The Athletics fell short of high expectations as they were knocked out of the CVL playoffs early with a lopsided 11-1 game two loss in their best of three series with the Burnsville Bobcats. A solid Burnsville pitching effort, coupled with some great defense and a little Bobcat good luck was more than the Athletics could overcome as they ended their 10th anniversary season earlier than hoped.

This year's team had a much improved offense, raising its team batting average by fifteen points to .253, plus its average runs per game from 3.7 to 4.7, but they played the CVL series without their top pitching ace, as well as two of their regular season offensive contributors. In the end the team was unfortunately two and out and disappointed by a quick exit and an untimely culmination to a promising season that produced eleven wins, more than the previous two seasons combined. All in all though, the Athletics played better ball in 2009, with much promise raised for 2010.

Trent Larson hit the ball very well, but was robbed by outstanding defense.

Burnsville had a no-hitter going through the bottom of the 6th, while rolling up an eight-run lead. It wasn't for the lack of effort though as many Athletics hit the ball hard, only to have line drives snatched out of thin air and fly-balls caught in the gap. It was a frustrating effort as Lakeville couldn't seem to catch a break all night long.

Burnsville scored early by putting up five runs in the top of the 1st, one in the 2nd, and two in the 4th, for an 8-0 lead.

Athletics pitcher Jake Kruegel fires in the 1st inning.

Jake Kruegel got the nod as the starting pitcher, but was hit hard early, surrendering seven hits for six runs. He walked one with no strike outs as he exited early with no outs in the 2nd inning.

Jeff Brisbois throws in relief against the Bobcats.

Jeff Brisbois came in to pitch in relief, getting two fly-outs and a ground-out to end the inning. He pitched five full innings, including two batters in the 7th as he scattered seven hits and five runs. Brisbois walked two with no strike outs.

Mark Berger looks for a sign from the catcher while Derek Jacobson looks on.

Mark Berger pitched the rest of the 7th, giving up just one hit as well as a run, but at that point the Bobcats had their ten-run limit.

The Athletics got on the board with the first and only run in the bottom of the 6th inning. With one out, designated hitter Mark Berger drove a fly ball to right that was misplayed by the outfielder, allowing Berger to reach 1st on an error. One out later, shortstop Derek Jacobson hit a shot to the left of 2nd, but it was misplayed by the shortstop, putting Jacobson on 1st and Berger on 2nd. Team batting champ Jon Gaylord than smoked a double to the left-center gap to score Berger, but Jacobson was ruled out by the home plate umpire on a 7-6-2 play at the plate. Jacobson was across the plate before the ball even reached the catcher, yet the home plate umpire clearly missed the obvious, thinking that somehow Jacobson had missed the dish. The call brought a cacophony of protest form the Lakeville dugout, but to no avail as blue refused to allow the run.

Centerfielder Jon Gaylord broke up the no-hitter in the 6th with a double.

Burnsville went on to score once more in the 6th and twice in the 7th to abbreviate the game on the ten-run rule with an 11-1 final score.

Catcher John Degerness signals for a pitch.

The Bobcats pounded out three home runs, including a 1st inning lead off home run, a lead-off home run in the 4th, and a solo shot in the 6th. They out-hit the Athletics 15 hits to 1 on the night.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Jon Gaylord, 1 for 3, 2B

The Athletics season is now over after 30 games. They finished with 11 wins and 19 losses.

The Saturday night game with the Minneapolis Rocks has been cancelled due to the Rocks making the state playoffs.

Athletics Coach Doug Johnson during pre-game meeting at home plate.

One bad inning was all it took to undo a promising 2 - 0 Lakeville lead. That inning was the bottom of the 3rd as a wild pitch and a throwing error allowed two extra runs in a four-run inning. The final score was 4-3 and all the Athletics could think about was what could have been. Instead they found themselves down one game to nothing in a best of three playoff series with the Burnsville Bobcats.

Athletics team in the dugout as they await the start of the CVL playoffs.

Jeremiah Leiviska was a major story on the night, pitching very well as he spread six hits out over eight innings of work. Leiviska did a remarkable job re-finding his early season form over the last two games, throwing everything he had at the Bobcats, which resulted in 134 pitches for five strikeouts and five walks, including one hit batter. Aside from a 3rd inning which included three hits, Leiviska was relentless in holding back the Burnsville offense, keeping the Bobcat hitters off-balance as he gave the Athletics a fighting chance in their opening game of the CVL playoffs.

Jeremiah Leiviska goes the distance, tossing 134 pitches on the night.

Lakeville jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st inning. Right fielder Jim Gaylord reached 1st on an error by the shortstop to lead off the inning. Shortstop Derek Jacobson was hit by a pitch before center fielder Jon Gaylord drove a single to right to load the bases. Left fielder Bobby Dennis hit into a 6-4-3 double play, but Jacobson drew a last minute throw from the 1st baseman, allowing Jim Gaylord to score on the un-routine ending to the inning.

Bobby Dennis takes a rip at the plate.

The Athletics came back for another run in the 2nd inning to put themselves up by two. With one out, designated hitter Mark Berger hit a single up the middle. Jim Gaylord then scorched a double down the left field line to move Berger to 3rd, before Jacobson drove a sac-fly to right to score the run.

Derek Jacobson looks for his pitch with two runners in scoring position.

The Bobcats picked up their four runs in the bottom of the 3rd to pull ahead by a score of 4-2.

Jim Gaylord is all smiles after belting a home run in the 5th.

The Athletics third run came in the 5th inning when Jim Gaylord pounded a 330 foot home run over the left field fence to pull the team within a run, but the team could muster only one more hit the next three innings, a long single to the left-center gap for Brent Johnson. Lakeville went 1-2-3 in the 9th, dropping game one of the best of three series by a score of 4-3.

Brent Johnson slams a long single to the left-center gap.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Jim Gaylord 2 for 4, HR, 2B, 2R
• Jon Gaylord 1 for 3, BB, SB
• Bobby Dennis 1 for 3, HBP
• Brent Johnson 1 for 1, Sac Bunt, HBP
• Berger 1 for 4, R

The two teams were even in hits for the night at six apiece.

Lakeville left four runners on base in the game while Leiviska and the Athletics defense stranded nine for Burnsville.

The best two out of three series continues tomorrow night at 7:30 at Alimagnet Park.

Bobby Dennis drove in two runs for the Athletics in a 5-4 win.

The Athletics traveled to Fredrickson Field in Elko for their third game of the season and once again had another one-run game with the 2008 Class-C state champs. This time they nailed the door on an exciting 5-4 win as they snapped Eko's 26-game winning streak. More impressively, they did it by pulling many of their starters out early and substituting players in the 4th inning. Coach Johnson wanted to make sure that everyone got a chance for a tune-up before this weekend's playoff games with Burnsville. It was definitely a team effort all the way as Lakeville picked up the win and now heads into the CVL playoffs on a winning note.

Contrary to the previous game, Lakeville actually had a nucleus of its pitchers on hand. Oh what a difference pitching makes against a good team. Coach Johnson used three pitchers on the night in preparation for the playoffs and they all pitched admirably.

Jake Kruegel threw very well in picking up the win for Lakeville.

Jake Kruegel started on the mound for the Athletics and threw very well, going three innings while tossing 46 pitches, allowing no runs on two hits. Kruegel struck out one and walked two as he pitched very well on the night and muzzled the Elko offense.

Jeff Brisbois contributed on the mound and was solid for three complete innings.

Satisfied with Kruegel's three innings of work, Johnson turned to Jeff Brisbois who also went three innings for some tune-up work. 'Brizzy' tossed 54 pitches, allowing just one hit with two unearned runs. He struck out four and walked no one, while hitting two batters. He also started a key 1-6-3 double-play in the 5th to retire the top of the line-up for Elko. Brisbois (2-3) recorded the win.

Jeremiah Leiviska kept his focus and composure to snuff out a late Elko rally.

Jeremiah Leiviska came on to pitch the final three innings, hurling a total of 63 pitches while scattering just three hits as he struck out three and walked four. Leiviska allowed one earned run while another run scored unearned on a fielding error. Leiviska kept his composure as the Express pulled within one. He shut the door on Elko with a three-pitch strikeout for the last out as he recorded the save.

3rd baseman Trent Larson had two hits on the night for Lakeville.

With one out in the 1st, centerfielder Jon Gaylord ripped a double into the left field corner and then quickly followed with his team leading 27th stolen base. Gaylord then scored on a 4-3 groundout by 1st baseman Josh Storm as Lakeville took a 1-0 lead.

Base thief Jon Gaylord set a goal of 30 stolen bases this year. He is at 29 so far.

The Athletics picked up another run in the 3rd inning. Second baseman Jim Gaylord led off with a smoked single up the middle. Shortstop Derek Jacobson hit a fielder's choice to the left of the pitcher who whirled and threw to 2nd, getting Gaylord on the force. Jacobson quickly stole 2nd to reach scoring position. Jon Gaylord then came to the plate and continued to own the left field line with another scorched double to score Jacobson. Storm followed with a single up the middle and left fielder Bobby Dennis walked, but an ensuing fly-out ended the inning with Lakeville up 2-0.

The Express scored an unearned run in the 4th to pull within one, with Lakeville leading 2-1.

The Athletics plated three more in the 3rd to open the game up. Jacobson beat out an infield single in front of the mound and then proceeded to steal 2nd base and then 3rd base. Jon Gaylord walked and stole 2nd to give Lakeville two men in scoring position. Storm walked to load the bases before Dennis came back to the plate. Dennis hit the second pitch he saw to the shortstop who made an error on the play, scoring both Jacobson and Gaylord while moving Storm to 2nd. Catcher Brent Johnson grounded out to 1st, moving Storm to 3rd  One out later, Jeremiah Leiviska walked, but not before a wild pitch scored Storm. Lakeville led at that point 5-1.

Shortstop Derek Jacobson with coach Doug Johnson after stealing 3rd base.

Elko scored another unearned run in the 6th to pull with three.

In the bottom of the 9th the Express made the game tense for the Lakeville faithful, scoring two late runs, but the Athletics hung on for the 5-4 win, snapping Elko's 2009 undefeated dominance of CVL teams.

The Athletics out-hit the Express 10 hits to 6 on the night. Lakeville pitchers stranded 13 Elko runners in the game.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Jon Gaylord 2 for 4, 2B, 2R, OBE, 1 RBI, BB, 3 SB
• Trent Larson 2 for 4
• Josh Storm 1 for 4, BB, 1R, 1 RBI
• Bobby Dennis 1 for 4, OBE, BB, 2 RBI
• Derek Jacobson 1 for 5, FC, 3 SB, 2R
• Jeremiah Leiviska 1 for 1, BB
• Jim Gaylord 1 for 2
• Will Walsh 1 for 2

The next game for Lakeville is Sunday against Burnsville as the CVL playoffs begin at Alimagnet Park at 7:30.

Derek Jacobson pitches in the 1st inning.

When the Lakeville Athletics have their full roster intact, they've proven they can play with anyone, but when they're short it can be a somewhat different ballgame. Another game with key position players missing, especially the core of their pitching staff, proved to be an uphill battle against arguably the best hitting line-up they've faced this year in the Prior Lake Jays.

Athletics centerfielder Jon Gaylord at bat in the 2nd inning.

With no regular starters available, the team turned to all-star shortstop Derek Jacobson who pitched 2 1/3rd innings, allowing ten hits and ten runs, including a solo home run, while striking out one and walking three.

First baseman Josh Storm holds a Prior Lake runner in the 2nd inning.

The Jays put up two runs in the 1st, three in the 2nd and five in the 3rd to take a commanding 10-0 lead. Shortstop Mark Berger then switched places with Jacobson, pitching in relief for 2 2/3rds innings. Berger allowed two runs on five hits and a solo home run, while striking out none and walking one. Prior Lake led at that point 12-0.

Third baseman Will Walsh takes a throw from catcher Derek Hahn on a steal.

Lakeville finally got on the scoreboard with one run in the top of the 6th. With two outs, shortstop Derek Jacobson smoked a double to the left-center fence and then scored on a single over shortstop by 2nd baseman Bryan Jamieson.

Relief pitcher Mark Berger works to tame the Jays bats in the 4th inning.

Even though he had a sore arm, Jamieson came on to pitch an inning in the bottom of the 6th, relieving Berger. Jamieson gave up three hits and two runs, striking out one and walking one while hitting one batter. The score at that point was 14-1.

Right fielder John Degerness looking for an RBI single in the 7th.

The Athletics refused to give up the ship as they battled back in the 7th. Third baseman Mark Berger led off with a walk and then stole second base. He moved to 3rd on a wild pitch before right fielder John Degerness stroked an RBI single up the middle to score Berger. Degerness stole 2nd and then scored on the next at bat as 2nd baseman Jim Gaylord pounded a double to deep right-center. Gaylord then stole 3rd base for his 4th steal of the year. One out later Derek Jacobson walked. With Jamieson at the plate, a wild pitch scored Gaylord for the final run and a 14-4 score.

The Jays out-hit the Athletics 18 hits to 7.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• John Degerness 1 for 2, 1 RBI
• Jon Gaylord 1 for 2, SB
• Jim Gaylord 1 for 3, 2B, 1 RBI, 1R, SB
• Derek Jacobson 1 for 3, 2B, 1 R
• Derek Hahn 1 for 3
• Eric Watts 1 for 3
• Bryan Jamieson 1 for 4, 1 RBI

The next game for Lakeville is Thursday night at at against the Express at 7:30 at Fredrickson Field.

For five innings on Sunday the Lakeville Athletics had the Eagan Bandits right where they wanted them, with a 1-0 lead, but that quickly fell apart in the 6th as the CVL leader rebounded for a narrow win and a season series sweep.

Catcher Derek Hahn puts himself in scoring position with his 7th stolen base.

Lakeville got on the scoreboard first in the bottom of the 2nd with a one-run lead. Catcher Derek Hahn led off with a walk and then quickly stole 2nd for his 7th stolen base of the year. Veteran third baseman Trent Larson stroked a line shot through shortstop to move Hahn to 3rd and give the Athletics runners at the corners. First baseman Mark Berger hit a hot shot back at the pitcher who turned and quickly fired to 2nd, getting Larson with the force, but leaving Berger safe at 1st with a fielder's choice. Left fielder Eric Watts bounced a hard hit chopper over the infield and past the shortstop for an RBI single, scoring Hahn in the process for the early 1-0 lead.

3rd baseman Trent Larson about to slam a hit past the shortstop in the 2nd.

Jake Hauck started on the hill for Lakeville and held the Bandits to three hits and no runs for the first five innings, never facing more than four batters, including a 1-2-3 3rd inning. Eagan was finally able to reach Hauck in the 6th inning with four hits and a walk as they rolled up three runs for a two-run lead. That would be his last inning of work as he scattered seven hits through six innings, striking out three while walking just two.

Starting pitcher Jake Hauck pitched tough for the Athletics as always.

Jake Kruegel came on to pitch in relief, beginning in the 7th, giving up one run in the 8th and two runs in the 9th on five hits allowed. Kruegel struck out one and walked just one in the effort.

Jake Kruegel delivers a pitch in the 8th inning against the Eagan Bandits.

Trailing 6-1, the Athletics mounted a late game rally in the bottom of the 9th. Derek Hahn led off the inning and reached safely on a misplayed ball hit between the 1st baseman's legs. Trent Larson walked on a 4-1 count to give Lakeville runners at 1st and 2nd. Mark Berger scorched a hard hit ball to center, only to be caught for the first out. Eric Watts then came to the plate and looked at two balls before pounding a 2-0 pitch over the left field fence into the pond for a three-run homer and his 4th RBI of the day. DH John Degerness knocked a single past 1st base to keep the rally alive, but two ensuing fly-outs ended the Athletics comeback bid with a 6-4 loss.

Left fielder Eric Watts launches a 3-run blast in the bottom of the 9th.

Athletics ace Jake Hauck was the pitcher of record and took just his second loss of the year as his record moved to 4-2.

Designated hitter John Degerness pulls into 1st after a 9th inning single.

Eagan out-hit Lakeville twelve hits to eight on the afternoon.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Eric Watts 2 for 4, HR, 1R, 4 RBI
• John Degerness 1 for 1
• Trent Larson 1 for 3, BB, 1R
• Mark Berger 1 for 4
• Jon Gaylord 1 for 4, SB
• Jim Gaylord 1 for 4
• Derek Jacobson 1 for 5

The next game for Lakeville is at Prior Lake on Tuesday night  against the Jays at 7:30 at Thomas Ryan Park.

Athletics manager Doug Johnson visits with Royals coach and umpires.

The Athletics traveled to beautiful Mayo Field in Rochester for a non-league game on Wednesday, only to be stymied on three hits by the Royals pitching. With some key players missing, Lakeville was limited to just nine position players for the game and no subs available to help.

Designated hitter Brent Johnson at the plate in the 2nd inning.

Rochester jumped on starter Jeremiah Leiviska early for five runs in the 1st and another three in the 2nd for a quick 8-0 lead.

Jeremiah Leiviska brings the ball against the Rochester Royals in the 2nd inning.

The Athletics came back for one run in the top of the 4th inning, making the most of one hit while taking advantage of two Royals wild pitches. Second baseman Bryan Jamieson, collected the first of his two hits on the night with a lead-off single to the left of 2nd base. Center fielder Jon Gaylord then walked. With Derek Hahn at the plate, both runners advanced on a wild pitch. Two outs later, with Eric Watts at the plate, Jamieson scored on the second wild pitch to put Lakeville on the board with their first run.

Bryan Jamieson after the first of his two hits on the night in the 3rd inning.

Rochester came right back for two more runs of their own in the bottom of the 4th as they opened up a 10-1 lead.

Leiviska pitched through the 6th inning for Lakeville as he labored with 128 pitches, surrendering a three-run homer amongst ten hits and ten runs, four of the runs being unearned. He struck out two, walked one and hit four batters as he picked up the loss.

Trent Larson, Derek Jacobson and Jon Gaylord get set for the pitch.

Lakeville was able to scratch out one more run in the top of the 7th. Designated hitter Brent Johnson was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. First baseman Will Walsh hit a fielder's choice to the shortstop for the force out at 2nd. Right fielder Jim Gaylord came to the plate and walked, but not before receiving two wild pitches to move Walsh to 2nd and then 3rd. Shortstop Derek Jacobson also walked to load the bases for the Athletics. Bryan Jamieson then grounded out to the shortstop to score Walsh for the final Lakeville run.

Left fielder Eric Watts collected one of the three Athletics hits for the night.

Bryan Jamieson came on to pitch in the 7th, allowing two hits, two walks and two runs as the Royals ended the game early with a ten-run win.

Rochester out-hit Lakeville twelve hits to three on the night.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Bryan Jamieson 2 for 4, 1R, 1 RBI
• Eric Watts 1 for 3

The next game for Lakeville is at home on Sunday against Eagan at 5:00 at Lakeville South.
 

The Pan-O-Prog week is a time of celebration in Lakeville, so it was fitting on the final weekend that the Athletics did some celebrating of their own with three consecutive wins. After winning two on Saturday, Lakeville went the distance by knocking off the Irish in Rosemount with a 7-4 Sunday win. To top it all off, they did it shorthanded with a minimal line-up. With many key players missing, the Athletics found a way to win, despite missing a majority of its pitching staff for the weekend.

Jeff Brisbois came off the DL for the first time since June 14th to pitch well.

The team received a good omen as injured pitcher Jeff Brisbois came off the DL to pitch for the first time since June 14th, tossing four complete innings as he scattered seven hits and just two runs. Brisbois (1-0) struck out three and walked just one to pick up the win. The good news is that Brisbois said his arm felt great with no discomfort during the outing.

The Athletics got on the board early as 2nd baseman Bryan Jamieson was hit by pitch with one out. Center fielder Jon Gaylord was also hit by pitch to give Lakeville runners at 1st and 2nd. Catcher Derek Hahn hit a fielder's choice to the 2nd baseman, but a weak back hand feed allowed Gaylord to beat the force out, loading the bases for Lakeville. Third baseman Trent Larson then drove a deep shot to center for a sac fly, scoring Jamieson. A fielder's choice from left fielder Eric Watts ended the inning with the force of Hahn at 2nd, but the Athletics took a 1-0 lead.

Rosemount came back in the bottom of the 1st to pick up one run, tying the score. The Irish then added a go ahead run in the bottom of the 3rd to take a 2-1 lead.

Derek Hahn catches the ball on his bat as he drives an RBI single in the 5th.

Lakeville came back in the 5th to regain the lead with a two-run inning. Hot hitting right fielder Jim Gaylord just missed a home run down the left field line as he walloped a lead-off double to start the inning. Shortstop Derek Jacobson laid down a perfect sac bunt, almost beating the throw at 1st, while moving Gaylord to 3rd base. Jamieson then pounded an RBI double to center to drive in Gaylord, tying the score at 2-2.One out later, Hahn scorched a single past 1st to plate Jamieson, giving Lakeville a 3-2 lead that they would not relinquish from that point on.

Derek Jacobson rocks and fires as he pitches in relief.

Derek Jacobson came on to pitch in relief from the 5th to the 9th. Jacobson was hit hard in a previous start against the Irish, but on Sunday he mixed his pitches well, keeping Rosemount off balance, striking out the side in the 5th.

Will Walsh meets the ball for a single in the 8th inning.

The Athletics piled on for four more runs in the top of the 8th to pull away from Rosemount. With one out, 1st baseman and hot hitter Mark Berger stroked a single up the middle. New 2nd baseman Will Walsh then dropped a single into shallow left center. With Jim Gaylord at the plate, a wild pitch to the backstop moved Walsh and Berger to 2nd and 3rd. Gaylord then walked to load the bases. Jacobson roped a shot down the 3rd base line to score Berger on a single, while moving Walsh to 3rd. Jamieson was then hit by pitch to force Walsh home while keeping the bases loaded. Jon Gaylord drove a sac fly to center to score brother Jim from 3rd. Hahn came to the plate and smoked a full count pitch up the middle to score Jacobson, giving the Athletics a 7-2 lead.

Mark Berger crosses home plate for another run.

The Irish finally reached Jacobson for three hits in the bottom of the 8th as they picked up two more runs, but it wasn't enough to knock the feisty all-star out. Those would be the only hits and runs given up by Jacobson who had five strikeouts overall against just one walk. It was a great outing for the Athletics 2008 MVP as he picked up the save.

Coach Doug Johnson and Derek Jacobson in the 8th inning.

The Irish out-hit the Athletics 10 hits to 8 in their losing effort.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Jim Gaylord 1 for 1, 2B, 2 BB, HBP, 2R
• Bryan Jamieson 1 for 3, 2B, 2 HBP, 2R, 2 RBI
• Will Walsh 1 for 3, 1R
• Mark Berger 2 for 5, 1R
• Derek Hahn 2 for 5, 2 RBI
• Derek Jacobson 1 for 4, 1R, Sac Bunt, 1 RBI

John Degerness at 2nd after stealing the base.

The Athletics next game is Thursday at Alimagnet Park at 7:30 in the season rubber match with the Burnsville Bobcats.

Right fielder Jim Gaylord gets his lead at 1st base in the 3rd inning.

After a venue change from Alimagnate to New Prague, the rubber match between Savage and Lakeville wasn't all the Athletics hoped it would be. The offensive attack was held to just four hits and the defense had a season high five errors which did not bode well in their effort against the Outlaws.

Athletics pitcher Jake Kruegel on the mound during Outlaws game.

Jake Kruegel started on the Hill for the Athletics and pitched his longest outing of the year, going five complete innings. Normally a relief pitcher, Kruegel has been stretched out continually further each game with the hope of some late season starts. The game against Savage was his first official start of the season. Kruegel threw 95 pitches with good velocity and command, holding the Outlaw attack to just one hit the first three innings. Savage finally reached him for four hits in the 4th, which they also converted into four runs, one of them unearned. In the 5th he allowed just two hits and one run as he finished his work for the night. Kruegel had three walks with no strike outs, but rolled up eight ground outs with four fly-outs.

First baseman Josh Storm bats in the 2nd inning

The offense for Lakeville didn't get on the board until the 6th inning. Second baseman Bryan Jamieson reached 1st base on a walk. Two wild pitches to John Gaylord moved Jamieson to 3rd, before Gaylord also walked. With catcher Derek Hahn at the plate, Gaylord stole 2nd before Hahn walked to load the bases. Josh Storm collected the fourth consecutive walk in the inning to force in Jameson for the lone Lakeville run, making the score 5-1.

Athletics player Will Walsh gets a lead off 2nd base in the 6th inning.

Mark Berger came on in relief to pitch the 6th, 7th and 8th innings. He gave up just three hits, but also had three runs, two in the 6th and one unearned in the 8th. The defense had three of their five costly errors behind Berger, who struck out three Outlaws while walking only one.

Relief pitcher Mark Berger looks in for a sign in the 7th inning.

Offensively, right fielder Jim Gaylord had two of Lakeville's four hits as he went 2 for 3 at the plate with a walk.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were....

• Jim Gaylord 2 for 3, BB
• Jon Gaylord 1 for 2, 2 BB, SB
• Derek Jacobson 1 for 5

The Athletics will now head into a three game weekend. They will be at home for a two-team double-header on Saturday, playing the Bloomington Bandits at 2:00 and the Inver Grove Diamond kings at 5:00.

On Sunday the team will travel to Rosemount for a 2:00 game at Rosemount High School.

It was just another typical nail-biter between Lakeville and Elko on Monday night, but unfortunately the result was the same as the last with another close one-run loss for the Athletics.

Athletics pitcher Jake Hauck throws from the stretch in the 3rd inning.

It was a pitching duel for sure as each team threw well. Cannon Valley League All-Star and team ace Jake Hauck started the game, pitching six complete innings, tossing 96 pitches while scattering just five hits. Hauck struck out eight batters while walking just two. Hauck (4-0) left with no decision and the game tied at 0-0.

Hauck stranded six runners on base, working out of jams with a runner at 3rd base in the 1st, 2nd and 4th innings. He worked out of a bases loaded situation in the 5th and left a runner stranded in scoring position at 2nd base in the 6th inning.

Jake Kruegel looks for a sign as he pitches in relief in the 7th inning.

Jake Kruegel came on in relief, pitching three full innings, allowing one run on just two hits. Kruegel struck out three and walked two while stranding three Elko base runners, one per inning. He left a runner stranded at 3rd base in both the 8th and 9th innings.

Offensively the Athletics had a tough time with Elko's hard throwing lefthander. Lakeville had runners at 1st and 2nd in each of the first two innings, but could not capitalize on the opportunity. The team had three base runners picked off base, one on a poor call at 1st base.

Defensively the Athletics played well, with some exceptional plays from 3rd baseman Trent Larson and shortstop Derek Jacobson. Both players made at least two or three outstanding plays in the infield to back up the Athletics pitching.

Athletics 3rd baseman Trent Larson gets set to collect his first of two hits.

A good sized crowd watched the pitching duel as the two teams battled back and forth, with Elko pulling out one run in the 8th to top Lakeville with its second one-run win of the year. The Express, last year's Class C state champion, nipped the Athletics in a late game 4-3 come from behind win in their first meeting.

Second baseman Bryan Jamieson stands at 1st after a single in the 6th inning.

The Express out-hit the Athletics 7 hits to 6.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Trent Larson 2 for 3
• Jeremy Ripplinger 1 for 2
• Bryan Jamieson 1 for 3
• Derek Hahn 1 for 3, BB
• Jon Gaylord 1 for 4

The Athletics next game is Thursday versus Savage at Alimagnate Park at 7:30pm.

Bobby Dennis about to deposit a 1-2 pitch over the left-center field fence.

It wasn't the best of days at the ballpark on Sunday afternoon. The league leading Rosemount Black Sox held the Athletics to just four hits while rolling up a 13-hit attack, piling up eleven runs in eight innings to stifle the Lakeville defense and their offense. The Black Sox took advantage of some shaky defense as the CVL leader took home an 11-1 win for the afternoon, leaving the Athletics 3 1/2 games out of first.

Starting pitcher Derek Jacobson delivers a pitch in the 1st inning.

Rosemount scored eight runs off starting pitcher Derek Jacobson, with two of them being unearned. Jacobson threw four complete innings, giving up seven hits, two walks and a hit batter with four strikeouts. Jacobson's first inning was certainly the roughest, with Rosemount rolling up five runs. The next two innings Jacobson mixed in a steady diet of breaking pitches to hold the Black Sox to no hits and no runs, but in his last inning he was done in by some key defensive errors which Rosemount exploited for three more runs.

Jake Kruegel winds and fires in the 5th inning for Lakeville.

Jake Kruegel came on in relief, pitching the 5th and 6th innings, allowing just one hit per inning with no runs. Kruegel walked one and also hit one batter, as he faced just four Rosemount hitters in each inning.

Jeremiah Leiviska gets ready to chuck the rock against Rosemount.

Jeremiah Leiviska pitched the 7th and 8th, giving up four hits and three runs. He struck out one and walked three, with one hit batter.

Josh Storm goes down to get the pitch for one of Lakeville's four hits on the day.

Right fielder Will Walsh gets his lead at 1st base after walking in the 3rd inning.

Lakeville's lone run came on a 2nd inning solo home run from left fielder Bobby Dennis, who launched a 1-2 pitch over the left-center fence. Dennis was one of the first original Lakeville Athletics and recently rejoined the team in 2009 after playing for six years with St. Louis Park.

Bobby Dennis (second from right) is congratulated by teammates after home run.

Catcher Alex Messick awaits the pitch in the 8th inning.

Rosemount out-hit Lakeville 13-4 on the afternoon.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Bobby Dennis 2 for 3, 2B, 1R, 1 RBI, HR
• Derek Jacobson 1 for 3
• Josh Storm 1 for 3

The Athletics have a week off before their next game versus the Elko Express, Sunday, July 5th at 7:30 at Fredrickson Field in Elko.

Athletics pitcher Jeff Brisbois will be lost to the rotation for at least a month, maybe more, due to a partially torn bicep muscle. Brisbois said he first felt discomfort during his stint on the mound June 3rd versus the Bloomington Bandits. After a visit to the TRIA sports center in Bloomington, he was diagnosed and told not to pitch for at least a month. Brisbois is hopeful his arm might heal so that he is able to pitch after the CVL All-Star game. At the very least, he hopes to be ready by the Section 5 playoffs which start August 2nd.
 

The Athletics have had a few members move on and some new members sign on for 2009. New to the team are as follows:

• Jim Gaylord
• Derek Hahn
• Alex Messick
• Bryan Jamieson
• Bobby Dennis
• John Degerness
• Will Walsh
• Jake Kruegel

After dealing with two games scheduled at Lakeville South for their two o'clock game, the Athletics suddenly found themselves in another strange schedule mix-up which had then running at the last minute to Inver Grove. Even though the game was officially supposed to be played at Lakeville South, the umpires refused to move from Inver Grove, forcing the Athletics to hit the road. A 5:00 game suddenly became a 6:00 start, with some surly umps not willing to recognize that they were on the wrong end of the error.

Trent Larson brings the ball as he pitches in the 1st inning.

Trent Larson got the starting nod, tossing 102 pitches through six complete innings, scattering four hits and just two runs as he picked up the win. He struck out six while walking five, as he ran his record to 2-1 on the year.

Lakeville got on the board early as shortstop Bryan Jamieson got the offense going with a double down the right field line. Center fielder Jon Gaylord reached on an error as the 1st baseman missed the ball, moving Jamieson to 3rd. Gaylord then stole 2nd base, with a throwing error by the catcher scoring Jamieson for a 1-0 Lakeville lead.

Coach Doug Johnson with Bryan Jamieson at 3rd base.

Inver Grove put up one run in the 2nd inning, but the Athletics came back for four more of their own in the 3rd. In one of the wild plays of the day, 2nd baseman Jim Gaylord led off with a ball hit to 3rd that was mishandled, allowing him to move to 2nd base, whereupon another throwing error moved him to 3rd with a final throwing error letting Gaylord score the Athletics second run. Jamieson followed that up with a single to right. Jon Gaylord hit a single to left before catcher Derek Hahn hit a single to shallow center to drive in Jamieson. First baseman Bobby Dennis was hit by pitch to load the bases. Left fielder Eric Watts hit a fielder's choice to force Dennis at 2nd, but scoring Gaylord on the play. Third baseman Mark Berger then drove a sac fly to center to score Hahn for the fourth run of the inning, making the score 5-1.

Mark Berger and Bryan Jamieson anticipate a bunt. 

In the 3rd inning, Jamieson got the offense rolling again with a one out walk. Jon Gaylord hit a single which was misplayed by the shortstop, before Hahn had his second consecutive hit into center to load the bases. Dennis then pounded a 2-1 pitch deep to center for a bases clearing double. Lakeville led at that point 8-1.

Derek Hahn rounds 3rd and heads for home.

The Diamond Kings picked up one more run in the 6th inning to cut the Athletics lead to 8-2.   

Eric Watts slides into 2nd with a stolen base.

Mark Berger relieved Larson on the mound in the 7th, 8th and 9th, throwing 29 pitches with three strikeouts and no walks. Berger held Inver Grove scoreless with just one hit.

1st baseman Bobby Dennis charges on a bunt coverage.

Lakeville added an extra run in the top of the 9th. Jon Gaylord led off with a walk and the Derek Hahn slammed a hit into right, moving Gaylord to 3rd. Bobby Dennis hit a fielder's choice back to the pitcher, forcing Hahn at 2nd and holding Gaylord at 3rd. Left Fielder Eric Watts then hit a shot past the outstretched shortstop to score Gaylord for the last Lakeville run, giving the Athletics a final 9-2 lead.

Mark Berger takes over on the mound for Lakeville.

Mark Berger pitched a 1-2-3 9th with just five pitches as Lakeville picked up its second win of the day.

The Athletics out hit the Diamond Kings 9 hits to 5.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Derek Hahn 3 for 5, 2R, 1 RBI
• Bryan Jamieson 2 for 4, 2B, BB, 3R
• Jon Gaylord 2 for 4, BB, 3R, SB
• Eric Watts 2 for 5, SB, 2 RBI
• Mark Berger 1 for 3, 2B, Sac Fly, 1 RBI
• Bobby Dennis 1 for 4, 2B, HBP, 3 RBI

The Athletics next game is Sunday at 2:00 as they travel to Rosemount to take on the Black Sox.

The Saturday (6/6) game with the Minneapolis Rocks that was postponed due to rain has been rescheduled for Saturday, August 8th at Lakeville South at 5pm. If Lakeville is still active in the CVL playoffs, the game will be rescheduled until afterwards.

The Tuesday July 21st game with the Eastside Merchants has been cancelled due to their lack of player availability. No word yet on whether or not another game will be scheduled. Watch this page for more information. (Game recorded as official forfeit.)

Bryan Jamieson goes the distance, pitching nine complete innings for the win.

In what would be the first of two games on Saturday, the Athletics took on the Class-A league Bloomington Bandits for their second meeting of the season. They won their first game in Bloomington back on June 3rd by a 4-2 score and then swept the series on Saturday with a thrilling 8-7 come from behind win in the bottom of the 9th.

Bryan Jamieson started for Lakeville and threw 115 pitches for a complete game, going the full nine as he fought through 13 hits and seven runs, one of them unearned. He struck out four while walking just two in picking up his second win against one loss.

Jim Gaylord smacks a 1st inning single.

The Athletics jumped on the board first with three runs in the 1st inning. Second baseman Jim Gaylord led off with a single and moved to 2nd on a passed ball. Center fielder Jon Gaylord drew a full count walk before right fielder Derek Hahn pounded an RBI single down the right field line to score Jim Gaylord while moving brother Jon Gaylord to 3rd. Hahn then stole 2nd base to reach scoring position, just before 3rd baseman Bobby Dennis stroked a two-RBI single to right, scoring both Gaylord and Hahn to put the team up 3-0.

Jim Gaylord is congratulated by Bobby Dennis as he scores a run.

Lakeville came back in the 3rd for yet another run. Center fielder Jon Gaylord led off with a walk and then stole 2nd. One out later, Dennis bounced a hot shot past the shortstop, moving Gaylord to 3rd. Dennis also stole 2nd with the Bandit catcher throwing down to get him, allowing Gaylord to score for a 4-0 lead.

The Bandits fought back by adding one run in the 3rd, one in the 4th and two in the 5th to tie the game at 4-4.

Mark Berger has been hot for the Athletics, driving a single up the middle.

The Athletics pulled ahead in the 6th as 1st baseman Mark Berger hit a one out single up the middle to set the offense. Another out later, 2nd baseman Jim Gaylord hit a hot shot down the left field line for an RBI double, scoring Berger to regain the lead, 5-4.

Mark Berger heads for home to score another Lakeville run.

Bloomington refused to concede, fighting back for one run in the 7th and two more in the 8th, going ahead for the first time in the game with a 7-5 lead.

Derek Hahn strokes the ball for Lakeville.

Lakeville headed to the bottom of the 9th down by two and looking for a comeback. Bryan Jamieson pounded a lead-off double down the left field line. Jim Gaylord hit a single up the middle before brother Jon walked to load the bases. Hahn then hit a sac fly to right, scoring Jamieson and moving Jim Gaylord to 3rd. Jon Gaylord stole 2nd base before Dennis was hit by pitch to reload the bases. With Larson at the plate, a wild pitch allowed Jim Gaylord to score, tying the game at 7-7. Larson then drove a game winning sac fly to right, scoring Jon Gaylord for the 8-7 come from behind win and a sweep of their two-game season series with Bloomington.

Bobby Dennis wears a pitch in the bottom of the 9th as Lakeville builds a rally.

The Athletics were out hit by the Bandits 13 hits to 11, but made the most of what they had in picking up the win.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Jim Gaylord 3 for 5, 2R, 1 RBI
• Bobby Dennis 2 for 3, HBP, BB, 2 RBI
• Derek Hahn 2 for 4, 2B, Sac Fly, SB, 1R, 2 RBI
• Mark Berger 2 for 4, 1R
• Jon Gaylord 1 for 3, 2 BB, 3 SB, 2R
• Bryan Jamieson 1 for 1, 2B, 1R

Brent Johnson drives the ball for the Athletics.

The game was announced with the first use of the new Lakeville South press box by former Athletics player Jeff Barthel. Cannon Valley League webmaster Anne McKinney and son were also on hand in an afternoon visit to the Athletics dugout.

The Athletics followed up the win by traveling to Inver Grove for a same-day 6:00 game on the road.

Athletics team shakes hands with Eagan Bandits after 5-2 road loss.

The hit parade and scoring express slowed down for the Athletics on Thursday night at Eagan as the Bandits held Lakeville to just six hits for the game. After scoring a minimum of 13 runs each in their last two games, the Athletics were held to considerably far less as they dropped a road game to Eagan by a score of 5-2.

Jeremiah Leiviska pitches in the 1st inning against the Bandits.

In a night that saw former Lakeville player Jeremy Ripplinger come back for a cameo visit, the Athletics fell short of their third win in a row. Jeremiah Leiviska started on the hill and pitched a complete game, tossing 137 pitches as he scattered seven hits and five runs over 8 innings. Leiviska struck out seven while walking six and hitting two.

3rd Baseman Trent Larson gets set to pound a single in the 2nd inning.

Lakeville scored their two runs early as they jumped out to a promising 2-0 lead right away in the top of the 2nd inning. Left fielder Eric Watts led off the inning with a 4-1 walk. Third baseman Trent Larson stroked a single down the right field line to move Watts to 2nd. First baseman Mark Berger laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move Larson to 2nd and Watts to 3rd. Hot hitting catcher Brent Johnson added to his RBI binge the last few games with a hard hit single down the right field line, scoring both Watts and Larson to give Lakeville the early 2-0 lead.

Catcher Brent Johnson works behind the plate in the 5th inning.

The Bandits came back in the bottom of the 2nd to score three runs on one hit, two walks, a fielder's choice and a hit batter, making the score 3-2 Eagan.

Left fielder Eric Watts looks down to coach Johnson for a sign before batting.

The athletics went down 1-2-3 in the 3rd, but Lakeville threatened in the 4th as Derek Hahn singled to left and then stole 2nd base. Eric Watts drove a 2-2 pitch up the middle for a hit, but was thrown out after trying to take 2nd on the throwing attempt to get Hahn. Trent Larson flew out to right with Hahn tagging up to try and score from 3rd. The throw from the right fielder skipped away from the 3rd baseman, but he recovered quickly, just getting Hahn at the plate, 9-5-2 to end the inning.

A blast from the past: Jeremy Ripplinger stands at 1st after walking in the 8th.

Eagan put up another run in the 5th and one more in the 6th to take a 5-2 lead over Lakeville.

Designated hitter Alex Messick drives a fly ball to left in the 8th inning.

The Athletics tried to rally in the top of the 9th as Hahn singled to right to lead off the inning. Watts picked up his 3rd walk of the night on a 4-1 pitch, moving Hahn to 2nd. Larson hit a shot to the 3rd baseman who stepped on the bag to force Hahn out and then threw quickly to 1st for the double play. Watts moved to 2nd on the play. Berger then hit a hard to reach infield single between the pitcher and 1st, moving Watts to 3rd and giving Lakeville hope with runners at the corners, but an ensuing third out ended the Lakeville rally .

Bryan Jamieson (L) looks on as 1st baseman Mark Berger holds the runner.

The Athletics stranded five runners between the 7th and 9th innings, missing the timely hit when they needed it most. Bryan Jamieson crushed a ball to deep left-center with Johnson at 3rd in the 8th inning, but a nice catch by the centerfielder kept Lakeville from adding to their score.

Right fielder Derek Hahn stands safely at 1st after a single in the 9th.

The Bandits out-hit the Athletics 7-6 for the game.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Derek Hahn 2 for 4
• Eric Watts 1 for 1, 1R, 3 BB
• Brent Johnson 1 for 3, BB, 2 RBI
• Mark Berger 1 for 3, Sac Bunt
• Trent Larson 1 for 4, 1R

The Athletics are back at home for the weekend with two games at Lakeville South. They play Apple Valley on Saturday at 5:00 and square off with Rosemount on Sunday, also at 5:00. (Plenty of great seats are still available.)

Leave it to Beaver: Brent Johnson was 3 for 4 with 5 RBI on the night.

The Athletics kept their bats going as they racked up 16 hits on the road against former CVL leader Burnsville. The Bobcats were previously 5-1 until Lakeville knocked them out of first place with a 14-7 win at Alimagnate Park. The win is the second league win in a row for the surging Athletics who have scored at least 13 runs in each of their last two games.

Winning pitcher Jake Hauck on the mound for Lakeville.

Jake Hauck was the starting pitcher for Lakeville and picked up his second win, tossing 93 pitches while striking out eight and walking just two. Hauck gave up only two runs through the first five innings, but tired in the 6th as he was reached for four runs. It was another solid performance though from Hauck who, like most of the Athletics pitching staff, has really stepped up his pitching this season. Hauck has increased his workout routine this year, which has applied to the velocity on his fastball as well. Hauck is one of five Gustavus Adolphus baseball alumni on the Athletics team.   

Bryan Jamieson looks for the first of his three hits on the night.

After being spotted for two runs in the top of the 1st, Lakeville came right back in the bottom half of the inning to answer the Bobcats with four runs of their own. Second baseman Bryan Jamieson got the attack going with the first of his three hits on the night, a single to right field. Center fielder Jon Gaylord hit a single over the shortstop to move Jamieson to 2nd. One out later, left fielder Eric Watts smacked an 0-1 pitch into right field to score Jamieson. Third baseman Trent Larson walked on a 4-1 count before catcher Brent Johnson pounded a hard hit bases clearing double down the left field line to score Gaylord, Watts and Larson, giving Lakeville a 4-2 lead.

Third baseman Trent Larson bats in the 1st inning.

The Athletics came back for more in the second with another big inning, sending nine batters to the plate for four more runs. Right fielder Jim Gaylord dropped a single down the right field line to lead off the inning. Shortstop Derek Jacobson hit a single into left to move Gaylord to 2nd, but a throwing error by the left fielder into the dugout allowed Gaylord to score and Jacobson to take 3rd. Jamieson came to the plate again and walked on a full count. Two outs later, Watts came to bat and received a wild pitch which scored Jacobson from 3rd and allowed pinch runner Matt Velasquez, running for Jamieson, to move up to 2nd. Watts then stroked a 3-2 pitch into center field for his second hit, driving in Velasquez on the play. Larson was hit-by-pitch, giving Lakeville runners at 1st and 2nd. Johnson hit a single to the shortstop who tried to get Larson at 2nd, but threw the ball away, allowing Watts to score the 4th run of the inning, giving Lakeville an 8-2 lead.

Berger and Gaylord watch as Watts scores and coach Johnson watches runner.

In the 4th inning, the Athletics added two more runs. Jon Gaylord flew out to the 3rd baseman to lead off the inning. Designated hitter Derek Hahn was hit by a pitch. Eric Watts walked on four straight pitches to give Lakeville runners at 1st and 2nd. Trent Larson hit a hard hit ball to the centerfielder for out number two. Brent Johnson walked on a 4-1 count to load the bases before 1st baseman Mark Berger ripped a two-RBI shot to left field to score both Hahn and Watts. The Athletics led at that point 10-2.

Mark Berger pounds a two-run single in the 4th inning.

Lakeville wasn't done scoring though as they put up four more runs in the 5th. Team batting leader Derek Jacobson led off with a single up the middle. Bryan Jamieson dropped a single down the right field line and Jon Gaylord walked on a full count to load the bases. Derek Hahn hit a fielder's choice to the 2nd baseman, forcing Gaylord out at 2nd but scoring Jacobson on the play. With runners at the corners, a wild pitch scored Jamieson from 3rd. Third baseman Trent Larson walked to give Lakeville runners at 1st and 2nd. Brent Johnson then pounded a ball to deep right-center, scoring both Hahn and Larson on the hit, while collecting his 4th and 5th RBI of the night. Lakeville held a 14-2 lead.

Will Walsh gets his lead at 2nd base after a double in the 7th inning.

In the top of the 6th, Jake Hauck started to tire as Burnsville collected five hits and four runs, but Hauck left after 1/3rd of an inning with a comfortable 14-6 lead. Bryan Jamieson came in to finish off the game in relief, pitching 3 2/3rds innings, scattering just two hits while giving up just one run. Jamieson had four strikeouts against just one walk. The game ended 14-7 with the second consecutive CVL win for the Athletics.

Lakeville out-hit Burnsville 16 hits to 10 on the evening.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Brent Johnson 3 for 4, 2B, BB, 5 RBI
• Bryan Jamieson 3 for 4, 2 BB, 3R
• Jon Gaylord 3 for 5, 2B, 1R, BB
• Eric Watts 2 for 4, 3R, 2 RBI, BB
• Derek Jacobson 2 for 4, 2R
• Jim Gaylord 1 for 3, 1R
• Derek Hahn 1 for 4, 2R, 1 RBI
• Mark Berger 1 for 5, 2 RBI
• Will Walsh 1 for 1, 2B

The Athletics next game is on the road Thursday against the Eagan Bandits at Goat Hill Park at 7:00.

Coach Doug Johnson congratulates Bryan Jamieson after 3-run homer.

The Lakeville Athletics welcomed newest member Bobby Dennis to the team on Saturday and did so with a 13-5 win on the road at Inver Grove. Dennis, played previously as one of the original team members with Lakeville from 2000 to 2002, but played the last six years at St. Louis Park, the 2008 Class A state champions.

Even though many team members were gone for the game, the Athletics had a breakout day at the plate, rolling up 51 plate appearances with nine Athletics collecting hits on the afternoon. Lakeville racked up 19 hits, with eleven extra base hits, including nine doubles, a triple and a three-run home run. The team had just four strikeouts with five walks in collecting their second win this season over the Diamond Kings.

Starting pitcher Trent Larson slides into 3rd base after two-RBI triple in the 1st.

Trent Larson started on the mound for Lakeville, pitching five complete innings while scattering nine hits with five runs. Larson struck out eight Inver Grove batters and walked none. He hit one batter and also allowed a three-run homer, but was able to keep the Diamond King line-up from collecting the key hits when they needed them the most as he picked up the win.

Shortstop Derek Jacobson heads into 2nd with the first of his four doubles.

Lakeville got on the board early with a 2-0 lead in the 1st inning. Shortstop Derek Jacobson launched the first of four doubles on the day, by stroking a shot to left. Second baseman Bryan Jamieson walked on a 4-1 count. Center fielder Jon Gaylord hit a ball to the shortstop for a fielder's choice, with Jamieson being forced out at 2nd on the play. First baseman Bobby Dennis flew out to the second baseman for the second out, but pitcher Trent Larson helped his cause by crushing a two-run triple to the left-center gap. Left fielder Eric Watts walked before catcher Alex Messick flew out to end the inning.

Athletics left fielder Eric Watts gets his lead at 1st base.

The Athletics came back quickly in the 2nd to put up two more runs on the scoreboard. Third baseman Brent Johnson doubled to right field to lead off the inning. Right fielder Jim Gaylord followed with a double of his own into the left-center gap, scoring Johnson. Jacobson then came up and pounded his second consecutive double, this time down the left field line, scoring Gaylord to make the score 4-0 Lakeville.

3rd baseman Brent Johnson rounds 3rd as dad and coach Doug Johnson looks on.

Inver Grove came back with one run in the bottom of the 2nd inning to make the score 4-1. The Diamond Kings then tied the game in the 3rd on a three-run home run to knot the game at 4-all.

Lakeville came right back in the 4th to re-take the lead 7-4. Jim Gaylord led off with a 4-0 walk before Jacobson hit a shot to left for his third double in a row, moving Gaylord to 3rd base. Jamieson came to the plate and deposited a 1-0 pitch over the left field fence for a three-run homer to give Lakeville a lead they would never relinquish from that point on.

Jim Gaylord pulls into 3rd as coach Doug Johnson holds up the stop sign.

The Diamond Kings put up their fifth and final run of the day in the bottom of the 4th, making the score 7-5, but the Athletics still led.

In the 5th, Johnson led off with a 4-1 walk. Jim Gaylord hit a ball to the shortstop for a fielder's choice, with Johnson being forced out at 2nd. Jacobson came to the plate and took a wild pitch, moving Gaylord up to 2nd before stroking his fourth straight hit, a single over the shortstop to score Gaylord. Jamieson grounded out 5-3 in the next at bat, but moved Jacobson into scoring position at 2nd. Jon Gaylord then hit a single past the 3rd baseman into right to score Jacobson, giving the Athletics a 9-5 lead.

Stolen base leader Jon Gaylord swipes 2nd base against Inver Grove.

Derek Jacobson pitched the 6th, 7th and 8th innings, allowing just one hit with no runs. Jacobson struck out five and walked no one.

Matt Velasquez delivers a hard hit single to right in the 9th.

Lakeville came back for some insurance runs in the 9th to add to their lead. Second baseman Matt Velasquez scorched a hit into right field to lead off the inning. Jim Gaylord picked up his second hit of the game with a hit to right, moving Velasquez to 2nd. Hot hitting Derek Jacobson came to the plate and received a passed ball, moving both runners to 2nd and 3rd respectively, before he pounded his 4th double and 5th hit of the day, a rocket off the left-center field fence, scoring Velasquez, but only moving Gaylord to 3rd due to the speed of the hit and quick throw from the center fielder. Jamieson popped out to the catcher for the first out, but Jon Gaylord smashed his own double off the top of the left field fence to score brother Jim and Jacobson both. Bobby Dennis came to bat and took a wild pitch, moving Gaylord to 3rd base. Dennis then smashed a single over the shortstop to score Gaylord for the last Athletics run of the day, giving Lakeville a 13-5 lead.

Bobby Dennis strokes an RBI single in the top of the 9th.

Left-hander Dennis then pitched the bottom of the 9th, with no hits and no runs. He struck out one and walked none to seal the win.

Lakeville out-hit Inver Grove 19 hits to 10 on the day.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Derek Jacobson 5 for 6, (4) 2B, 4R, 3 RBI
• Jon Gaylord 3 for 6, (2) 2B, 2R, 2 SB, 3 RBI
• Eric Watts 2 for 3, 2B, BB
• Jim Gaylord 2 for 4, 2B, BB, 4R, 1 RBI
• Bobby Dennis 2 for 4, BB, HBP, 1 RBI
• Brent Johnson 1 for 2, 2B, 1R, BB
• Matt Velasquez 1 for 2, 1R
• Trent Larson 2 for 6, 3B, 2 RBI
• Bryan Jamieson 1 for 5, BB, 1R, HR, 3 RBI

The Athletics next game is on the road Tuesday against the Burnsville Bobcats at Alimagnate Park at 7:30.

THE 2008 SEASON

A Look Back At 2008

The 2008 Season Archives

The anatomy of the steal: Jon Gaylord is challenging the stolen base mark in '09.

The Athletics bats were popping on Thursday night, with a couple even breaking, but the team couldn't seem to buy a break in a one run loss at Burnsville. Pretty much every player hit the ball hard somewhere, but the gaps were hard to find. After a hitting spree in their last meeting, Lakeville was held to just four hits in the season rubber match with Burnsville.

Jim Gaylord has been heating up for the Athletics, driving a single in the 5th.

The Bobcats got another serious dose of Hauck, as in unbeaten staff ace and CVL all-star Jake Hauck who went seven complete innings, tossing 94 pitches, with one strikeout and three walks. He rolled up eight ground outs and ten fly-outs as he allowed just one earned run, but took his first loss of the season as his record moved to 4-1.

Athletics pitcher Jake Hauck throws over to keep the runner at 1st base.

Lakeville got on the board early with one run in the top of the 1st. Shortstop Derek Jacobson ripped a liner over 3rd base for a hit on the game's first pitch. Second baseman Bryan Jamieson figured he would go the same route, absolutely scorching a hot line shot, but right at the 3rd baseman who was able to double Jacobson off first base for two outs. Center fielder Jon Gaylord walked and then stole his first of three bases on the night. Catcher Derek Hahn reached on error with a poor throw by the shortstop to 1st, taking 2nd on the overthrow, with Gaylord scoring Lakeville's only run of the game on the play.

Derek Jacobson gets his lead at 1st base in the 1st inning.

In the bottom of the 2nd, two straight fielding errors cost Lakeville as the inning's lead-off hitter reached base safely and then scored three batters later on a sac-fly, tying the game at 1-1.

Athletics catcher Derek Hahn pounds a double in the 6th inning.

Hauck held Burnsville to just one hit through the first four innings, but the Bobcats picked up three hits in the 5th, their only multi-hit inning, to score the second and last run of the game as they took a 2-1 lead.

3rd baseman Trent Larson bats in the 4th inning.

Bryan Jamieson, fresh off 115 pitches on Saturday, came on to pitch the 8th, facing just four batters. A lead-off walk and then two stolen bases gave the Bobcats a runner at 3rd, but Jamieson induced a fly-out, groundout and another fly-out to get out of the inning and leave Burnsville hanging. 

Down by one in the top of the 9th, Jon Gaylord led off with a hard hit drive to the left-center fence for what looked to be a sure double and potential tying run, but an outrageous catch by the Bobcat centerfielder robbed the Athletics as Lakeville went 1-2-3 in the inning, with Burnsville hanging on for the 2-1 win.

The Bobcats took the season series two games to one.

Burnsville out-hit Lakeville 6 hits to four on the night.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Derek Jacobson 1 for 4
• Jon Gaylord 1 for 3, 3 SB, BB, 1 R
• Derek Hahn 1 for 4, 2B, OBE
• Jim Gaylord 1 for 3

The Athletics next game is at home on Saturday against Apple Valley at Lakeville South at 5:00.

Athletics pitcher Jeff Brisbois makes his second start since coming off the DL

Twenty three runs were scored between the Athletics and Millers on Saturday afternoon, but unfortunately Lakeville came out on the low end of the scoreboard with a 14-9 loss, falling short in their bid to reach .500 for the year. The Athletics, 7-9 in the league, were playing minus some key personnel, fielding a team with just nine position players. Still, the group managed to pound out 12 hits with an offensive hitting attack that challenged the Miller pitching.

Apple Valley got out to an early lead by scoring four runs in the first inning, three of them on a 3-run Miler homer down the left field line.

Jon Gaylord has a day, picking up the first of two doubles as he goes 5 for 6.

The Athletics came back for a single run in the the bottom of the first to cut the lead to just three. Center fielder Jon Gaylord had a day at the plate as he went 5 for 6 with two doubles. He led off with the first of his three singles and immediately stole 2nd for his team leading 23rd stolen base. Third baseman Mark Berger moved Gaylord to 3rd on a groundout down the first baseline. First baseman Derek Hahn then bounced a single to the right of the 2nd baseman to score Gaylord to cut the score to 3-1.

Athletics catcher Brent Johnson strokes a two-RBI single in a six run 3rd inning.

The Millers came right back for two more runs in the top of the 2nd to make the score 5-1.

Left fielder Eric Watts gets set to crush a double off the left-center field fence.

Undaunted, Lakeville fought back an inning later with six runs in the 3rd. With one out, Gaylord walloped his ninth double of the year to reach scoring position. He stole 3rd for his 24th steal. Berger then walked on a full count before Hahn hit a run scoring fielder's choice to the 3rd baseman who threw the ball away trying to get the lead runner at second, advancing Berger to 3rd and Hahn to 2nd. Shortstop Trent Larson flew out to center before catcher Brent Johnson delivered a two-out two-RBI single to score both runners. Second baseman Will Walsh dropped a single over the head of the Miller 2nd baseman to give Lakeville two more runners. Left fielder Eric Watts crushed a double off the left-center field fence to score Johnson and move Walsh to 3rd. Designated hitter Jeremiah Leiviska, not having swung the bat much of the year, smacked a double of his own off the left-center fence to score Walsh and Watts, giving the Athletics a 7-6 lead.

DH Jeremiah Leiviska pounds the first of two doubles on the afternoon.

Apple Valley took advantage of two fielding errors in the top of the 5th as they knocked out four hits, but picked up five runs on the inning, two of them unearned, for an 11-7 lead.

Lakeville came back in the bottom of the 5th to score two more runs to cut the difference to two. With one out, Walsh dropped another hit behind 2nd base. Watts flew out on a drive to center field for the 2nd out. Leiviska was hit-by-pitch to give Lakeville it's second base runner. Gaylord then came to the plate and pounded his tenth double of the year and second of the game to score both runners, making the score 11-9.

Will Walsh drops a single behind the 2nd baseman in the 5th inning.

The Millers added to their lead with a two-run homer in the 6th and one more run in the 7th to outscore the Athletics 14-9 for the win.

Jeff Brisbois (1-1) made his second start since coming off the DL, pitching five complete innings. He struck out three while walking just two, but surrendered 13 hits and 11 runs, five of the runs being unearned on errors, as he picked up the loss.

Jeremiah Leiviska kicks and readies to throw in the 7th inning.

Jeremiah Leiviska came on in relief in the 6th and pitched four innings as he scattered four hits and gave up three runs. He struck out six while walking five.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Jon Gaylord 5 for 6, (2) 2B, 2R, 2 SB, 2 RBI
• Jeremiah Leiviska 2 for 4, (2) 2B, 1R, 2 RBI, HBP
• Will Walsh 2 for 4, BB, 2R
• Brent Johnson 1 for 5, 1R, 2RBI
• Eric Watts 1 for 5, 2B, 1 RBI, 1R
• Derek Hahn 1 for 5, 1R, 2 RBI, FC, OBE

The next game for Lakeville is scheduled for Tuesday, at home against the Eastside Merchants at 5:00 at Lakeville South.

NOTE: The Eastside game has now been cancelled by the Merchants due to lack of player availability for Tuesday. The next game will now be Wednesday on the road in Rochester at Mayo Field for a 7:30 night game.

Athletics pitcher Jake Hauck extends his record to 4-0 for the season.

The Athletics picked up their 7th win of the season on Saturday with a 7-5 win over Apple Valley. Pitching ace Jake Hauck threw for Lakeville and picked up the win to run his team leading record to a perfect 4-0. Hauck pitched 6 2/3rds innings, scattering eight hits and five runs, striking out two while walking four, with one hit batter. Hauck currently leads the team in wins, as well as strikeouts, fanning 39 batters in 35 innings pitched.

Shortstop Derek Jacobson strokes a lead-off single in the 1st inning.

Second baseman Bryan Jamieson drives the ball for a hit against the Millers.

Lakeville got on the board early in the 1st inning by spotting the Millers five runs right out of the box. Shortstop Derek Jacobson led off the inning with a hard single past the shortstop. Second baseman Bryan Jamieson hit the first pitch he saw up the middle for a base hit. Center fielder Jon Gaylord pounded a double to the left-center gap to score Jacobson, giving Lakeville its first run. Catcher Derek Hahn was hit-by-pitch to advance to first. Left fielder Bobby Dennis flew out to right for the first out. With the bases loaded, designated hitter Eric Watts jumped on the first pitch for an RBI single to left, driving in Jamieson for a 2-0 score. Third baseman Trent Larson stroked a single up the middle to drive in Gaylord. First baseman Mark Berger then smoked a line shot down the right field line to score Hahn and Watts, running the score to 5-0 Lakeville.

Jim Gaylord and Derek Hahn tell Eric Watts he's in safely at home.

Jake Hauck then went back to work and only faced three batters each in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th. He only allowed one run through the first four innings. Apple Valley finally picked up two hits and a run in the 5th to make the score 5-2 Lakeville.

One of the original Athletics, Bobby Dennis pounds the ball for a hit.

The Athletics came back in the bottom of the inning to reclaim the run and then some. Jon Gaylord led off the inning with a hard hit through the hole at shortstop. He then stole second base and then 3rd base to get into scoring position. One out later, Bobby Dennis hit a single of his own through the same hole, scoring Gaylord. Eric Watts then followed suit with his own hit into the hole, but this time the shortstop was able to get to the ball, forcing Dennis out at 2nd and leaving Watts safe at 1st on a fielder's choice. Watts then stole 2nd base to put himself in scoring position. Trent Larson hit the fourth shot in a row into the same hole, but an error by the shortstop allowed Larson to reach 1st safely, while scoring Watts in the process. Mark Berger then lined the fifth shot into the shortstop hole for a single but was stranded on base after the next batter flew out. Lakeville led after five complete innings, 7-1.

Athletics centerfielder Jon Gaylord scores easy in the bottom of the 5th inning.

Apple Valley picked up two more hits in the 6th, scoring one more run to make the score 7-2 Lakeville.

Trent Larson moves from 3rd base to the mound as he pitches in relief.

In the 6th, the Millers reached Hauck for three hits and three runs. Hauck left with two outs and a 7-5 lead. Trent Larson then came in and walked the number seven hitter, but struck out the next batter to retire the Millers. Larson closed out the next two innings for the save. In his 2 1/3rd innings, Larson struck out four and walked one while allowing no runs as he picked up the save.

Veteran Mark Berger slides back into 1st base safely on a pickoff attempt.

With the win, Lakeville pulled within two games of .500 overall on the season and within one game in the league, bringing their record to 7-9 overall and 5-6 in league play.

Catcher Derek Hahn sets up for the last out of the game.

The Athletics out-hit the Millers 11-8 for the game.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Jon Gaylord 2 for 4, 2R, 2B, 2 SB, 1 RBI
• Mark Berger 2 for 4, BB, 2 RBI
• Bryan Jamieson 2 for 4, 1R
• Derek Jacobson 2 for 5, 2B, 1R
• Eric Watts 1 for 4, 2R, 1 RBI
• Bobby Dennis 1 for 4, BB, 1 RBI
• Trent Larson 1 for 4, 2 RBI

The Athletics are back at home on Sunday at Lakeville South as they host division leader Rosemount.