The Austin Greyhounds received a big boost from one of their newest players as they beat the Mankato Mets 7-2 to advance to the Supersection tournament in Marcusen Park Saturday.

Jeremy Williams, who was living in Alabama just over a year ago, launched a two-run blast off the Marcusen Park scoreboard in left field to make it a 2-0 game in the top of the first inning and the Hounds (22-9 overall) led from that point on.

“Jeremy’s blast was pretty sweet,” Hounds manager John Frein said. “He’s been hitting the ball well lately and he’s a good addition to our squad.”

Williams, who played college baseball at Tuskegee University, played on a 25 and older baseball team in Austin last summer, but the problem was he was younger than 25 and couldn’t stay on that team. Then he heard about the Hounds and was encouraged to join them.

This summer he’s been giving the Hounds some solid hitting and solid play in the outfield.

“I love it. It gives me something to do and it gives me a chance to still play,” Williams said. “That (home run) was amazing. I was just sitting on a fast ball and he threw one. I haven’t hit that one that far here.”

The Hounds took a 5-0 lead in the third when Joe Kroc singed in two runs and Tyler Leopold doubled in a run.

From that point on, Austin pitcher Joe Huffman was in control as he struck out 10 and allowed just five hits and zero walks.

“Huffman was throwing very well and he was putting the ball where he wanted it,” Frein said.

The Hounds will play in the Supersection tournament in Marcusen Park Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Hounds 2 0 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 – 7 12 2

Mets 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 – 2 5 2

Hounds pitching: Joe Huffman (W) 9 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 10 K, 2 HBP

Hounds hitting: Andy Swank, 0-for-3, R, 2 BBs; Jeremy Williams, 3-for-5, HR, 2 RBIs, 2 R; Craig Braaten, 1-for-4, BB; Matt Cano, 4-for-5, double, RBI, R; Matt Raso, 0-for-5, R; Tyler Leopold, 3-for-5, 2 doubles, RBI, 2 R; Nels Nelson, 0-for-4; Joe Kroc, 1-for-5, 2 RBIs; John Frein, 0-for-2, BB, HBP