Despite some offensive struggles, the Austin Legion Post 91 baseball team managed to end the Red Haddox Wood Bat Tournament in Bloomington on a winning note. They lost 2-0 to Laurel, Mont. in nine innings and Bloomington 8-0 in six innings on Saturday, but they finally pulled out a win in their third extra-inning game of the weekend by defeating Stevens Point, Wis. 4-3 in nine innings.

"We faced some tough pitchers this weekend," said Austin coach Bob Stratton. "Plus you have to throw in our kids using wooden bats for the first time."

Andy Swank followed up fellow All-Big 9 hurler Kyle Rizzi's strong outing in their opener with some excellent pitching of his own against Laurel. Austin was not victorious for him either though, as a two-run double in the top of ninth sent them to a 2-0 defeat.

"He battled hard and worked his way out of some jams," said Stratton of his starter's complete game outing. Swank allowed just three hits over his nine innings of work.

Austin's matchup with Bloomington had little in common with their previous two games except for their offensive futility. They were shut out yet again, as play was called after six innings due to the eight-run rule. Nels Nelson threw all six of them for Austin, with only three of his runs coming earned.

After two discouraging extra-inning losses on the weekend, the third time was the charm for Austin.

With the game deadlocked at 3 in the ninth, John Bastyr reached on a one-out error. After a Joe Kroc sacrifice, Sean Selmecki delivered a two-out RBI base hit to give Austin their first win of the season.

Rizzi, Nelson, and Selmecki all had two hits to lead the Post 91 offense.

Nate Johnson went the distance to get the win, giving up only two earned runs on six hits while striking out two.

Austin (1-3) takes on the Rochester Patriots this Tuesday for their home opener. Gametime is 7 p.m. at Marcusen Park.

Laurel--231

Austin--031

WP--Pickny.LP--Swank (0-1).

Austin--8xx

Bloomington--02x

WP--Haas.LP--Nelson (0-2).

Austin--490

S. Point--362

WP--Johnson (1-0).