Kings hope. Farr then struck out the next batter before inducing a fielder's choice groundball for a 6-4 out and a Lakeville win. Farr picked up the save while Collin Baker earned the win.

The Athletics out-hit the Diamond Kings 13 to 11 in the game.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Kevin George 3 for 5, 2 R
• Eddie Golom 2 for 3, 2 RBI
• Trent Larson 2 for 4, 2 RBI, R, BB
• Derek Hahn 2 for 5, 2B, HR, 3 RBI
• Max Shower 2 for 5, R, RBI
• Josh Storm 1 for 4, 2 R, BB
• John Degerness 1 for 2, RBI

Defensive plays of the game... Mark Berger for cutting off a ball in the gap in the 1st inning and holding a double to a single, Max Shower for starting a nice 6-4-3 double-play in the 3rd, Trent Larson for picking off a hot liner at 3rd base, John Degerness for an assist in gunning a runner trying for a double in the 5th, and Collin Baker for an L1-3 double-play in the 8th.

The Athletics have some friends on the Inver Grove squad so there was indeed empathy for their frustrating loss. Hats off to the Diamond Kings for a well played game, but also to the Athletics players for not giving in and battling to the end. A great effort from both teams. Well played guys.

The next game for Lakeville is Tuesday night against Rosemount at 7:30. Due to field scheduling difficulties for the Black Sox, the game will be played in Elko.