Derek Jacobson begins his slide as he steals 2nd base in the top of the 1st.

It was a pitching duel for sure on Thursday night at Goat Hill Park in Eagan as Athletics ace Jake Hauck battled hard against the Bandits. Scattering hits is certainly what both teams did, with the two teams usually managing just one per inning and two hits only once each. Eagan broke through for the game's only three-hit inning when they scored their first run in the 5th.

Jake Hauck pitches with a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st.

Ace and two-time all-star Jake Hauck once again pitched very well, scattering just eight hits through eight innings of work, but four fielding errors behind him didn't help his efforts on the mound. Hauck held the Bandits scoreless until the 5th inning and shut them out in the 6th and 7th as well. Hauck struck out five and walked only one with just two runs given up.

Veteran Mark Berger talks with Will Walsh at 1st after a single in the 4th inning.

The Bandits scored the winning run off a lead-off double in the bottom of the 8th. A fielding error on the next play moved the runner to 3rd and a sac fly one batter later scored the winning run for the Bandits.

To be honest, the sun wasn't the kindest to the defense and played a significant part towards some key moments in the game, particularly on the winning run moving to 3rd. It's tough to attribute a sun aided error, but also tough to score the hit. Nevertheless, a bad break in a well pitched game for the Athletics.

Justin Hahn rounds 1st base after his second hit of the night in the 6th inning.

Lakeville actually got on the scoreboard first in the 1st inning, but it turned out to be their only run of the game. Shortstop Derek Jacobson walked and then stole 2nd. One out later, catcher Derek Hahn moved the runner to 3rd on a 6-3 groundout before brother Justin Hahn stroked a well hit ball up the middle to score Jacobson. The Athletics had seven hits in the game after Hahn's RBI single, but could not advance a runner to 2nd after the 1st inning. Lakeville had two runners thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

John Degerness pounds a single to right in the 7th inning.

Both teams were even with eight hits a piece.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Justin Hahn, 2 for 4, RBI
• Derek Jacobson, 1 for 3, BB, SB, R
• John Deggerness, 1 for 3
• Eric Watts, 1 for 3
• Will Walsh, 1 for 3
• Trent Larson, 1 for 4
• Mark Berger, 1 for 4

Derek Hahn looks for a pitch to drive in the 9th.

The Athletics are now 2-8 in Cannon Valley League action and are 5-11 on the year. The team will take a break for the mid-summer CVL-CCVL All-Star game which will be played July 7th at Elko. The team will resume action on Saturday, July 10th as they travel to Rosemount for a 2pm game for their regular season finale with the Black Sox.

Josh Storm had a big night, shown here at 2nd base after a 3 RBI double.

On a night where eight players hit safely, Lakeville rolled up 11 hits for 16 runs and a 12-run victory in 7 innings over the Metro Knights at White Bear Lake. Every player for Lakeville reached base and scored at least one run in the win. The team hit a combined .344 against the Knights on the evening. Josh Storm led the team with four RBI and four runs, going 2 for 4 at the plate with a big 6th inning double to the right-center gap that scored 3 RBI.

Jake Hauck started on the mound for Lakeville, pitching 5 innings while scattering seven hits and four runs. Hauck struck out four and walked only one as he collected his third win to even his record at 3-3 on the year.

Lakeville got out to an early lead in the top of the 1st inning. Shortstop Derek Jacobson stroked the first of two hits on the night to lead off the inning with a single, later moving to 2nd on a wild pitch. Two outs later, 1st baseman Josh Storm walked, followed by designated hitter Robbie Punch who also walked to load the bases. Centerfielder Eric Watts also walked to force in the first run of the game, scoring Jacobson from 3rd.

The Knights quickly tied the game in the bottom of the 1st with two hits and an error to knot the score at 1-1.

Trent Larson safely beats the throw and steals 2nd base in the 3rd inning.

The Athletics came back in the 3rd with one of their biggest innings of the year, scoring seven runs in the attack. The last time that Lakeville had registered a 7-run inning was June 15th against Bloomington. Third baseman Trent Larson walked to lead off the inning, followed by catcher Derek Hahn who also walked. Josh Storm hit a single over the 3rd baseman to load the sacks for Lakeville. Robbie Punch delivered a two-run double to the left-center gap to plate Larson and Hahn. Eric Watts walked to reload the bases. One out later, 2nd baseman Phil Vigen was hit by pitch to force in Storm from 3rd. Another out later, Derek Jacobson pounded a bases clearing double off the top of the left field fence to score Punch, Watts and Vigen. Trent Larson and Derek Hahn both walked to load the bases once again. Josh Storm made his second plate appearance of the inning and scored Jacobson on a fielder's choice, which saw all runners safe and the bases loaded on an error by the shortstop at 2nd. A subsequent 3rd out left three on base, but Lakeville held an 8-1 score and a lead that they would not relinquish from that point on.

Derek Jacobson and Trent Larson racing for home in the 3rd inning.

The Metro Knights picked up a lone run in the bottom of the 3rd to make the score 8-2.

Eric Watts, Coach Johnson and Justin Hahn await a pitching change in the 4th.

Lakeville went back on the offensive in the 4th. Eric Watts led off with the second of three walks on the night. He stole 2nd and then took 3rd as left fielder Justin Hahn picked up the first of two hits with a single past the 3rd baseman. Phil Vigen walked to load the bases before right fielder Will Walsh then ripped a bases clearing double to the center field fence. Walsh was called out at 3rd as he got hung up trying to stretch the hit into a triple, even though he appeared to be safe and clearly under the throw. Derek Jacobson and Trent Larson were both hit by pitch and then moved up on a wild pitch to Derek Hahn. Jacobson then scored on a single by Hahn over 3rd, making the score 12-2.

"Oh shit" said Will Walsh as he was caught trying to stretch a double into a triple.

The Knights kept pecking away, picking up two more runs in the bottom of the 4th, but it was little too late and also their last runs of the game.

Will Walsh led off 6th with a walk, followed by Derek Jacobson who also walked. Trent Larson hit a single into shallow left-center to load the bases. One out later Josh Stormed crushed a bases clearing double to the right-center fence, scoring three RBI for the Athletics. Eric Watts hit a single to right-center, moving Storm to 3rd, but the inning ended with Watts being thrown out as he was stealing 2nd. Lakeville led at that point 15-4.

Phil Vigen stands in at the plate against the Knights.

The Athletics scored one more run in the 7th. Justin Hahn picked up his second hit by beating out an infield single to the shortstop. Phil Vigen walked, moving Hahn to 2nd. Two fly outs later Trent Larson hit a ball up the middle and reached on an error as the shortstop threw the ball away, scoring Hahn in the process for a 16-4 final score.

Derek Hahn stepped out from behind the plate to pitch two innings of relief in the 6th and 7th, allowing no hits and no runs in the effort. He struck out five and walked three in the outing.

Derek Hahn pitches in relief for the Athletics in the 7th inning.

The Athletics out-hit the Knights 11 to 7 for the game. It was the second win in a row for Lakeville.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Josh Storm, 2 for 4, 2B, BB, FC, R, 4 RBI
• Derek Jacobson, 2 for 4, 2B, BB, HBP, 4 R, 3 RBI
• Justin Hahn, 2 for 5, 2 R, FC
• Trent Larson, 1 for 3, 2 BB, HBP, OBE, SB, 2 R, RBI
• Robbie Punch, 1 for 4, 2B, BB, R, 2 RBI
• Will Walsh, 1 for 4, 2B, BB, R, 3 RBI
• Derek Hahn, 1 for 4, 2 BB, R, RBI
• Eric Watts, 1 for 2, 3 BB, 2 SB, 2 R, RBI

The Athletics are now 5-10 on the year. The team will travel to Eagan on Thursday night for a 7:00 game with the Bandits at Goat Hill Park.

Robbie Punch is headed to DC to work for the office of Congressman Kline.

First year Athletics player Robbie Punch has played his last game for Lakeville after accepting a position on the staff of Congressman Kline in Washington DC. Punch, a former player for St. Thomas University and a good friend of shortstop Derek Jacobson, often played 3rd base and DH, showing versatility on the infield by also playing at 2nd base. He also pitched an inning against Burnsville on June 7th, setting the side down in order. Punch was liked by all and will be missed in the team line-up. The Athletics wish him all the best as he embarks on his new career in the world of politics.

Trent Larson pitched eight complete for the Athletics and collected the win.

The Achilles' heel for Lakeville so far this season has been finding the timely hits when they needed them most. Saturday, they were able to deliver when they needed to, storming back in the bottom of the 8th for two runs and a victory over the Bombers from Eden Prairie. With a minimal line-up once again, the Athletics made the most of six hits by answering a Westside Bombers challenge in the 8th inning, coming from behind for a 5-4 win behind the pitching of veteran Trent Larson.

Larson worked eight complete innings, holding the Bombers to just five hits and four runs in the outing. He struck out six, walked three and hit one batter as he picked up the win for Lakeville. Larson also had a hit, scored a run, and picked up his team leading 9th walk to help his own cause.

Justin Hahn gets set to rip a single in the 4th inning.

The Athletics jumped on the board first in the 4th inning with the Hahn brothers leading the way. With one out, catcher Derek Hahn walked on four straight pitches before brother and first baseman Justin Hahn pounded a single up the middle. One out later, centerfielder Mark Berger was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Left fielder Eric Watts also walked on four pitches to force in Derek Hahn for the game's first run. Third baseman Brent Johnson walked on a full count to drive in Justin Hahn, giving Lakeville a 2-0 lead.

Derek Jacobson zeros in on the pitch in the 7th inning.

The Bombers cut the lead in half by scoring a run in the top of the 6th inning, but the Athletics rebounded to grab the run back in the bottom of the 7th. Shortstop Derek Jacobson smoked a single into right, then proceeded to steal 2nd and 3rd before scoring on an overthrow by the catcher on his steal of 3rd. The score was 3-1 at that point.

Westside broke through in the top of the 8th scoring three runs on three hits, but two Athletics errors directly aided two of those runs. The Bombers took the lead 4-3.

Eric Watts at the plate before hitting a game tying double in the 8th.

Lakeville refused to give in and fought back in the bottom of the 8th. With one out, pitcher Larson walked on four pitches before Mark Berger moved him to 2nd on a 4-3 groundout. Eric Watts then hammered the first pitch he saw for a double to left, scoring Larson for the tying run. Brent Johnson followed by ripping a double to the right-center gap to score Watts with the go-ahead run. Lakeville took a 5-4 lead that they wouldn't give back.

Derek Jacobson relieved Larson on the mound in the top of the 9th, allowing just one hit and no runs as he picked up the save.

Both teams were even in hits with six each.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Derek Jacobson, 2 for 5, 2 SB, R
• Eric Watts, 1 for 3, 2B, BB, SB, 2 RBI
• Brent Johnson, 1 for 3, BB, 2 RBI
• Trent Larson, 1 for 3, BB, OBE, R
• Justin Hahn, 1 for 4, R

Brent Johnson had a sterling day at the hot corner for the Athletics.

Defensive props to Brent Johnson who had a stellar game at the hot corner, timing his leap to grab a lined rocket in the 2nd, and then going low to grab another hard hit ball to his right in the 3rd. Derek Hahn also made a couple nice catches behind the plate in the 2nd inning and the 5th to add to the Athletics defense.

Derek Hahn is back from injured reserve to catch for Lakeville.

The Athletics are now 4-10 on the year. The team will travel to White Bear Lake on Sunday night for a 7:00 game with the Metro Knights at Polar Lakes Park.

A short squad faces the flag for national anthem. (Starting battery in the bullpen)

For a team with so many rostered players, it was admittedly tough to show up for a scheduled road game with only seven available. Miscommunication on one end, coupled with an apparent lack of communication from a couple more, was not the most helpful for the Athletics as they showed up at beautiful Mayo Field in Rochester with only seven players. That meant that once again coach Doug Johnson had to put the spikes on, not to mention the knee braces, to help Lakeville field a team. With two reconstructed knees, the veteran coach has a tough time with mobility, but can still hold his own at the plate. Still down one player with only eight, the team had to ask Jeff Farr's brother to leave the stands and suit up to help save the game. Tyler Farr donned # 20 for the night and gamely held down the hot corner for Lakeville, for which the team is greatly appreciative. The Athletics thank Tyler very much for his services for the night. A job well done at 3rd base.

Jeff Farr rocks and fires against the Royals at Rochester's Mayo Field.

With the Athletics admittedly down players for the evening, it seemed at times that Rochester was playing with ten, as the home plate umpire had a tough time establishing a consistent zone for the evening. That said, the Royals are a very good team and always bring their A-game to the field as they ten-runned Lakeville in seven innings by a score of 13-0. The strike zone didn't seem to bother the Royals much as they pounded out 13 hits on the night, with many balls literally just falling into spots the defense couldn't get to. It is often said that the game of baseball can lift you up and it can also humble you. It was quite simply, "one of those nights" for the Athletics defense.

Jeff Farr and Brent Johnson have a quick mound conference.

Jeff Farr started on the hill for Lakeville, pitching with a sore arm that saw him labor, but he worked four complete due to the lack of available pitching depth. He was reached for 11 hits and 7 runs, but also had three defensive errors behind him that didn't help his efforts. Farr pitched out of jams in the 1st and 2nd and was able to strand 11 Rochester runners during his stint on the mound. He struck out two, walked three and hit one batter before leaving after the 4th. Farr proved he can swing the bat though as he scorched a hard hit single to center in the 3rd and then smoked a well hit ball to the right field wall in the 5th inning, just missing a home run.

Tyler Farr at 3rd, shortstop Derek Jacobson and centerfielder Trent Larson.

All-star shortstop Derek Jacobson came on to pitch in relief for the 5th and 6th innings, scattering just two hits, but gave up five walks that hurt the most. Jacobson struck out three, but the Royals reached him for six runs to shorten the game to seven innings.

Derek Jacobson at the plate in the 1st with the Rochester skyline as backdrop.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Derek Jacobson, 1 for 3, SB
• Justin Hahn, 1 for 3
• Jeff Farr, 1 for 2

Justin Hahn holds the runner at 1st base in the 3rd inning.

The Athletics are now 3-10 on the year. The team will play two games on the weekend, barring any more showers in a rain soaked month of June. The team is at home on Saturday against the Westside Bombers at Lakeville South at 5:00. They will then travel to White Bear Lake on Sunday night for a 7:00 game with the Metro Knights.

Doug Johnson at the plate in the 5th inning.

Ace Jake Hauck pitches in the 1st inning against the Diamond Kings.

Jake Hauck has pitched tough all season long, but with little run support behind him he had only one win to show for his efforts, until Sunday afternoon. On a day when Hauck might not have been his absolute sharpest, the bats finally came through for him, allowing his second win of the season. While it may not have been the outing he personally would have liked, most pitchers would be more than satisfied to have his line for the afternoon, a testament to the skill level that makes him the ace of the Lakeville pitching staff. Hauck drove all day long from the northern Minnesota boundary waters, to make his 5:00 start just in time. He still had enough in him to go seven complete innings, striking out seven as he scattered eight hits and five runs. He walked just three and hit two batters, but was able to strand eight Diamond Kings on the afternoon as he wrapped up the win.

Derek Jacobson launches a shot to left for a double in the 2nd inning.

Lakeville struck first with shortstop Derek Jacobson stroking a single up the middle and then stealing 2nd base. Centerfielder Jon Gaylord then followed with a single past the shortstop to score Jacobson for a 1-0 lead. First baseman Josh Storm hit a single to right to move the speedy Gaylord to 3rd. Trent Larson walked to load the bases, but two subsequent outs left the sacks full for the inning, but with a Lakeville lead they would never relinquish.

Jim Gaylord says all up to brother Jon and Derek Jacobson as Eric Watts looks on.

Lakeville came back for more in the 2nd. Left fielder Eric Watts picked up the first of his three hits with a single up the middle. He then grabbed the first of three steals by taking 2nd and then moving to 3rd on an overthrow by the catcher. Athletics catcher Brent Johnson, who was tough behind the plate for two games on the day, walked to give the team runners at the corners. Derek Jacobson smoked a double to left to score Watts, while moving Johnson to 3rd. Second baseman Jim Gaylord then pounded a shot off the pitcher's leg, which ricocheted into left, scoring both Johnson and Jacobson. Gaylord wasted no time stealing 2nd and moved to 3rd on an overthrow. Jon Gaylord followed his brother with a walk and took 2nd on no throw from the catcher. Josh Storm was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Pitcher Trent Larson stepped to the plate, receiving a wild pitch that scored Jim Gaylord and moved brother Jon to 3rd. Larson then hit a sac fly to center to score Jon. Right fielder John Degerness was hit by pitch and took 2nd on a wild pitch to designated hitter Robbie Punch, with Storm moving to 3rd. Punch hit a fly-out to right with Storm tagging on the play. An ensuing collision and a 9-4-2 out at home brought both Storm and the catcher chest to chest with words exchanged by both and then some shoving, which brought both players a quick ejection from the game. Lakeville led at that point 6-nothing.

Eric Watts gets his lead, breaks for 2nd, then slides safely with a stolen base.

The top of the 3rd saw Inver Grove cut the lead in half with three hits and three runs, but the Athletics weren't done scoring yet. Eric Watts once again led off the inning with a single that dropped in-between the right fielder, 1st baseman and the 2nd baseman. He then promptly stole 2nd base and eventually 3rd as well, before Derek Jacobson walked. Jacobson quickly took 2nd on no throw from the catcher. A wild pitch to Jim Gaylord scored Watts, with Jacobson taking 3rd. Gaylord eventually walked and took 2nd on a passed ball. Jon Gaylord also walked to load the bases once again for Lakeville. With the team at a minimum for players after Storm's ejection, coach Doug Johnson was forced into the line-up for the second time this season and once again played quite well. He hit a sac fly to right-center to score Jacobson. With Trent Larson at the plate, a wild pitch moved both Gaylords to 2nd and 3rd respectively. Larson walked to load the bases again, before John Degerness crushed a bases clearing double to the right-center gap to give Lakeville an 11-3 lead.

The guy still has it: Former Gopher Doug Johnson shows he can still hit.

The Athletics added an insurance run in the 4th. With one out, Brent Johnson scorched a double to left. One out later, team batting leader Jim Gaylord pounded his own double, this time to the left-center gap, scoring Johnson to give Lakeville a 12-3 lead.

A cloud of dust and Jon Gaylord is safe at 2nd base.

The Diamond Kings scored one run each in the 6th, 7th and 8th, to make the score 12-6, but the Athletics came back in the bottom of the 8th to plate two more runs. With one out, John Degerness picked up his second hit of the game with a single up the middle. One out later, Eric Watts collected his third hit with a single to the left of the shortstop, beating the throw, which sailed past the 1st baseman. Both Degerness and Watts moved up one base on the overthrow. The Inver Grove 1st baseman tried to get Degerness on the throw, but sailed the ball, allowing "Deggy" to score on the play. Brent Johnson then lined a shot over the left fielder's head to score Watts, giving Lakeville a 14-6 lead.

John Degerness pounds a bases loaded double in the 3rd for three RBI.

Derek Jacobson relieved Jake Hauck on the mound, pitching the 8th and 9th innings, scattering three hits and one run, while walking just one.

Brent Johnson strokes his 2nd hit of the game, a single to deep left in the 8th.

Lakeville out-hit Inver Grove 15 to 11 for the game.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Eric Watts, 3 for 5, 3 R, 3 SB
• Jon Gaylord, 2 for 3, 2 BB, 2 R, 2B, 1 RBI
• Jim Gaylord, 2 for 4, BB, 2 R, SB, 2B, 3 RBI
• John Degerness, 2 for 4, HBP, R, 3 RBI
• Brent Johnson, 2 for 4, 2 R, 2B, BB, 1 RBI
• Derek Jacobson, 2 for 5, BB, 3 R, 1 SB, 2B, 1 RBI
• Josh Storm, 1 for 1, HBP
• Robby Punch, 1 for 5, 1 RBI

The Athletics are now 2-7 in Cannon Valley League action and 3-9 overall on the year. The team travels to Rochester on Wednesday night for a 7:30 game under the lights at Mayo Field.

Hard throwing pitcher Trent Larson deals in the 2nd inning against Rosemount.

With a minimal line-up once again, the Athletics hosted Rosemount for the opener of a Father's day twin-bill, but were shut down by the Black Sox for the second time this year.

Josh Storm pounds a fly ball to right in the 4th inning.

Lakeville had numerous missed opportunities, with runners at 2nd in both the 1st and 5th innings. They loaded the bases in the 6th, but like so many times this season, they just couldn't come up with the timely hit when they needed it the most.

Robbie Punch gets set to drive a double in the 5th inning.

In the 8th, the Athletics broke up the shutout with one run. Shortstop Derek Jacobson led off the inning by pounding a double off the fence in left. He then moved to 3rd on a pick-off attempt and balk. Hot hitting right fielder Jim Gaylord then hit a single behind 3rd to score Jacobson. Gaylord was 3 for 4 in the game, while designated hitter John Degerness was 2 for 4. They would have the only multiple hits for the Athletics in the game.

Jon Gaylord gets his lead at 1st in the 6th.

Trent Larson pitched all 9 innings for Lakeville, giving up 12 hits and just 4 runs, but the offense couldn't give him the key hits when they needed them the most. Larson struck out five and walked no one , hitting one batter as he was saddled with the loss.

Phil Vigen knocks a single to right in the 7th inning.

Lakeville stranded a total of eight base runners on the afternoon as it dropped its second game to the Black Sox. The two will meet one more time in the regular season on Saturday, July 10th at Rosemount.

Jim Gaylord rips a single down the left field line in the 8th inning.

Rosemount out-hit Lakeville 12 to 10 for the game.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Jim Gaylord, 3 for 4
• John Degerness, 2 for 4
• Josh Storm, 1 for 3, BB
• Derek Jacobson, 1 for 4, R, 2B
• Jon Gaylord, 1 for 4, SB
• Robbie Punch, 1 for 4, 2B
• Phil Vigen, 1 for 4

The Athletics dropped to 1-7 in Cannon Valley League action and 2-9 overall on the year. The team followed up the twin bill with a 5:00 game versus the Inver Grove Diamond Kings.

The month of June has produced ten days of rain, so far to date.

With an improved roster and pitching staff for 2010, the Athletics are surprisingly having a hard time so far finding their groove for the season. The team has found itself with a number of holes in their schedule, making it difficult to find their hitting stride, let alone establish a regular pitching rotation.

Three things have arguably played into this dynamic. First off, three games were lost on their schedule due to the loss of the Apple Valley Millers club this season. Second, four rainouts in the last nine games have kept the team off the field. Third, the lack of a true home field to schedule games on, since Lakeville South is seldom available during the week, severely limits any mid-week re-scheduling for make-up games, forcing the team to play at home predominantly on weekends only.

The three factors together have kept the team from stringing together any consistent game time, with the latter factor making it tough to make up any games lost due to the Millers subtraction this year, as well as the rain-outs. The Athletics normally are historically able to play every three days on average, but so far this year the span has been many times four to five days. Since May 15th, the average for 2010 is nearly five (4.5) days between games.

The team started the year with 13 days between games at the beginning of the season. Since then, they have gone four days twice, five days twice, and now a six day stretch this week. Only once has the team gone three days between games. This has made it tough for hitters to find a groove, not to mention making it difficult for Coach Johnson to string together a consistent pitching rotation and get enough innings for the rebuilt pitching staff.

While the first half of June has seen only four days without rain, the second half of June should see the team get more game time, providing that mother-nature decides to cooperate and dry up a little.

Jeff Farr deals from the mound in the 1st inning against the Outlaws.

The first time time they played, Lakeville had its chances in a close 3-0 loss to CVL powerhouse Savage, but on Sunday night it was an entirely different story as the team endured not only a shutout, but a horribly lopsided 17-0 loss, their worst in five years.

Jeff Farr started on the hill for Lakeville and pitched admirably, going six complete innings while holding a formidable Outlaws hitting machine to just five hits and four runs. He struck out four and walked no one, but had to endure four errors behind him as he was saddled with his first loss of the season. Farr showed a great deal of composure against a team that returns everyone from a number five state finish in 2009. Farr is 1-1 on the season.

Justin Hahn holds the runner at 1st in the 2nd inning

Newcomer Andrew Yetzer showed more promise than his line might suggest, as he faced seven hitters in the 7th, giving up three hits and two walks with two hit batters and eight runs allowed. Derek Jacobson finished out the inning with five hits and one walk, while giving up five runs as the Outlaws erupted to shorten the game at 7 innings.

Kyal Williams behind the plate in the 3rd inning.

All in all, the game was full of missed plays, with five fielding errors from Lakeville and four from Savage. Both teams would probably agree that a wet field didn't help either club much defensively, but nothing could take away from a solid Outlaw pitching effort, as well as a tenacious hitting attack.

Robbie Punch at the plate in the 4th as he readies for the Athletics' lone hit.

The Athletics were out-hit 12 hits to 1 on the evening.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Robbie Punch, 1 for 3

Collin Baker at the plate in the 6th inning.

The Athletics are now 1-6 in Cannon Valley League action and 2-8 overall on the year. The team will be at home at Lakeville South for only the third time this season as it hosts a twin-bill on Sunday afternoon, beginning with a 2:00 game against Rosemount and a 5:00 game versus Inver Grove. Great seats are still available.

Coach Doug Johnson during the pre-game conference at home plate.

With an upgraded team in 2010, the Athletics have yet to hit their stride, having a full bench only once so far this season. With some key players missing, the Athletics battled hard, but unfortunately fell short on the road on Monday night, losing 9-4 to Burnsville.

Derek Jacobson brings the ball in the 2nd inning against Burnsville.

Derek Jacobson started on the hill for Lakeville and pitched well in the loss, going five complete innings in his first start and second appearance of the year. Jacobson only allowed three hits, all of them coming in the 5th as his arm began to tire. He struck out four and walked four, allowing four runs through five.

Trent Larson readies to lay down a sacrifice bunt in the 2nd.

Lakeville got on the board first with two runs in the 2nd inning. First baseman Josh Storm led off the inning with a hit to the right of 2nd base. Third baseman Robbie Punch followed with a single up the middle. Shortstop Trent Larson then executed a perfect sacrifice bunt to put both runners in scoring position. Hot hitting Mark Berger ripped a shot down the left field line to score Storm. Second baseman Phil Vigen then stroked a single to right to score Punch, giving the Athletics a 2-0 lead.

Robbie Punch at bat in the 4th.

The Bobcats scored two runs in the 3rd to knot the score at 2-all.

The Athletics scored another run in the 5th to reclaim the lead. Pitcher Jacobson collected his second hit of the night as he pounded a double to the left-center wall. One out later, left fielder Eric Watts collected his team leading 7th RBI on a 6-3 groundout, giving Lakeville a 3-2 lead.

2nd baseman Phil Vigen at the plate in the 4th.

Burnsville came back for two more runs in the bottom of the 5th to regain the lead, but Lakeville came right back once again for another run to tie the game. With one out already, Trent Larson scorched his second hit of the night on a hard to handle ball past the shortstop. John Degerness took over in right and smoked the ball down the left field line for a double, scoring Larson for the final Athletics run of the night. The score at that point was 4-4.

Veteran Josh Storm is ready to rock in the 5th.

The Bobcats then broke the game open in the 6th with four runs. They scored an insurance run in the 7th for a 9-4 lead they would never relinquish.

Mark Berger made his second appearance of the year on the mound, but was tagged for four runs and five hits, allowing one walk and two hit-by-pitch.

Robbie Punch pitched in relief in the 8th, allowing no hits and just one walk as he quieted the Burnsville hitting and scoring attack.

John Degerness gets set to rip a double in the 6th.

Lakeville out-hit Burnsville, 9 hits to 7 in the game.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Trent Larson, 2 for 2, Sac Bunt, BB
• Derek Jacobson, 2 for 5, R
• Mark Berger, 1 for 2, BB, RBI
• Josh Storm, 1 for 3, BB, R
• Robbie Punch, 1 for 4, R
• Phil Vigen, 1 for 4, RBI
• John Degerness, 1 for 1, 2B, RBI

The Athletics are now 1-5 in Cannon Valley League action and 2-7 overall on the year. The team will travel to Northfield on Friday night for a 7:30 game under the lights against the Knights at Sechler Park.

The Lakeville Athletics will embark this year on their 11th season of baseball, their second decade on the men's amateur circuit. The team will return a solid nucleus of veterans, along with a fresh crop of college newcomers, as they look to improve on 11 wins from the previous 2009 season. The Athletics have increased their schedule dramatically in the last two years, growing from 18 to 27 games in 2009 and now to 32 games for the upcoming season. With the first round playoffs, there will be a minimum of at least 35 games.

The Athletics are actively seeking a new team sponsor. If your business would like to support Lakeville's only amateur town team, please contact Doug Johnson at 952-457-1668 or Tim Watts at 952-210-4533. Team costs currently run around $3,000 per year.

The Athletics will be starting their next decade off on solid footing with the addition of no less than five new college recruits to join the team this summer. The team is expecting a larger than normal influx of new talent this season after large graduating classes at Lakeville North and South, resulting in more college prospects. Interested players should contact Doug Johnson at 952-457-1668.

NEW TO THE TEAM THIS SEASON:

• Ben Hansen
• Chris Erikson
• Jeff Farr
• Justin Hahn
• Robbie Punch
• Phil Vigen
• Collin Baker
• Kyal Williams
• Andrew Yetzer

The Athletics Wish Our New Additions The Best of Luck For 2010

The loss of two pitching mainstays for the Athletics was a hard off-season blow to handle, but the baseball gods have been favorable to Lakeville with the addition of newcomers Jeff Farr, Collin Baker, Kyal Williams, and Derek Goodnature. Baker and Goodnature are longtime Lakeville residents, while Farr and Williams are new to the community. Best of luck to the new staff for 2010.

• Jake Hauck
• Trent Larson
• Kyal Williams
• Jeff Farr
• Collin Baker
• Andrew Yetzer

Jake Hauck deals to the Black Sox in the 1st inning.

It was a tough ballgame in Rosemount on Sunday afternoon as the Black Sox scored three in the 8th to hand Lakeville a frustrating loss on the road. Staff ace Jake Hauck, who missed his Saturday start due to rain, took to the mound on Sunday and once again pitched very well, but couldn't get the offensive support to pick up the win. Hauck has pitched well this season, scattering 19 hits in 26 innings of work, but has just one win to show for his efforts. On Sunday he worked 7 innings while allowing no runs on just four hits. Hauck struck out three and walked only one, while hitting two Rosemount batters, but once again he left the field without a win.

Shortstop Derek Jacobson drives a single over the middle in the 3rd inning.

The Athletics out-hit the Black Sox seven to six, but couldn't get the big hits when they needed them the most. Lakeville missed a run on a play at the plate when Kyal Williams was thrown out in the 2nd inning. In the 3rd, all-star shortstop Derek Jacobson started the inning off with a single up the middle and a steal of 2nd, but was left stranded for the inning. In the 5th, with the rain pouring down, the bottom of the Athletics order loaded the bases, but the top of the line-up couldn't capitalize on the opportunity.

3rd baseman Kyal Williams pounds the ball to the fence in the 4th.

Catcher Brent Johnson reached safely on a throwing error by the shortstop in the 5th. Designated hitter Trent Larson followed with a single down the 3rd baseline, before right fielder Mark Berger hit a ball through the hole at short to load the bases. That would be the last time the Athletics were able to advance a runner to 2nd.

2nd baseman Robbie Punch at the plate in the 4th.

Trent Larson came on in relief to pitch the 8th, giving up just two hits, but walked two and hit two. A two-run homer was the big blow of the inning, with the third run coming on a bases loaded walk. Larson took the loss on the afternoon.

The Athletics went down 1-2-3 in the 8th and 9th as they watched a 7-inning 0-0 game slip away from them at the end.

Designated Hitter Trent Larson gets his lead at 1st after singling in the 5th.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Kyal Williams, 2 for 2
• Mark Berger, 2 for 3
• Trent Larson, 2 for 3
• Derek Jacobson, 1 for 4, SB
• Robbie Punch, 1 for 4

Right fielder Mark Berger picks up his second hit of the day in the 7th.

The Athletics are now 1-4 in Cannon Valley League action and 2-6 overall on the year. The team heads to Burnsville for a 7:30 game under the lights against the Bobcats at Alimagnet Park on Monday night.

Jim Gaylord leads Athletics hitters with a .400 average.

The Burnsville Bobcats brought out the lumber on Monday night, jumping starter Kyal Williams early for six hits and six runs in the 1st inning. It seemed nothing could go wrong at the plate as they pounded every fastball hard and even sat on a few off-speed pitches to boot. They added on with two more hits in the 2nd for one more run as they cruised to a 7-inning ten-run win over the Athletics.

Jon Gaylord puts the barrelhead on the ball for a hit in the 1st.

Lakeville got on the board early for one run in the 1st. Hot hitting 2nd baseman Jim Gaylord stroked a solid hit to left to maintain his team lead in hitting with a .400 average. Centerfielder Jon Gaylord followed with a single to right, moving brother Jim to 3rd base. Left fielder Eric Watts then pounded a sac-fly to right to score Jim for the Athletics lone run of the inning.

Eric Watts steps to the plate before driving in the first run for Lakeville.

Williams was able to hold the Burnsville hitters to just two hits over the next three innings, but Bobcat pitching held the Athletics to just one hit over the same period. Neither team scored from the 3rd to the 5th inning.

In the 6th, Jon Gaylord reached safely on a throwing error by the shortstop, to give the Athletics a runner at 1st. Eric Watts and 1st baseman Josh Storm both walked to load the bases for Lakeville. Catcher Derek Hahn hit a fielder's choice to the 2nd baseman, catching Storm at 2nd, but scoring Gaylord on the play for the Athletics only other run of the game.

Trent Larson gets his lead at 1st base after a hit in the 5th inning.

Jeff Farr took the mound in the bottom of the 6th, giving up three hits, but one was a two-run homer to left as Burnsville continued their scoring spree with five runs in the inning.

Defensively for Lakeville, shortstop Derek Jacobson made an amazing over the shoulder catch in shallow left in the inning.

Robbie Punch at the plate in the 7th inning.

Robbie Punch batted for Trent Larson in the 7th and scorched a single to right. Substitute John Degerness also hit the ball hard, but flew out to his counterpart in right. Shortstop Derek Jacobson hit a fielders choice to the shortstop, catching Punch at 2nd. Phil Vigen took over for Jim Gaylord at 2nd and slammed a single to right to give Lakeville runners at the corners, but an ensuing strikeout stranded both runners for the inning.

Phil Vigen gets a short lead at 1st base after singling in the 7th.

Burnsville picked up the game ending run after two walks, a wild pitch and a hit, to shorten the contest to just 7 innings, giving them a decisive 10-run win over Lakeville by a final score of 12-2.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Jim Gaylord, 1 for 3, 1 R
• Jon Gaylord, 1 for 3, OBE, 1 R, 2 SB
• Trent Larson, 1 for 2
• Robbie Punch, 1 for 2
• Phil Vigen, 1 for 2

The Athletics shake hands with the Bobcats after the game.

The Athletics are now 1-3 in Cannon Valley League action and 2-5 overall on the year. The team is at home for two games this weekend, taking on the Eagan Bandits on Saturday at Lakeville South for a 5:00 game.

Shortstop Derek Jacobson hits the ball hard in the 1st inning.

If anyone should tell you that there is a game between Elko and Lakeville, you should make plans to attend because it always results in a great ballgame. As is usually the case between these two teams, it was a pretty close game on Wednesday night at Fredrickson Field as the Express topped the Athletics by a 5-3 score.

Centerfielder Jon Gaylord looks for his pitch in the 1st inning against Elko.

Jake Hauck once again pitched well enough for a win, but instead was shackled with an undeserved loss. Hauck pitched five innings, scattering just three hits and three runs, while striking out six on the night. Hauck did an excellent job of mixing speeds and kept the Express hitters off balance. Even though Hauck has pitched very well in his four starts, he has only one win to show for his efforts.

Jake Hauck is ready to deliver as 3rd baseman Trent Larson gets set in the 3rd.

Both teams started off identical through the first inning, with both recording opening line-outs at 3rd and then each with a strikeout looking and one strikeout swinging. The similarities ended there.

After a scoreless 2nd, Elko scored first with one run in the 3rd inning on no hits. A hit-by-pitch, an error, and a wild pitch was all the Express needed as they were handed their first run to get on the board.

In the 4th, Elko added two more runs with just two hits, to take a 3-0 lead.

Lakeville picked up a run in the 5th to cut the lead. With one out, 3rd baseman Trent Larson singled to left. Right fielder Mark Berger hit a fielder's choice to the left side of the infield. The Elko 3rd baseman fielded the ball and threw to 2nd in the hopes of starting a double-play, but the 2nd baseman dropped the ball, allowing both Larson and Berger to reach base safely. Shortstop Derek Jacobson knocked a ball into shallow center to load the bases for the Athletics. Second baseman Jim Gaylord then drove a 2-0 pitch to left field to score Larson for the only Lakeville run of the inning.

Coach Doug Johnson and Trent Larson at 3rd in the 5th inning.

In the bottom of the 6th, the Athletics relieved Hauck and went with newcomer Kyal Williams who showed electric stuff right from the very first pitch. Like Hauck, Williams possesses a live arm and a plus fastball, with good pitch command and change of speeds. Williams pitched three innings, scattering three hits and two runs, but none of the runs were earned due to errors. He struck out five and walked only one, but did hit two batters. All in all, a great new addition for the Athletics.

1st baseman Josh Storm waits for the action to start in the 5th inning.

After a scoreless 6th for both teams, the Express were handed two more runs in the 7th on two fielding errors, to take a 5-1 lead.

Another scoreless inning in the 8th sent the Athletics to the top of the 9th where they started a late rally. The tandem of Larson and Berger got things going once again as both walked to start off the inning. A strikeout and groundout later, centerfielder Jon Gaylord stroked a single into center to score both Larsen and Berger, cutting the Elko lead to 5-3, but it wasn't enough as Lakeville followed with a strikeout looking to end the inning.

Kyal Williams brings the heat in the 6th inning.

Defensively for the Athletics, Trent Larson and Jim Gaylord both snared hot liners in the 1st and 4th respectively. First baseman Josh storm made a nice play behind the bag, flipping the ball to pitcher Jake Hauck in the 3rd. Left fielder Eric Watts made a terrific diving catch in the 5th inning, and center fielder Jon Gaylord gunned a runner down trying to take 3rd in the bottom of the 8th.

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

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

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

The Athletics are now 1-2 in Cannon Valley League action and 2-4 overall on the year. The team travels to Burnsville's Alimagnet Park on Memorial Day Monday for a 7:00 game with the Bobcats.

Jake Hauck gets sets to fire in the 2nd inning against Inver Grove.

The Athletics took to the road for Inver Grove Heights on Saturday and had a few pleasant surprises. Starting out with many players still absent and only eight players at game time, coach Doug Johnson took to the field in order to preserve the game. All he did was play well in the field at 2nd base, not to mention go two for two at the plate, with an RBI. Johnson left the game with his 1.000 batting average in exchange for the day's second nice surprise, the return of all-star shortstop Derek Jacobson. Just back from the Division III college playoffs, Jacobson took his spot at short in the 5th inning. One comment overheard in the dugout was to let coach Johnson continue to hit, but have Jacobson pinch run for him, the ultimate compliment to the coach. Unfortunately a re-awakened knee injury caught Johnson on the base paths, so he was more than happy to give up his line-up spot for Jacobson.

Doug Johnson gets set to rip the first of two hits on the afternoon.

The other pleasantry wasn't so much a surprise, as staff ace Jake Hauck was his usual self, pitching solid as always, going six complete innings, scattering just three hits, while striking out eight on the afternoon. Hauck deservedly picked up the win for his efforts.

Lakeville scored early and often, missing only the 3rd inning in their offensive spree, rolling up the most runs so far in the new season.

Hot hitting Jim Gaylord led off the top of the 1st with a single down the left field line. Brother Jon followed with a walk on four straight pitches. Jim stole 3rd and scored on a throwing error from the pitcher, while brother Jon moved up and then also scored later on a passed ball. The Athletics followed with three straight outs, with only the single lead-off hit in the inning, but they led early on 2-0.

Jim Gaylord high fives Josh Storm as he scores in the 1st inning.

Chris Erikson started the 2nd inning out with a double to the left-center gap. One out later, pitcher Jake Hauck walked to give the Athletics runners at the corners. Doug Johnson then knocked a single deep behind the 3rd baseman for the first of his two hits on the day, scoring Erikson in the process. Jim Gaylord ripped a single to right for the second of his three hits on the day, loading the bases. A passed ball scored Hauck, but two quick outs stranded Johnson and Gaylord. Lakeville led at that point 4-0.

After a scoreless 3rd Lakeville jumped back on the board for more runs. Coach Johnson smoked a well hit single to left to lead off the inning. Jim Gaylord picked up his third hit of the day, moving Johnson to 3rd. Gaylord then stole 2nd, before twin brother Jon hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Johnson. Eric Watts hit a single to the left of the shortstop to score Jim Gaylord. Watts then stole 2nd and 3rd, and then scored on a wild pitch as the Athletics increased their lead to 6-0.

Eric Watts scores after a wild pitch in the 4th as Ben Hansen looks on.

Chris Erikson led off the 5th by reaching safely on an error by the 1st baseman. He then stole 2nd and 3rd and later scored on a wild pitch, giving the Athletics a 7-0 lead.

Lakeville continued the scoring in the 6th. Jon Gaylord beat out a roller in front of the shortstop to reach 1st base safely  He then stole 2nd to put himself in scoring position. Eric Watts came up and pounded a single to left-center to score Gaylord. A botched pick-off attempt allowed Watts to race around 2nd and reach 3rd, before being driven in to score on 1-3 groundout by Josh Storm. One out later, Chris Erikson was hit by a pitch and then promptly stole 2nd. Brent Johnson then scorched a hard hit ball down the left field line to score Erikson, giving Lakeville a 10-0 lead.

Brent Johnson gets set to drive the ball to left in the 6th.

The Diamond Kings were able to avoid the ten-run rule by scoring three runs in the bottom of the 8th. The Athletics didn't help their own cause with some rough fielding, committing two errors in the inning, forcing Hauck to throw twice as many pitches in the inning.

The Athletics went back on the attack in the top of the 7th. Derek Jacobson walked to lead off the inning and then took 2nd on a wild pitch. Jim Gaylord moved Jacobson to 3rd on a 6-2 ground-out before brother Jon scored him on his second sac-fly to center. Eric Watts followed with a walk on a full count and then stole 2nd base before Josh Storm smacked a single to left to score him for the game shortened deciding run.

The scoreboard says it all as Derek Jacobson closes the game out in the 7th.

Derek Jacobson pitched a scoreless 7th in relief, allowing just one hit as he closed the game out for Lakeville.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Doug Johnson 2 for 2, 1 RBI, 1 R
• Jim Gaylord, 3 for 5, 2 R, 2 SB
• Eric Watts, 2 for 4, BB, 3 R, 2 RBI, 3 SB
• Chris Erikson, 1 for 3, HBP, 2B, 3 R, 3 SB
• Brent Johnson, 1 for 3, BB, 1 RBI
• Jon Gaylord, 1 for 2, BB, 2 SF, 2 R, 2 RBI

The Athletics are now 1-1 in Cannon Valley League action and 2-3 overall on the year. The team travels to St. Paul for a non-league game on Tuesday at 8:30.

Jeff Farr looks in for a sign in the 1st inning.

It was a frustrating night on the road as the Athletics lost a close game to Hastings, 5-4. The Hawks scored one in the 1st to take the lead, but later scored three runs in a come from behind 5th to tie the game, and then scored the deciding run in the 7th.

Brent Johnson runs off the field in the 3rd as Trent Larson comes in to pinch run.

Lakeville got on the board in the 3rd with three runs, to take a 3-1 lead. Catcher Brent Johnson led off the inning and was hit by pitch to take 1st base. Trent Larson ran for Johnson and moved to 2nd on a wild pitch. One out later, newcomer and designated hitter Chris Erikson stroked a single up the middle to give Lakeville runners at the corners. A heads up delayed steal by Erikson gave Lakeville runners at 2nd and 3rd. Right fielder Jim Gaylord then pounded a hit to center to score Larson, tying the game at 1-all, while moving Erikson to 3rd. With centerfielder Jon Gaylord at the plate, brother Jim broke for 2nd on a steal, but the pitcher balked while trying to get him, allowing Erikson to score from 3rd, and giving Gaylord the steal. Brother Jon then hit a single to 3rd, beating the throw at 1st for a hit. Left fielder Eric Watts grounded out to the 3rd baseman, but picked up the RBI by scoring Jim Gaylord. The inning ended with a strikeout, but not before the Athletics had taken a 3-1 lead.

New team member Robbie Punch holds down the hot corner in the 2nd inning.

Lakeville put up one more run in the top of the 5th to add to their lead. With one out, Jim Gaylord reached on error after hitting a ball to the 3rd baseman who sailed the throw past 1st. Jon Gaylord then slammed a double to the left-center gap, scoring brother Jim on the hit. In a freak play, Jon Gaylord broke for 3rd, but Watts hit a ball that might have gotten down the line, had it not hit Gaylord square in the helmet. Gaylord was out for interference while Watts was credited with the hit. A following fly-out left both runners stranded, but Lakeville had a 4-1 lead at that point. That would be the final scoring for the Athletics on the night.

New Athletics member Chris Erikson holds the runner at 1st base.

Hard throwing newcomer Jeff Farr once again pitched very well, throwing 4 2/3rds innings while scattering four hits with three strikeouts, but gave up four runs in the outing. Another new Lakeville pitching addition, Collin Baker, also threw hard, showing much promise as he made his Athletics debut, relieving Farr in the 5th with two outs in the inning and two runners on. Baker pitched 2 1/3rd innings, giving up four hits with two strikeouts and one run. Veteran hurler Trent Larson pitched the 8th inning, allowing just one hit with no runs, even though he hit two batters in the inning.

(L-R) Jim Gaylord at the plate, Jon Gaylord on deck, and Eric Watts in the hole.

All in all, the new additions for the Athletics bode well for the future of Lakeville, with pitching by far getting the biggest boost this year.

The Hawks out-hit the Athletics on the evening, 9 to 8.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Jon Gaylord, 2 for 4, 2B, 1 RBI
• Trent Larson, 2 for 4
• Jim Gaylord, 1 for 4, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB
• Eric Watts, 1 for 4, 1 RBI
• Chris Erikson, 1 for 4

The Athletics are now 1-3 on the year as they head to Inver Groveon Saturday for a 5:00 game with the 2nd year Diamond Kings.

All-star pitcher Jake Hauck takes a peek at the 1st base runner in the 1st inning.

The night-cap of the CVL opener featured the best game of the day, a veritable pitching duel between Savage and Lakeville with two Outlaw pitchers holding Lakeville to just three hits, while two pitchers from the Athletics held Savage to just five hits. With three CVL games on tap on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, the finale was clearly the closest of the day.

Veteran Josh Storm holds the runner at first base in the 1st inning.

The Savage Outlaws finished the 2009 season as the 5th rated team in the state and they have returned everyone for 2010, but that didn't stop Lakeville from playing them tough in a Sunday night match-up for the Cannon Valley League opener. The Outlaws pitching was certainly very tough, but the game was considerably closer than the score might allow. While Savage held Lakeville to just three hits on the evening, missed opportunities cost the Athletics big.

Catcher Ben Hansen pulls into 1st base after a single to right in the 2nd.

Down 1-0 early on, Lakeville couldn't capitalize on a bases loaded situation in the top of the 2nd, stranding all three runners in the inning. With one out, shortstop Trent Larson walked, followed by a single to left from catcher Ben Hansen. Designated hitter Brent Johnson then walked to load the bases, but a strikeout and then a 6-3 groundout ended the inning in frustration for Lakeville.

Right fielder Will Walsh at the plate in the 5th inning.

Later, in the top of the 5th inning, 3rd baseman Justin Hahn dropped a hard to reach single just over the 1st baseman on the right field line for the second Athletics hit. Right fielder Will Walsh stroked the third hit for Lakeville, giving them two base runners. Second baseman Jim Gaylord then executed a tough to reach sacrifice bunt to the left of the pitcher, moving Hahn to 3rd and Walsh to 2nd, but a 1-3-6 double play ended the Athletics scoring chances. Savage pitching did not allow a runner to reach 2nd from that point on.

Justin Hahn stands at 1st after singling in the 5th inning.

Jake Hauck pitched very well, scattering four hits through five innings, never allowing multiple hits in any inning, but the lack of offensive support left him with a tough loss for the evening. Trent Larson took over on the mound in the 6th and also threw very well, pitching three scoreless innings while surrendering only one hit, but the Athletics bats were silent from that point on. The pitching effort was clearly good enough for a win, but the bats were unable to come through when needed the most.

Trent Larson pitched three innings of one-hit shutout ball in the 6th, 7th and 8th.

The game did feature some outstanding defensive plays. Shortstop Trent Larson dove for a sinking blooper to the left of 2nd and was able to flip the ball while lying on his stomach to 2nd baseman Jim Gaylord who quickly turned the ball over for a 6-4-3 double-play. Right fielder Will Walsh made a tough diving catch in the 5th, and new shortstop Jim Gaylord made a great diving catch to his right in the bottom of the 8th.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Justin Hahn, 1 for 3, OBE
• Will Walsh, 1 for 3
• Ben Hansen, 1 for 4

The Athletics are 1-2 on the season so far, but are still missing many key players due to the college playoffs. Still absent are all-star shortstop Derek Jacobson, catcher Derek Hahn and newcomer Chris Erikson, all of whom will contribute significantly this season. The team also has a couple new pitchers yet to join the team, so the outlook is promising for Lakeville.

The Athletics travel next to Hastings on Friday night for a non-league game at 7:30 under the lights at Vets Field.

Newcomer Jeff Farr delivers a pitch in the 2nd inning for the Athletics.

The day didn't start so well for the Athletics, but at least it ended with a win. Lakeville had its home field taken from them through a scheduling mix-up with LSHS. Apparently South high school had two freshman rainout games rescheduled as a doubleheader for the day, but no one from the school bothered to check the field availability for a conflict. The Athletics were given the field back in early April and clearly had it listed on their website schedule, but no one bothered to contact the team over the last minute change. Some harried last minute scrambling ensued and the team was fortunate to be able to move their game to Lakeville North.

Catcher Ben Hansen pounds his second hit of the day, a double in the 5th.

Newcomer Jeff Farr took the ball for the Athletics and pitched five innings, scattering five hits and five walks, while striking out five. One of Farr's hits given up was due to a blown call by the umpire who missed a terrific diving catch from left fielder Eric watts. The Bandits scored five runs in the first five innings, but only two were earned as the tall right-hander Farr made his successful debut for Lakeville.

Left fielder Eric Watts scores in the 4th inning.

The Athletics were hitless through the first four innings, but they quickly caught up with four hits in the 4th, while scoring seven runs in the process. The outfielders got Lakeville going with the top of the order as right fielder Jim Gaylord walked to start the inning, followed by brother and centerfielder Jon who also walked. Left fielder Eric Watts then drove a 3-2 pitch into left to score Jim with the Athletics first run of the game. Watts then stole 2nd base with Jon Gaylord alertly taking home for the second run. Shortstop Trent Larson then walked, followed by designated hitter Brent Johnson who also walked. Hot hitting catcher Ben Hansen stroked the first of two hits on the day, driving in Watts to tie the game at 3-all. One out later, newcomer Justin Hahn hit a ball that the 1st baseman couldn't decide which way to play. By the time he gave up on a throw to 2nd, Hahn had beat out the throw to 1st for a hit, plating Larson in the process for Lakeville's first lead of the day. They would not relinquish the lead from that point on. Third baseman Will Walsh walked with the bases loaded to score Johnson. Another out later, Jim Gaylord made his second trip to the plate in the inning, slapping a hit into right field to score both Hansen and Hahn. The Athletics led at that point 7-3.

Shortstop Trent Larson stands at 1st base after his 3rd walk of the afternoon.

Another new addition, Mark Sauer from Prior Lake followed Farr on the hill, holding Bloomington hitless and scoreless for two innings. He walked four and hit two, but was able to escape behind good fielding from his teammates.

Mark Sauer pitches in the 6th inning.

Lakeville picked up an insurance run in the 7th. Jim Gaylord led off the inning and stroked a double down the line in left. One out later, Watts picked up his second hit of the day with a single to left-center, scoring Gaylord for an 8-5 score.

2nd baseman Jim Gaylord stands at 2nd after a double in the 7th.

The Bandits scored one run in the 9th, but it wasn't enough, as the Athletics sealed the win behind Jim Gaylord who pitched the final two innings and picked up the save for Lakeville, leaving the bases loaded for Bloomington.

Jeff Farr recorded the win and is now 1-0 after his first start.

The team shakes hands with Bloomington after their win.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Jim Gaylord, 2 for 3, BB, R, 2B, 2 RBI
• Eric Watts, 2 for 4, R, SB, 2 RBI
• Ben Hansen, 2 for 4, R, 1 RBI, 2B
• Justin Hahn, 1 for 4, R, 1 RBI

Lakeville is now 1-1. The Athletics will play Savage on Sunday at 7:00 at Alimagnet Park for the Cannon Valley League opener.

The season opening game for the Athletics may not have been the scoreboard success that they hoped for, but for Coach Doug Johnson it was a success in the fact that the veterans were all able to play and get ready for the 2010 season. Treating the game as a tune-up for those not currently playing college ball gave the veterans a chance to get their timing back and knock the winter rust off.

Pitcher Jake Hauck throws in the 2nd inning.

Team ace and 2009 Cannon Valley all-star Jake Hauck took the hill first and threw well, scattering five hits through three innings while giving up three runs. Mark Berger followed to pitch the 4th, but three defensive errors behind him let the inning get away quickly as the Athletics allowed five runs. Will Walsh pitched the 5th and gave up four hits, but one was a three-run homer to left as the Rocks put the game out of reach, scoring six runs in the inning. Veteran hurler Trent Larson closed the game out and shut down the Minneapolis hitting attack, striking out three while giving up just two hits. The hard throwing right-hander shut out the Rocks for three innings, facing only four batters each inning.

New addition Justin Hahn holds the runner at 1st.

The Athletics got on the board in the 8th as two newcomers to the team helped spark the offense. With one out, Justin Hahn reached base safely after the Minneapolis 3rd baseman sailed the ball over 1st with Hahn taking 2nd. Catcher Ben Hansen then smoked a single up the middle to give Lakeville runners at the corners. Jake Hauck drove Hahn in with the Athletics first run of the game on a 6-3 groundout. Veteran Brent Johnson then stroked a hot single through the hole at short, driving in Hansen for the second run of the inning.

Ben Hansen pounds his first of two hits on the day with a single up the middle.

Another veteran helped start off the 7th as Mark Berger reached on an error, taking 2nd on another overthrow at 1st by the 3rd baseman. Trent Larson then moved Berger to 3rd with a 6-3 groundout. Jim Gaylord drove Berger in with a hit to the hole which the shortstop misplayed. Brother Jon followed with a solid hit to shallow center, but was left stranded at 1st.

Brent Johnson gets set to pick up his second hit of the day.

Lakeville added one more run in the 8th. Justin Hahn walked to lead off the inning. Ben Hansen pounded his second hit of the day, giving the Athletics runners at 1st and 2nd. One out later, Brent Johnson picked up his second hit of the day with a shot past the 2nd baseman, driving in Hahn for the last run of the day. Kevin Christen followed with a hot shot past the 3rd baseman, but was stranded with Johnson to end the inning.

Jim Gaylord had a good day at the plate, going 2 for 3 with an RBI.

While the score may not have been in their favor, it was a good tune-up as all players received at least three at bats in preparation for the upcoming Cannon Valley League season.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Jim Gaylord, 2 for 3, BB, 2 R, 1 RBI, OBE
• Brent Johnson, 2 for 3, 1 RBI
• Ben Hansen, 2 for 3, 1 R
• Jon Gaylord, 2 for 3
• Trent Larson, 1 for 3
• John Degerness, 1 for 3
• Kevin Christen, 1 for 4, 1 RBI

Jon Gaylord in the 7th as he gets set to rip his second hit of the day.

The Athletics next game is tentatively scheduled for next Saturday, but Coach Johnson is still waiting for confirmation on the game. Watch this page for more info.

A LOOK BACK AT THE 2009 SEASON

ATHLETICS CELEBRATE DECADE OF BASEBALL IN '09
The 2009 Season Marks Ten Years of Lakeville Town Baseball

The 2009 Lakeville Athletics  (Click on picture for larger version)

The Lakeville Athletics will celebrate their tenth anniversary in 2009. The Athletics team was formed in 2000 and spent their first two years in the St. Paul League before moving to the Cannon Valley League for the last eight. Happy 10th anniversary guys!