The Packers came up with some clutch hits to dodge a bullet and get past Albert Lea in Todd Park Thursday.

After seeing a 5-1 lead turn into a 6-5 deficit, Austin put up four runs in the bottom of the sixth to walk away with a 9-7 win.

The Packers (3-1 overall, 3-1 Big Nine) found their offense in the bottom of the sixth when Lindsey Miller knocked in two runs with a one-out single to right center and she scored on a wild pitch to make it 8-5. Marie Clennon added an RBI-single to make it 9-5.

“It was disappointing to be up by so many runs and then have that bad inning, where we kind of lost it,” said Miller, a senior who stole three bases and scored three runs. “But we came back and it was a good win. (Their pitcher) was kind of a slower pitcher than what we’re used to and I was just trying to drive it out there.”

Albert Lea (0-5 overall, 0-5 Big Nine) took a 6-5 lead in the top of the sixth Claire Buendorf knocked in a run with a two-out single.

Austin’s troubles started in the top of the fourth when starting pitcher Jennifer Yocom hit a batter, allowed a single and walked two to start the inning.

Freshman hurler Abbey Ball came in relief and struck out eight over the last four innings as she allowed just one earned run.

“It’s huge to know we can have a young pitcher come in and close out the game for us,” Austin head coach Tina Strauss said. “I felt real confident with her going on the mound.”

Austin’s defense kept the Packers in the game in the top of the fifth as second baseman Haley Underwood made a diving stop with two outs and runners on second and third to end the inning.

Underwood made the play despite practicing indoors the last two days, where the Packers don’t work on fielding on the gym floor.

“It’s been a crazy spring and it doesn’t help us to practice inside,” Strauss said. “I don’t want to have to have to adjust (from gym floor to the infield) so we use that to improve on hitting, but it would be nice to stay outside.”

Austin got a lift from Clennon, who went three-for-four with four RBIs as the designated player. But balance also played a role as seven different Packers had base hits.

“We need everybody to step up and show us what they got, because we only have two seniors,” Clennon said.

Strauss was pleased with how her team’s bats came alive at the right time and she hopes it’s a continuing trend.

“I always say you have to hit to be in my lineup, and we’ll find a place for you in the field,” she said. “I want everybody putting the ball in play and that was key.”

Albert Lea 1 0 0 4 0 1 1 — 7 7 1

Austin 3 2 0 0 0 4 X — 9 11 2

Austin pitching: Jennifer Yocom, 3 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 5 ER, 5 K, HBP; Abbey Ball (W), 4 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 2 R, 1 ER, 8 K

Austin hitting: Lindsey Miller, 2-for-3, 2 RBIs, 3 R, 3 SB, BB; Katelyn Joseph, 2-for-4, double, 2 R, SB; Marie Clennon, 3-for-4, 4 RBIs; Taylor Hackensmith, 0-for-4, R; Abby Gallaher, 1-for-2; Ball, 1-for-3, RBI, SB; Yocom, 1-for-3, R; Amber Schmit, 0-for-2 R SB; Haley Underwood, 1-for-3, R, SB; Danielle Tschann, 0-for-2; Hope McAlister, BB

Albert Lea pitching: Haley Hams (L), 7 IP, 11 H, 2 BB, 9 R, 8 ER, 3 K

Albert Lea hitting: Erin Everhard, 2-for-3, double, 2 RBIs, 2 R; Claire Buendorf, 1-for-4, RBI; Sophia Jepson, 1-for-3, triple, 2 R, HBP; Emily Stoneking, 1-for-3, R, BB; Devon Mullenbach, 1-for-3, R, BB; Abby Pleiss, 0-for-3, R, BB; Bethany Sekora, 0-for-3; Tanelle Roberts, 0-for-2, BB