The Faribault Lakers scored three runs in the second inning and it's all they would need today in a 3-0 win over the Lonsdale Aces at Bell Field in Faribault.  Matt Lane struck out 12 while scattering 7 hits for the shutout victory.  Lane cruised through the first 5 innings with just 43 pitches thrown, 37 strikes and 6 strikeouts.  In four of the five innings he threw less than 10 pitches because the hitting plan by Lonsdale appeared to be attacking his first pitches.

The Lakers second inning started with a Ryan Archambault single on a 2-1 count and after two fly outs catcher Dylan Valentyn was walked on four pitches.  Number nine hitter Adam Kline punched a single to right on a 2-2 count scoring Archambault and the right fielder misplayed the ball allowing Valentyn to also score on the play.  Jack Helgeson then stepped up to the plate and struck a single to left field scoring Kline.  Helgeson stole second during a Mitch Johnson at bat, but was left at second due to a strike out to end the inning.

Lane's pitches had very good movement on them and when he needed a strikeout he was able to get one.  Through the first five innings he tossed just 5 balls while pounding 16 of 18 first pitch strikes.  Lane finished the  game throwing 102 pitches, 78 for strikes and allowed no extra base hits.  He was 24 of 31 in first pitch strikes.

Lane's most impressive inning of work may have been the top of the third when the inning started with an error and a single to place runners at first and second with no outs.  Lane struck out the next two batters before hitting a batter to load the bases.  He struck out the number three hitter in the Aces order Cole Pint on three pitches to end the inning.

Faribault got the first batter on to start four straight innings and did not score.  Joe Grote led the bottom of the third inning with an infield single and was not advanced following a pop out, strikeout and line out.  In the bottom of the fourth Porter Sartor led the inning with a triple and did not score.  There was a strikeout, ground out and fly out to end that golden opportunity.

Mitch Johnson gained second base to start the fifth inning due to an errant throw by the shortstop to first base.  He was left there when there was a strikeout, fly out and ground out to end that threat.  Mike Carpentier led the sixth inning with a single which was followed by a pop out and strikeout before a ground ball was struck and Carpentier was forced out at second base.

The Lonsdale pitcher who wiggled out of all these threats was Phil Tisdel.  The right handed pitcher is listed on the Aces roster as 6'8 265 pounds from New Prague.  Tisdel struck out 7 Lakers, walked 3 and scattered 6 hits while going the distance.  He threw 108 pitches, 67 for strikes.

Lonsdale left 9 runners on base, 5 in scoring position.

Faribault left 6 runners on base, 3 in scoring position.

The Lakers travel to Cannon Falls Wednesday and the game will be broadcast on KDHL Radio, 920 AM and online.  Tap the KDHL app and listen on your favorite mobile device.   Coverage begins 7:15 p.m. from John Burch Park.

We also be broadcasting the first game of a doubleheader next Sunday, July 1 at Bell Field when the Lakers host the St. Patrick Irish.  During the game former players will be recognized at the Alumni Recognition event.

I hope to get a few of them to join me during the broadcast and take a little trip down memory lane.  In particular I hope we can get a representative of the 1978 team that hosted the State Amateur Baseball Tournament to talk about that experience.

We are also hoping to have a ball sign on the press box with Mike Morrissey's name on it dedicated Sunday.

Faribault Laker Pitcher Matt Lane Throws a Pitch. Photo by Gordy Kosfeld
Faribault Laker Pitcher Matt Lane Throws a Pitch. Photo by Gordy Kosfeld
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