BURNSVILLE — The Austin Greyhounds took a big step towards locking up the top seed in the section tournament when they beat Savage 8-3 on the road Thursday.

The Hounds (15-17 overall) can now lock up the top seed with a win on Friday against the Rochester Royals at Marcusen Park 7:30 p.m.

“It was a big win for us,” Hounds manager John Frein said.

Nate Johnson was 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs in the win and Nels Nelson struck out seven, while allowing three earned runs.

Hounds 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 3 — 8 10 0

Savage 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 — 3 6 1

Hounds pitching: Nels Nelson (W), 7 2/3 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 ER, 7 K, 1 HBP; Weston Hansen, 1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 0 R

Hounds hitting: Andy Swank, 1-for-3, R, BB; Nate Johnson, 2-for-4, double, 2 RBIs, 2 R, SB, BB; Steve Serratore, 1-for-4, RBI, BB; Matt Raso, 1-for-3, RBI, R, HBP; Tyler Leopold, 0-for-4, R, BB; Logan Spitzack, 1-for-1, RBI, R, 2 BBs; Bryan Toov, 1-for-4, RBI, BB; Joe Kroc, 2-for-3, 2 BBs; John Frein, 1-for-4, 2 R