With another weekend full of games coming up, Austin Packers player-coach Joe Serratore gave the ball to whoever wanted it.

Thursday, June 29, 2000

With another weekend full of games coming up, Austin Packers player-coach Joe Serratore gave the ball to whoever wanted it. Matt Raso stepped forward and went to the mound for the Packers. He pitched seven good innings to keep Pine Island (4-7) off balance.

Meanwhile, Austin right fielder Tate Cummins was smoking the ball all over the place with a home run and two triples to lead a potent attack. That attack propelled the Packers to a 12-8 win.

Cummins began his offensive assault in the third inning when he smacked a two-run homer over the left field fence.

"A hit-and-run was called," Cummins said. "I was lucky it was a fast ball down the middle. It was a hitter’s gift."

In Cummins’ next two at bats, he tripled. In the fourth, he then came home on a Craig Selk triple and in the sixth on a single by Lee Brand.

"I’m beat after all that running," Cummins said. "The team is going to Steve’s Pizza afterward. I will stay about a half-hour and then go straight to bed."

Austin was up 12-4 after five innings. In the next two innings, Austin first baseman Mike Schulke made a couple of nice stretches to make the put out at first to keep Pine Island at bay.

Tonight the Packers (21-13) host Stewartville at 7:30 p.m. at Marcusen Park.

Pine Island 021 100 310- 8 12 3

Austin 024 321 00x-12 15 3

Fangman, Holmes (6) and Teske; Raso, Meyer (8) and Juncker. HR-AUS: Cummins (8), 3B- PI: Barnett, AUS: Cummins 2, Selk. 2B- PI: Johnson, Majurus, AUS: Brand, Juncker.