Athletics team stands for national anthem before 2010 CVL playoffs.

The 2010 Athletics season started with great promise, with one of their deepest rosters ever, but the loss of key players hampered the team's efforts to reach its anticipated potential. The upside to the absence of some meant that new players got to step forward and show what they could do on the field.

While hitting was down for some, others rose triumphantly to the occasion, providing solid at bats with an expectation of good things for next season. Lakeville has much to look forward to in 2011 with a core of solid veterans and seasoned 2010 newcomers.

2nd year player Jim Gaylord was selected as a CVL all-star in 2010.

Second year player Jim Gaylord received his first all-star nod, but was hurt before midseason, missing four games and the all-star contest due to an arm injury. Gaylord was on fire the first half, but cooled somewhat the second half, but was still able to capture the team batting title with a .315 average. Gaylord shifted from the outfield to 2nd base and played very well defensively on the infield.

Trent Larson (L) and Mark Berger (R) had solid seasons for the Athletics.

Veteran players Trent Larson and Mark Berger both had productive seasons at the plate, hitting .286 and .275 respectively. Larson was steady all season long, earning his first CVL all-star berth, playing 3rd base, as well as pitching and backing up at shortstop. Berger was arguably the team's hottest hitter for the second half of the season and is probably the most versatile player on the team, playing every single position during his tenure as an Athletic.

With pitching depth originally envisioned as a team strength, it unfortunately turned into the Achilles' heel for the team due to the loss of Kyal Williams and two new additions who left the team early. Two other newcomers to the team, hard throwing right-hander Collin Baker and southpaw Andrew Yetzer were limited in innings, due to commitments to their Legion team, however, both promising young pitchers are expected now to pitch full time next season, since both are through with Legion ball.

The top three: Hauck, Larson and Farr led the Athletics pitching staff in 2010.

All of this meant that three pitchers had to take the bulk of the pitching load for Lakeville. Veteran staff ace and two-time all-star Jake Hauck was still extremely productive on the hill, although oftentimes received little run support to back up his solid efforts on the mound. Another veteran, Trent Larson really stepped his game up this season and arguably had his finest season pitching for the Athletics, making his own case for staff ace. Hauck and Larson were joined in the rotation by 6' 6" right-hander Jeff Farr, a senior in his final season at Upper Iowa University, and a pitcher with a solid arm and tremendous upside. All three pitchers are expected back to form the nucleus for Athletics pitching next season.

Three-time CVL all-stars Derek Jacobson (L) and Jon Gaylord (R).

The team will also return two three-time all-stars with shortstop Derek Jacobson and veteran centerfielder Jon Gaylord. Both players are core veterans with outstanding fielding and solid bats. Jacobson led the team with 26 hits and 8 doubles in 2010 and is clearly the key to making the infield run. Gaylord is likewise the key figure patrolling the Athletics outfield. Both are considered cornerstones to the defense and Lakeville is most fortunate to have such highly talented skill players at these key positions.

Longtime veterans Brent Johnson (L) and Josh Storm are still going strong.

Added to the mix will be two longtime veterans that have been with the team since its inception, catcher and 3rd baseman Brent Johnson (2000) and 1st baseman Josh Storm (2001). Johnson stepped out from fulltime duty behind the plate this year to play outstanding defense at 3rd base, earning the nickname "Brooks" by one coach, due to his stellar defense. Storm has been a solid defensive fixture at 1st for a decade now, although had to miss a significant number of games this year while coaching the Lakeville North Legion team. Storm is expected back full-time next season.

Athletics left fielder Eric Watts (L) and catcher Derek Hahn (R).

Two other key Athletics players had somewhat see-saw seasons. Veteran left fielder Eric Watts (2007) started very strong the first half, but struggled at the plate the second half, yet was still able to lead the team offensively in RBI, stolen bases and walks. Second year catcher Derek Hahn was the exact opposite, struggling early to find his stroke, while coming on very strong in the second half,  taking his second home run title. Both players are expected back in 2011 and will once again make key contributions to the team.

Athletics players (L-R) John Deggerness, Phil Vigen and Justin Hahn.

The Athletics received help from 2nd year player John Degerness who played well in the outfield, while also seeing some time on the infield. Newcomer Justin Hahn helped out big time at 1st base, while first year player Phil Vigen backed up at 2nd base. All three made significant contributions, providing needed depth in 2010.

As of this printing, the team has commitments from three new top prospects for next season, a relief pitcher, a power hitting infielder, and a solid hitting catcher / outfielder, all who will help the team immensely.

Coach Doug Johnson will begin his 12th season at the helm for Lakeville.

Doug Johnson will return for his 12th season as head coach and manger for the Athletics. Johnson is also the current president for the Cannon Valley League. Tim Watts will return for his 5th year to assist Johnson in the dugout.

Jake Hauck gets sets to deliver the pitch in the 2nd inning against Elko.

At the start, it looked like another pitching duel unfolding between Lakeville and Elko in game two the CVL playoffs. All-star veteran Jake Hauck took the ball for the Athletics and started well on the mound, recording three strikeouts in the first two innings, setting the side down in 1-2-3 order for both. Hauck shut out the tough Elko offense for the first four innings, limiting them to just two hits, but the Express broke out in the 5th inning, reaching the righty for five hits and four runs, while taking an early 4-0 lead over Lakeville.

The Degg-meister, John Deggerness, pounds a single to centerfield in the 5th.

The Express kept up the pressure by adding on two more runs in the top of the 6th, one of the runs unearned on a throwing error. Hauck pitched to five batters, recording two outs, before giving way to lefty Andrew Yetzer who worked out of the inning, stranding two as he picked up the final out. Elko led 6-0.

"And the Twiiiins." A Jimmy-Jon sandwich, with the Elko catcher in the middle.

The Athletics were shut out for the first five innings on just two hits, but cut the Express lead to four by tacking on two runs of their own in the bottom of the 6th. Shortstop Derek Jacobson led off the inning with a single to right, followed by 3rd baseman Jim Gaylord's double down the right field line. Centerfielder Jon Gaylord followed his brother's example with a single of his own down the right field line, scoring Jacobson on the hit, while moving Jim to 3rd. Catcher Derek Hahn hit into a 4-6-3 double-play, but picked up the RBI as he scored Jim Gaylord on the play. A 4-3 groundout ended the inning with Elko on top 6-2.

Both teams were scoreless in the 7th, but Elko added an insurance run in the top of the 8th on a walk, a stolen base and a single to left-center. Elko led at that point by a score of 7-2.

Andrew Yetzer gets set on the mound in the 7th inning.

Lakeville fought back in the bottom of the 8th, with new pitcher Collin Baker entering the line-up in the nine slot, leading off the inning to reach 1st after getting hit by a pitch. After a fly-out to right, Baker moved to 2nd on a wild pitch to Jim Gaylord. The next pitch Gaylord hit a single to the right side, moving Baker to 3rd. Jon Gaylord then hit a sac-fly to foul territory in left, scoring Baker on the play. A subsequent strikeout ended the inning and the Lakeville threat, with Elko on top 7-3.

Colin Baker pitched the top of the 9th for the Athletics, retiring the side in order on two groundouts and a line out to hold the Elko offense scoreless in the inning.

Veteran 1st baseman Josh Storm led off the bottom of the 9th by drawing a walk and then moving to 2nd on a passed ball, but two strike outs and a groundout ended the Athletics chances at a comeback, as well as their playoff hopes and their 2010 season.

Athletics team shakes hands with Elko Express team after season ending loss.

Elko out-hit Lakeville ten hits to six on the night. The Athletics stranded four runners for the game.

Defensively, Mark Berger made two highlight reel worthy plays, timing his leap on a deep drive to left field, making a spectacular outstretched catch in the 5th inning, plus a sprawling line drive catch after moving to 3rd in the 9th. Phil Vigen also made an outstanding play to the left of 2nd in the 6th inning for a 4-6 force out.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Jim Gaylord, 2 for 4, 2B, R
• Jon Gaylord, 1 for 2, BB, Sac-fly, 2 RBI
• Derek Jacobson, 1 for 4, R
• Mark Berger, 1 for 4
• John Deggerness, 1 for 4

The Athletics finished their season in 6th place in the Cannon Valley League with a 5-12 record. They were 9-17 overall, including the two playoff losses to Elko.

The Athletics line up for the national anthem.

The number eight was a significant number for game one of the playoff series between Lakeville and Elko on Sunday night at Burnsville's Alimagnet Field. It was the number of both pitchers who turned in exemplary performances on the mound, plus it was the number of base runners stranded by both teams, but it was also the inning number that the Express came from behind to nip the Athletics for the game tying and go-ahead runs.

Except for their last meeting, it's always a close game when these two neighbors meet on the field. Sunday night was certainly no different as Elko came back to nip Lakeville 3-2 in game one of the Cannon Valley League playoffs.

Trent Larson gets set to throw in the 3rd inning against Elko.

Trent Larson started on the hill for the Athletics and picked up where he left off from his last start at Eagan. Larson was tough on Elko hitters, not surrendering a hit until the 4th inning when the Express reached him for two, but also stranded two to remain scoreless.

Larson shut out Elko through five, surrendering one run in the 6th after a leadoff triple and follow-up double. After getting a 5-3 groundout on some solid fielding from Brent Johnson, the next batter reached on an error, but Larson was able to get out of the inning with two Express runners left on base. Elko led at that point by a score of 1-0.

Coach Johnson sets his defense with an infield meeting in the 6th

Lakeville came charging back and answered Elko with two runs in the top of the 7th. Catcher Derek Hahn led off the inning and was hit by pitch. Trent Larson helped his cause by laying down a sacrifice bunt to move Hahn to 2nd. First baseman Josh Storm smoked a single up the middle to move Hahn to 3rd. Johnson then pounded an 0-2 pitch to right-center to score both Hahn and Storm as the Athletics took the lead. Two following fly outs ended the inning, but Lakeville led by a 2-1 score.

Brent Johnson gets set to rip a two RBI single in the 7th.

Larson shut down the Elko offense in the bottom of the 7th with a 1-2-3 inning on just eight pitches, reaching 98 pitches in the game to that point.

The Athletics had a chance to break the game open in the top of the eighth. With one out, centerfielder Jon Gaylord singled to left. Derek Hahn followed with a single near the right field line, sending Gaylord to 3rd. Hahn then stole 2nd before Trent Larson walked to load the bases. The inning ended with a fly-out to shallow left and a following strike out, with the Athletics hanging onto a one run lead.

The Express finally reached Larson in the bottom of the 8th for two runs to re-take the lead. The three hitter reached on an error and the four hitter moved him to 3rd on a bloop double down the 1st base line. It was the five hitter who did the damage, with a hard hit double that scored both runners, giving Elko a 3-2 lead. Shortstop Derek Jacobson switched positions with Larson and pitched out of the inning with three straight strike outs, the last two looking.

Derek Hahn looks on as Josh Storm slides into home for a 2-1 lead in the 7th.

The Athletics couldn't answer in the top of the 9th as the Express won 3-2 and took a 1-0 lead in the best of three series.

Elko out-hit Lakeville 7 hits to 4 in the game.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Derek Hahn, 1 for 3, HBP, R, SB
• Brent Johnson, 1 for 4, 2B, 2 RBI
• Josh Storm, 1 for 4, FC, OBE, R
• Jon Gaylord, 1 for 4

Derek Jacobson pitches in relief in the 8th inning.

Game two is Monday night at 7:30 and is a must win for Lakeville. Jake Hauck will take the mound as the Athletics try to even the series at Alimagnet Park.

A happy Athletics team after winning a close game in the bottom of the 9th.

Rebounding from a frustrating weekend loss to Eagan on Sunday, the Athletics put it all together on Wednesday night at Goat Hill Park to pull out a 9th inning 3-2 win over the Bandits. It was truly a team effort all the way as the Athletics players were focused and confident to the end. Even though they were on the road, the Athletics were officially the home team, due to rescheduling as a result of a June 5th rain-out which was originally to have been played at Lakeville South.

Trent Larson gave Lakeville a good start to the game, as well as a great finish.

Pitching was huge on the night for Lakeville. Learning that Trent Larson would only be available for the playoffs on Sunday created an issue to be dealt with. This meant that the playoff rotation would have to be altered, with Larson getting the first game start for a stretched Athletics pitching staff. As a result, this limited the number of innings that Larson could throw against the Bandits. As It turned out, Larson was in a groove on Wednesday night, which made it even tougher to pull him after just three innings of work and only 46 pitches on the night. Larson scattered just two hits, giving up one unearned run as he struck out two and walked only one. Needles to say, he pitched extremely well in his short time on the hill.

Eagan got on the board with an unearned run in the top of the 3rd to take an early 1-0 lead over the Athletics.

Mark Berger was nails on the mound, pitching well for five innings against Eagan.

Mark Berger followed Larson's performance by spinning a gem of his own, scattering just four hits in five innings of work in his finest relief effort of the year. He would have had four consecutive 1-2-3 innings, except for two infield errors in the 4th which kept him working longer after two initial quick outs. Berger gave up only two hits in an inning just once, in the top of the 8th, his last inning of work. Berger was on target for his entire stint on the mound, locating and mixing speeds well. In short, he pitched his socks off, inducing five groundouts against 7 fly-outs. He struck out one, but walked only one, surrendering just one run in his 64-pitch effort.

The pitching for Eagan was just as good, with the Bandits not giving up a hit until the bottom of the 5th.

Justin Hahn pulls into 2nd after 6th inning double.

It was the 6th inning that Lakeville put its long ball and small ball game to work. First baseman Justin Hahn pounded a 2-0 pitch over the right fielder's head, driving the ball to the fence as he cruised easily into 2nd for a lead-off double. Left fielder Eric Watts then laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt which rolled up the 1st baseline, moving Hahn to 3rd. Right fielder John Degerness looped an 0-2 pitch over the 1st baseman's head and onto the left field line to score Hahn, tying the game. Shortstop Derek Jacobson hit into a fielder's choice to the left of second, forcing Degerness on a 6-4 putout. An ensuing groundout ended the inning with the game tied at one-all.

Derek Hahn is greeted at home plate by teammates after a 7th inning home run.

The 7th inning provided the Athletics long ball attack and their first lead of the game. With one out already in the book, catcher Derek Hahn did his brother one better in testing the right field fence by blasting a 2-2 pitch over it for his first home run of the year, as well as a 2-1 Athletics lead. Shortstop Trent Larson then walked, but an L3-U3 double-play ended the inning for Lakeville.

The Bandits fought back in the top of the 8th by recording their second run of the game, tying the score at 2-2.

Derek Jacobson came on to work the top of the 9th, pitching to five batters with 16 pitches. After two quick outs he had to deal with two consecutive hits, but ended up stranding both runners to send his team into the bottom of the 9th with a chance for the win.

Derek Jacobson draws a walk to set up the winning run in the bottom of the 9th.

The final inning saw Lakeville return to its small ball game. Derek Jacobson led off the inning with a walk. Starting 2nd baseman Jim Gaylord then laid down the team's second sac-bunt of the game with another jewel down the 1st base line. Centerfielder Jon Gaylord bounced a single between 3rd and short to give Lakeville runners at the corners. Eagan then elected to walk Hahn to load the bases, looking for a force at home and a possible double-play combination. Shortstop Trent Larson ended those hopes by driving a 3-1 pitch to right field for an RBI game winning sac-fly, scoring Jacobson on a slide at home plate for the winning run.

Jacobson received the win for Lakeville.

Eagan out-hit Lakeville 9 hits to 5 in the game, but stranded nine runners on the night.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Derek Hahn, 2 for 3, HR, RBI, IBB
• Justin Hahn, 1 for 3, 2B, R
• John Deggerness, 1 for 3, RBI
• Jon Gaylord, 1-4

The Athletics are now 9-15 on the year and 5-12 in the CVL. They will now prepare for the Cannon Valley League playoffs, beginning with a Sunday game versus Elko at Alimagnet Park at 6:00.

Josh Storm pounds the ball for a single to left field in the 4th inning.

Call it an adage or an axiom, but the age old saying in baseball is that good hitting beats good pitching and good pitching beats good hitting. On Sunday, both sides of this indistinct statement were true of Eagan as their pitching stifled Lakeville hitting, and the Bandits hitters caught up to Athletics pitching.

Mark Berger crosses the plate after pinch running for Brent Johnson in the 3rd.

The Athletics hitters were aggressive at the plate, putting the ball in play eight times on the first pitch and eleven times on the second pitch, allowing the Bandits' pitcher to get out of innings early and finish what he started with a complete game victory. To be perfectly fair to Lakeville though, quite a few balls were hit hard, but unfortunately right at the Eagan defense. It was one of those days for the Lakeville offense.

Jeff Farr brings the ball in the 1st inning against Eagan.

Jeff Farr, a welcome addition to this year's pitching staff, took the ball for Lakeville on the mound. Oddly enough, it was the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th innings that Farr was able to escape easy with no runs allowed, facing only three batters in each, but for a fielder's throwing error in the 7th which forced him to face four batters. It was the even numbered innings which hurt the most, with two hits and a run in the 2nd, four hits and two runs in the 4th, and five hits and three runs in the 6th. Farr struck out four while walking just two in seven innings of work.

John Degerness hits a single up the middle in the 3rd inning.

Lakeville didn't get on the board until the bottom of the 3rd inning. Third baseman Brent Johnson led off the inning by reaching 1st on an error by his Eagan counterpart. Mark Berger then took to the bases, pinch running for Johnson. Right fielder John Degerness bounced a single up the middle to give Lakeville runners at 1st and 2nd. Left fielder Eric Watts laid down a sacrifice bunt on the right side of the infield, moving both runners into scoring position at 2nd and 3rd. Shortstop Derek Jacobson hit into a 6-3 groundout, but scored Berger on the play. This tied the game at 1-1.

Eric Watts steps to the plate before hitting a single in the 8th inning.

The Athletics almost crawled back into the game in the 9th after an Eagan defensive substitution at 3rd base produced three errors in the inning. Second baseman Jim Gaylord reached on an error, as did brother Jon. After two fly outs to centerfield, hot hitting Mark Berger stroked a single to left to load the bases. Brent Johnson reached 1st on the third error by the Eagan 3rd baseman, scoring Jim Gaylord for the second Lakeville run. The inning ended with a strike out and the bases loaded for a final 7-2 score.

Eagan out-hit Lakeville 15 hits to 5 on the afternoon.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Mark Berger, 2 for 4
• Eric Watts, 1 for 2, Sac-bunt
• Josh Storm, 1 for 4
• John Degerness, 1 for 4

The Athletics shake hands with the Bandits after the game.

The Athletics are now 8-15 on the year and 4-12 in the CVL. They hit the road for a make-up game on Wednesday night where they will play Eagan once again, this time at Goat Hill Park at 7:00.

Derek Hahn congratulates Derek Jacobson as he arrives at home.

If there were such a thing as the "Unlucky Lottery," the numbers for Lakeville on Saturday would've been 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and a Powerball number of 17. Three for the 3-hitter that killed them, four for the number of hits the 3-hitter had, six for the number of extra base hits by Burnsville, eight for the number of stranded Lakeville runners, ten for the runs scored by Burnsville and Powerball 17 for the jersey number of the 3-hitter who went 4 for 4 on the day with three doubles and a home run against them. The resulting prize wasn't very rewarding as the Athletics suffered a 10-1 loss and a season series sweep by the 2nd place Bobcats.

Even though the Athletics were able to bang out nine hits, three of them from all-star shortstop Derek Jacobson, it wasn't enough to overcome the Burnsville offensive juggernaut.

Jake Hauck chucks the rock in the 2nd inning.

Jake Hauck took the hill for Lakeville and was roughed up by the Bobcats with 11 hits and 8 runs through six innings of work, striking out four while walking two. Derek Hahn came on to pitch in relief in the 7th, working three innings while allowing two runs on three hits, striking out one and walking one.

Mark Berger has been red hot for the Athletics, shown here picking up another hit.

The Athletics couldn't get on the scoreboard until the bottom of the 6th inning. Shortstop Derek Jacobson led off with a double down the left field line. One out later, designated hitter Jon Gaylord followed with a single to left. Third baseman Trent Larson hit a sac-fly to right to score Jacobson. Catcher Derek Hahn then stroked a single up the middle to give the Athletics two base runners, but both were stranded after a fly-out to the pitcher.

Justin Hahn strokes a double in the 9th inning.

The Athletics were out-hit by the Bobcats 14 hits to 9 on the day.

Brent Johnson works behind the plate for Lakeville.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Derek Jacobson, 3 for 4, R, 2 2B
• Derek Hahn, 2 for 4, OBE, SB
• Justin Hahn, 1 for 4, 2B
• Jim Gaylord, 1 for 4, 2B
• Mark Berger, 1 for 4
• Jon Gaylord, 1 for 4, OBE

Jon Gaylord gets his lead at 1st.

The Athletics are now 8-14 on the year and 4-11 in the CVL. They will play their last home game on Sunday against the Eagan Bandits at Lakeville South at 5:00.

Jeff Barthel at the mic for the Sunday game versus the Eagan Bandits.

The new press box at Lakeville South underwent a test weekend for the Athletics last two home games on Saturday and Sunday. Much was learned about volume and decibel levels, including the discovery of a blown speaker which became saturated in the recent storms, not to mention a sensitive CD player. The speaker was quickly replaced and the PA system is now ready to go. The CD player is being looked at so it will be ready for the 2011 season. The test run proved very useful and helped provide insight into the operation of the new facility. All that is left to do for the new booth is the installation of carpet and the completion of the wood trim-work.

It is hoped that the addition of the new facility will greatly enhance the baseball atmosphere for all games at Lakeville South. The much needed presence of music and announcing will add to the ambience of games at the field and hopefully encourage more fans to come out and attend games. A full lower concession stand will also be an added draw for the South field.

Former Athletics player and free-lance sports writer Jeff Barthel was the first to announce from the new press box, calling the games against Burnsville and Eagan. Barthel was a player on the 2007 Athletics and currently writes free-lance sports articles. An avid baseball fanatic, he also writes for his own sports blog called JRB Sports Scribe. Barthel has been offered the position of team announcer for the 2011 season, dependent on his availability. He will make a decision in the near future. Thanks to Jeff for helping test run the new facility and for being a pro in announcing the weekend home games. Great work Jeff!

Trent Larson had a night, going 3 for 4 at the plate with two runs and two RBI.

It was another minimal line-up night for Lakeville with only nine players to spare, but that's all they needed in a decisive 9-1 Friday night win at Northfield's Sechler Park.

Veteran Trent Larson led the way on the mound and at the plate to lead the Athletics to victory. Larson pitched eight very strong innings, scattering seven hits while striking out nine and walking just two. Larson didn't surrender a hit until the 4th inning and gave up just one run in the outing. He threw 121 pitches and did not give up multiple hits in an inning until his final two in the 6th and the 7th. Not only was Larson nails on the mound, but he was a hammer at the plate as well, going 3 for 4 with a sac fly, two runs and two RBI. It was a big night to say the least for Larson as he picked up the win to run his record to 3-2 on the year.

Derek Hahn pounds an RBI double in the 1st inning.

Lakeville got on the board right away in the 1st inning with the help of Larson. With one out already, Larson bounced a hard hit single up the middle and then took 2nd on a wild pitch. Catcher Derek Hahn pounded a well hit double to the left-center gap to score Larson, but ended up being stranded at 3rd for the inning.

Derek Jacobson gets his lead at 1st base in the 2nd inning.

The Athletics came right back in the 2nd. With one out, both 3rd baseman Brent Johnson and 2nd baseman John Degerness were hit by pitch. Johnson suffered a contusion on his left elbow and Eric Watts pinch ran for him. Right fielder Will Walsh walked to load the bases. Shortstop Derek Jacobson hit a single to left to score Watts. Trent Larson hit a sac fly to left to score Degerness, making the score 3-0 Lakeville.

Will Walsh gets set to drive in a run in the 6th inning.

The big inning for the Athletics came in the top of the 6th as they scored six to put the game away. Left fielder Eric Watts led off the inning and walked on a full count and then immediately stole 2nd. Brent Johnson then laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move Watts to 3rd. John Degerness walked before Will Walsh poked a single over the infield into shallow right, scoring Watts on the hit. Both Degerness and Walsh moved up a base each on a wild pitch. Derek Jacobson then blasted a double over the head of the left fielder, scoring Degerness and Walsh. Trent Larson continued his onslaught at the plate, collecting his third hit of the night with a well hit single to center, scoring Jacobson in the process. Derek Hahn then picked up his 2nd hit of the game with a single to right. With Larson at 3rd, Hahn took 2nd on no throw from the catcher. Hot hitting centerfielder Mark Berger, who came into the contest hitting .333, ground out to the shortstop, but not before scoring Larson on the play. First baseman Justin Hahn stroked a single to left, scoring brother Derek for the 9th Lakeville run.

Justin Hahn had a hit and an RBI in the 6th inning.

Northfield scored their only run of the game in the bottom of the 6th inning to make the score 9-1.

"Deggy" at 1st after walking in the 6th inning.

Derek Jacobson came on to pitch in relief in the 8th and 9th, giving up just two hits against no runs with three strike outs.

The Athletics out-hit the Knights 10 hits to 9 for the game.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Trent Larson, 3 for 4, Sac fly, 2 R, 2 RBI
• Derek Hahn, 2 for 4, BB, 2B, R, RBI
• Derek Jacobson, 2 for 5, 2B, R, 3 RBI
• John Deggerness, 1 for 2, HBP, BB, OBE, 2 R
• Will Walsh, 1 for 3, BB, R, RBI
• Justin Hahn, 1 for 5, RBI

The Athletics are now 8-13 on the year. They will host two games at home at Lakeville South this weekend, with a 5:00 Saturday game against Burnsville and a 5:00 Sunday game versus Eagan. Great seats are of course still available.

Hot hitting Mark Berger has been ripping it up for the Athletics by hitting .333.

The Athletics were bleeding early on Monday night, mainly from shooting themselves in the foot with self defeating errors, but solid pitching from the Outlaws was what really killed the Lakeville offense in a 12-1 loss at Burnsville's Alimagnet Park.

Jeff Farr deals in the 1st inning against top rated CVL leader, the Outlaws.

Jeff Farr got the starting nod and only gave up two hits in the 1st inning, but quickly found himself down four runs instead. Two Athletics errors and a mental mistake on a bunt coverage didn't help his cause. Farr lasted 4 1/3rd, allowing eights hits and nine runs, but unfortunately had to contend with six errors behind him.

Justin Hahn stands at 1st base after a 4th inning single.

Jake Hauck came on to pitch in relief for 1 2/3rds innings, allowing five hits and three runs while striking out two and walking just one.

Eric Watts steps to the plate before drawing an RBI bases loaded walk in the 4th.

The Athletics were held scoreless until they got on the board in the top of the 4th inning. With one out, catcher Derek Hahn hit a single to right, followed by centerfielder Mark Berger who collected his second hit with a bloop down the 1st baseline. First baseman Justin Hahn then stroked a single up the middle to load the bases. Left fielder Eric watts took a full count walk to force in the game's only run for Lakeville. Two following strikeouts left the sacks full for the Athletics.

John Degerness greets Derek Hahn at home plate in the 4th inning.

The Outlaws scored four in the 1st, one in the 3rd, two in the 4th, and five runs in the 5th to end the game in just 7 innings.

Savage out-hit Lakeville on the night 13 hits to 4.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Mark Berger, 2 for 2, BB
• Justin Hahn, 1 for 2, HBP
• Derek Hahn, 1 for 3, R

The Athletics are now 4-10 in Cannon Valley League action and are 7-13 on the year. They will travel to Northfield on Friday night for a 7:30 non-league game at Sechler Park.

Derek Jacobson gets set at the plate.

Normally when the Athletics and the Express get together it's a nail biter down to the end. This time around, Lakeville couldn't put the hits together to make it close as they stranded nine runners in a 6-2 loss at Fredrickson Field. Lakeville played two games in a Sunday twin-bill at Elko, starting the day with a nice 7-1 win over Inver Grove, but struggled to move runners in the nightcap.

Derek Hahn takes a cut against the Express.

Team ace Jake Hauck started on the mound for Lakeville and ended up with a lopsided line that didn't necessarily reflect his pitching efforts. Hauck was reached for ten hits through six innings of work, but many of those were hard to reach shallow bloop hits that just seemed to find their way into no-man's land where fielders just couldn't get to them. Hauck struck out five and walked no one, allowing four runs in the loss.

Trent Larson watches a pitch get away from the catcher.

Offensively, veteran 3rd baseman Trent Larson led the way for the Athletics by going 2 for 3 at the plate with one walk. Shortstop Derek Jacobson was 2 for 4, with a double, an RBI and an intentional walk.

Mark Berger has had the hot bat for Lakeville since the all-star break.

Elko drew first blood with two runs in the 1st and two more in the 5th. The Express added a run in the top of the 7th, but Lakeville nullified that with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning.

Jake Hauck brings the ball against the Express.

First baseman Justin Hahn led off the bottom of the 7th with a double into the right field corner. Athletics right fielder Mark Berger dropped a single into shallow right to advance the Lakeville threat. Left fielder Eric Watts then followed with a walk to load the bases. Designated hitter John Degerness was called out on an infield fly rule with a pop-up to right, but Hahn was able to tag at 3rd base and score on the play. One out later, the Express elected to intentionally walk Derek Jacobson and re-load the bases. The move worked to their advantage as Lakeville ended the threat with a strike out to end the inning, leaving the sacks full and a huge opportunity missed.

Justin Hahn stands at 2nd after ripping a double in the 7th inning.

Elko added another run in the top of the 9th inning with Lakeville answering that score with a run of their own, but it was too little and too late for the Athletics offense.

With a lead-off strike out already on the books, John Degerness walked and then took 2nd on a wild pitch. Another strike out later, Derek Jacobson ripped a double into the right field corner, scoring Degerness on the hit, but an ensuing fly out to center ended the game and Lakeville's chances at a 9th inning come back.

The Express out-hit the Athletics 13 to 7 for the game.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Trent Larson, 2 for 3, BB
• Derek Jacobson, 2 for 4, 2B, IBB, RBI
• Justin Hahn, 1 for 1, 2B, BB, R
• Derek Hahn, 1 for 4
• Mark Berger, 1 for 4

The Athletics are now 4-9 in Cannon Valley League action and are 7-12 on the year. The next game will be Monday, July 19th in a re-scheduled contest with Savage that has been moved from Sunday to Monday at Alimagnet Park at 7:30.

Pitcher Trent Larson struck out 11 Inver Grove batters through 7 innings.

It was a home game for Lakeville, but they played it away in a twin-bill at Fredrickson Field in Elko on Sunday afternoon. The Athletics road the pitching of Trent Larson who struck out eleven Diamond King batters on the afternoon. Larson had to work a bit for the win as he threw 113 pitches through 7 innings, scattering nine hits, but giving up just one run while walking no one. He evened his record at 2-2 on the year. Larson has 29 strike outs this season through 32 innings pitched.

Inver Grove got on the board right away as they scored their only run in the top of the 1st inning. It was all Lakeville from that point on.

Jim Gaylord flicks a liner down the right field line for a double in the 2nd inning.

Shortstop Derek Jacobson started the Athletics off by bouncing a single up the middle and then promptly stealing 2nd base to put himself in scoring position. Centerfielder Jim Gaylord walked to give Lakeville runners at 1st and 2nd, but a U5-3 double-play erased Jacobson at 3rd on the following at bat. Catcher Derek Hahn reached on an error, allowing Gaylord to take 3rd. Hahn then took 2nd on no throw from the catcher to give the Athletics two men in scoring position. First baseman Josh Storm then bounced a tapper to the right of the mound and reached on an error as the pitcher drilled him in the back of the neck with the throw. Gaylord scored on the play with Hahn alertly scoring all the way from 2nd on the errant throw. Lakeville held a 2-1 lead.

Mark Berger races the ball as he steals 2nd base in the 2nd inning.

Left fielder Mark Berger led off the 2nd with a chopper past the 3rd baseman for the first of his two hits on the day. He then stole 2nd base, beating the throw by inches. Two outs later, Jim Gaylord hit a double down the left field line to score Berger, giving Lakeville a 3-1 lead.

Derek Jacobson collects his second hit of the day in the 5th inning.

After a scoreless 3rd and 4th, the Athletics got rolling again in the 5th. Derek Jacobson led off with another single up the middle and once again stole 2nd base. Jim Gaylord followed with a bouncer through the hole at shortstop. Both runners executed a double-steal, before designated hitter Jon Gaylord hit a single to shallow left to score Jacobson. Derek Hahn then scored Jim Gaylord with a 4-3 groundout. Josh Storm stroked a single over the shortstop into left before giving way to pinch runner Eric Watts. A fielder's choice to the 2nd baseman by John Degerness forced Watts at 2nd, but the Athletics held a 5-1 lead after 5 innings.

Josh Storm pounds a single in the 5th.

Hahn led off the 7th inning with his 2nd double in two days, a hard hit ball into the right field corner. One out later, right fielder Collin Baker walked and stole 2nd, followed by Andrew Yetzer who also walked, loading the bases for Lakeville. Second baseman Phil Vigen then walked as well, forcing in Hahn for a 6-1 score.

Derek Hahn rips a double into the right field corner in the 7th inning.

Jim Gaylord led off the 8th with his third hit of the day, another single through the hole at shortstop. Will Walsh, in for Jon Gaylord, walked before taking part in a double-steal with Jim Gaylord. One out later Eric Watts walked to load the bases. A wild pitch to John Degerness scored Gaylord for the Athletics final run and a 7-1 score.

The Athletics out-hit the Diamond Kings 10 to 9 for the game.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Jim Gaylord, 3 for 3, 2 BB, 2 R, 2 SB, RBI
• Mark Berger, 2 for 3, BB, SB, R
• Derek Jacobson, 2 for 5, R, 3 SB
• Josh Storm, 1 for 3, OBE, RBI
• Jon Gaylord, 1 for 3, RBI
• Derek Hahn, 1 for 5, 2 R, OBE, RBI

The Athletics are now 4-8 in Cannon Valley League action and are 7-11 on the year. The team played the second half of a Sunday twin-bill with a night game against the Elko Express at 7:00.

The Athletics are actively seeking a new team sponsor. If your business would like to support Lakeville's only amateur town team, please contact Doug Johnson at 952-457-1668 or Tim Watts at 952-210-4533. Team costs currently run around $3,000 per year.

ATHLETICS OFFER WEBSITE AD SPACE TO SUPPORT TEAM
A Great Investment For Your Business; Beat Your Competition

The Lakeville Athletics are offering a new advertising program to help support the team. The Athletics have been in existence for over a decade now and are Lakeville's only men's amateur team, playing in the prestigious Cannon Valley League.

The new ad plan provides three web ads for one year for the low cost of just $200. One ad will be featured on our popular front news page. Another ad will be placed on the team roster page, with a third ad placed on a new forthcoming team supporter page.

As an introductory offer, buy now for the 2011 season and get the rest of 2010 for free. Call Tim Watts at 952-210-4533, or Doug Johnson at 952-457-1668. Get ahead of the competition and get your exposure on one of the most popular sites in the CVL.

A prototype look for a potential new uniform update for the 2011 Athletics.

The Athletics are entertaining a new look as an alternative jersey for the 2011 season. The team has long worn the sleeveless top with the gothic "L" on the left front side for the last decade. The new uniforms would move to a full jersey top with the half sleeves, featuring a larger logo across the front, reminiscent of the older style jersey worn by the Oakland Athletics. Five versions have been worked up so far. Version one is the takeoff on the older style Oakland uniforms. Version two incorporates the font style currently used on the Athletics website. Version three is a Prose Script font. Version four is a Las Vegas script. Version five is a Brush script. Version six is the same as five, but with red piping. Each version features the traditional red, but with a blue stroke for more color, instead of the basic black. A red t-shirt or a mock-t would be worn underneath for accent color with these versions.

In an attempt to go with a Lakeville blue color orientation, three versions have been worked up to follow with a lake blue theme. All are a two-tone blue combination. The first is a Lake Blue version. The second is a Tampa Bay blue combination. The third look is a Kansas City blue combo. This blue combination would have a dark or light blue t-shirt, or mock-T undershirt, for a color accent.

Nothing is for certain on the possible new uniforms as of this printing. The plan is contingent on the team being able to sell ad space on the website to help fund its team needs, which includes the new uniforms, as well as replacement gear for the ten years old equipment the team is currently using. It is hoped that along with the new uniforms, the team can purchase new red batting helmets, needed equipment bags and new durable composite bats.

Players will be encouraged to help in the ad effort by finding one business each to advertise on the website. The team is seeking ten advertisers to help fund the team on an annual basis. Anything beyond ten sponsors will be used to help defray team costs for the yearly player registration fees. (See new ad plan above.)

2010 Schedule (updated July 26, 2010)

Derek Jacobson begins his slide as he steals 2nd base in the top of the 1st.

It was a pitching duel for sure on Thursday night at Goat Hill Park in Eagan as Athletics ace Jake Hauck battled hard against the Bandits. Scattering hits is certainly what both teams did, with the two teams usually managing just one per inning and two hits only once each. Eagan broke through for the game's only three-hit inning when they scored their first run in the 5th.

Jake Hauck pitches with a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st.

Ace and two-time all-star Jake Hauck once again pitched very well, scattering just eight hits through eight innings of work, but four fielding errors behind him didn't help his efforts on the mound. Hauck held the Bandits scoreless until the 5th inning and shut them out in the 6th and 7th as well. Hauck struck out five and walked only one with just two runs given up.

Veteran Mark Berger talks with Will Walsh at 1st after a single in the 4th inning.

The Bandits scored the winning run off a lead-off double in the bottom of the 8th. A fielding error on the next play moved the runner to 3rd and a sac fly one batter later scored the winning run for the Bandits.

To be honest, the sun wasn't the kindest to the defense and played a significant part towards some key moments in the game, particularly on the winning run moving to 3rd. It's tough to attribute a sun aided error, but also tough to score the hit. Nevertheless, a bad break in a well pitched game for the Athletics.

Justin Hahn rounds 1st base after his second hit of the night in the 6th inning.

Lakeville actually got on the scoreboard first in the 1st inning, but it turned out to be their only run of the game. Shortstop Derek Jacobson walked and then stole 2nd. One out later, catcher Derek Hahn moved the runner to 3rd on a 6-3 groundout before brother Justin Hahn stroked a well hit ball up the middle to score Jacobson. The Athletics had seven hits in the game after Hahn's RBI single, but could not advance a runner to 2nd after the 1st inning. Lakeville had two runners thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

John Degerness pounds a single to right in the 7th inning.

Both teams were even with eight hits a piece.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Justin Hahn, 2 for 4, RBI
• Derek Jacobson, 1 for 3, BB, SB, R
• John Deggerness, 1 for 3
• Eric Watts, 1 for 3
• Will Walsh, 1 for 3
• Trent Larson, 1 for 4
• Mark Berger, 1 for 4

Derek Hahn looks for a pitch to drive in the 9th.

The Athletics are now 2-8 in Cannon Valley League action and are 5-11 on the year. The team will take a break for the mid-summer CVL-CCVL All-Star game which will be played July 7th at Elko. The team will resume action on Saturday, July 10th as they travel to Rosemount for a 2pm game for their regular season finale with the Black Sox.

One thing you can say about Saturday's game at Rosemount, the Athletics fought hard and never gave up. It paid off in the end with a five-run break through in the 8th that gave Lakeville a 5-3 win over the Rosemount Black Sox.

Pitcher Jeff Farr was a warrior on the mound as he evened his record at 2-2.

The game had many stories and highlights, one of which was the determined pitching of Jeff Farr who evened his record on the year at 2-2. Farr was aggressive from the start, pitching nine complete as he scattered eight hits and just three runs. He struck out nine while walking only two as he threw arguably one of his best games of the year. He induced ten groundball outs against just four fly-outs and two pop-ups, a winning combination for any pitcher. Farr said he was tired after the 7th, but once his team scored five come-from-behind runs, he gamely went back to the mound to finish what he started, throwing 138 pitches in all as he battled to preserve the win. He set the side down in order in the 8th, needing just ten pitches to do so. Only in the 9th did he appear to tire, but he still faced only four batters as he gave up just one hit while adding a strike out looking to complete the game and pick up the win. If ever a game ball was well deserved, Farr was most worthy.

Phil Vigen collected three hits on the day for Lakeville.

The Athletics fought for a run for seven innings, but to no avail, missing the key hits they needed most with runners on base. They had runners at 1st and 2nd in the 2nd inning, bases loaded in the 4th, runners at 1st and 2nd again in the 5th and 6th, and men at 2nd and 3rd in the 7th, coming away empty each time. The Black Sox lifted their starter after the 7th and that's when the big inning came for Lakeville.

All-star shortstop Derek Jacobson also had three hits on the day for the Athletics.

Right fielder John Degerness was hit by pitch to lead off the 8th and then moved to 2nd on a wild pitch. One out later, 3rd baseman Brent "Brooks" Johnson moved Degerness to 3rd on a 6-3 groundout. Left fielder Will Walsh walked to give the Athletics runners at the corners. Second baseman Phil Vigen, who was 3 for 5 on the day, hit up the middle into a fielder's choice, but Walsh got a good jump off 1st and was safe at 2nd, all the while Degerness was scoring from 3rd. Shortstop Derek Jacobson, who also had three hits on the day, stroked a single to left to score Walsh, cutting the Rosemount lead to one. Jim Gaylord made his debut back from the injured reserve as designated hitter and was hit by pitch, loading the bases for Lakeville. First baseman Justin Hahn was also hit by pitch to score Vigen, knotting the score at three apiece. Catcher and cleanup hitter Derek Hahn then opened the game up, pounding a well hit double to the left-center gap, scoring both Jacobson and Gaylord. Both Hahns were left stranded at 2nd and 3rd, but not before the Athletics took a 5-3 lead that they would not give up.

Catcher Derek Hahn delivered the knock out punch in the 8th with a 2-run double.

Rosemount scored one run in the 3rd, one in the 4th and a final run in the 7th.

Aside from the gutsy pitching performance of Farr, two other Athletics were worthy of highlight reel defensive plays. Third baseman Brent Johnson made two outstanding off balance plays and knuckle scraping throws to get runners at 1st in the 2nd and 6th innings. In the 9th, shortstop Derek Jacobson showed why he was a three-time all-star by making an absolutely sick play at 2nd, ranging far to his left to make the back-handed stop and then pirouetting behind the bag and throwing a perfect strike to get the runner at 1st. All three plays worth going to the ballpark for.

Web-gem stars Brent Johnson and Derek Jacobson solidify the left side.

The Athletics out-hit the Black Sox 9 to 8 for the game.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Phil Vigen, 3 for 5, FC, R, RBI
• Derek Jacobson, 3 for 6, R, RBI
• Derek Hahn, 1 for 3, 2B, 2 BB, 2 RBI
• Eric Watts, 1 for 3, 2 BB
• Brent Johnson, 1 for 4, FC, BB

Centerfielder Eric Watts was one of five Athletics to hit safely on the day.

The Athletics are now 3-8 in Cannon Valley League action and are 6-11 on the year. The team will play a twin-bill on Sunday at Elko's Fredrickson Field as they take on Inver Grove at 3:00 and then battle the Elko Express at 7:00.

The Athletics shake hands with the Black Sox after the game.

Josh Storm had a big night, shown here at 2nd base after a 3 RBI double.

On a night where eight players hit safely, Lakeville rolled up 11 hits for 16 runs and a 12-run victory in 7 innings over the Metro Knights at White Bear Lake. Every player for Lakeville reached base and scored at least one run in the win. The team hit a combined .344 against the Knights on the evening. Josh Storm led the team with four RBI and four runs, going 2 for 4 at the plate with a big 6th inning double to the right-center gap that scored 3 RBI.

Jake Hauck started on the mound for Lakeville, pitching 5 innings while scattering seven hits and four runs. Hauck struck out four and walked only one as he collected his third win to even his record at 3-3 on the year.

Lakeville got out to an early lead in the top of the 1st inning. Shortstop Derek Jacobson stroked the first of two hits on the night to lead off the inning with a single, later moving to 2nd on a wild pitch. Two outs later, 1st baseman Josh Storm walked, followed by designated hitter Robbie Punch who also walked to load the bases. Centerfielder Eric Watts also walked to force in the first run of the game, scoring Jacobson from 3rd.

The Knights quickly tied the game in the bottom of the 1st with two hits and an error to knot the score at 1-1.

Trent Larson safely beats the throw and steals 2nd base in the 3rd inning.

The Athletics came back in the 3rd with one of their biggest innings of the year, scoring seven runs in the attack. The last time that Lakeville had registered a 7-run inning was June 15th against Bloomington. Third baseman Trent Larson walked to lead off the inning, followed by catcher Derek Hahn who also walked. Josh Storm hit a single over the 3rd baseman to load the sacks for Lakeville. Robbie Punch delivered a two-run double to the left-center gap to plate Larson and Hahn. Eric Watts walked to reload the bases. One out later, 2nd baseman Phil Vigen was hit by pitch to force in Storm from 3rd. Another out later, Derek Jacobson pounded a bases clearing double off the top of the left field fence to score Punch, Watts and Vigen. Trent Larson and Derek Hahn both walked to load the bases once again. Josh Storm made his second plate appearance of the inning and scored Jacobson on a fielder's choice, which saw all runners safe and the bases loaded on an error by the shortstop at 2nd. A subsequent 3rd out left three on base, but Lakeville held an 8-1 score and a lead that they would not relinquish from that point on.

Derek Jacobson and Trent Larson racing for home in the 3rd inning.

The Metro Knights picked up a lone run in the bottom of the 3rd to make the score 8-2.

Eric Watts, Coach Johnson and Justin Hahn await a pitching change in the 4th.

Lakeville went back on the offensive in the 4th. Eric Watts led off with the second of three walks on the night. He stole 2nd and then took 3rd as left fielder Justin Hahn picked up the first of two hits with a single past the 3rd baseman. Phil Vigen walked to load the bases before right fielder Will Walsh then ripped a bases clearing double to the center field fence. Walsh was called out at 3rd as he got hung up trying to stretch the hit into a triple, even though he appeared to be safe and clearly under the throw. Derek Jacobson and Trent Larson were both hit by pitch and then moved up on a wild pitch to Derek Hahn. Jacobson then scored on a single by Hahn over 3rd, making the score 12-2.

"Oh shit" said Will Walsh as he was caught trying to stretch a double into a triple.

The Knights kept pecking away, picking up two more runs in the bottom of the 4th, but it was little too late and also their last runs of the game.

Will Walsh led off 6th with a walk, followed by Derek Jacobson who also walked. Trent Larson hit a single into shallow left-center to load the bases. One out later Josh Stormed crushed a bases clearing double to the right-center fence, scoring three RBI for the Athletics. Eric Watts hit a single to right-center, moving Storm to 3rd, but the inning ended with Watts being thrown out as he was stealing 2nd. Lakeville led at that point 15-4.

Phil Vigen stands in at the plate against the Knights.

The Athletics scored one more run in the 7th. Justin Hahn picked up his second hit by beating out an infield single to the shortstop. Phil Vigen walked, moving Hahn to 2nd. Two fly outs later Trent Larson hit a ball up the middle and reached on an error as the shortstop threw the ball away, scoring Hahn in the process for a 16-4 final score.

Derek Hahn stepped out from behind the plate to pitch two innings of relief in the 6th and 7th, allowing no hits and no runs in the effort. He struck out five and walked three in the outing.

Derek Hahn pitches in relief for the Athletics in the 7th inning.

The Athletics out-hit the Knights 11 to 7 for the game. It was the second win in a row for Lakeville.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Josh Storm, 2 for 4, 2B, BB, FC, R, 4 RBI
• Derek Jacobson, 2 for 4, 2B, BB, HBP, 4 R, 3 RBI
• Justin Hahn, 2 for 5, 2 R, FC
• Trent Larson, 1 for 3, 2 BB, HBP, OBE, SB, 2 R, RBI
• Robbie Punch, 1 for 4, 2B, BB, R, 2 RBI
• Will Walsh, 1 for 4, 2B, BB, R, 3 RBI
• Derek Hahn, 1 for 4, 2 BB, R, RBI
• Eric Watts, 1 for 2, 3 BB, 2 SB, 2 R, RBI

The Athletics are now 5-10 on the year. The team will travel to Eagan on Thursday night for a 7:00 game with the Bandits at Goat Hill Park.

Robbie Punch is headed to DC to work for the office of Congressman Kline.

First year Athletics player Robbie Punch has played his last game for Lakeville after accepting a position on the staff of Congressman Kline in Washington DC. Punch, a former player for St. Thomas University and a good friend of shortstop Derek Jacobson, often played 3rd base and DH, showing versatility on the infield by also playing at 2nd base. He also pitched an inning against Burnsville on June 7th, setting the side down in order. Punch was liked by all and will be missed in the team line-up. The Athletics wish him all the best as he embarks on his new career in the world of politics.

Trent Larson pitched eight complete for the Athletics and collected the win.

The Achilles' heel for Lakeville so far this season has been finding the timely hits when they needed them most. Saturday, they were able to deliver when they needed to, storming back in the bottom of the 8th for two runs and a victory over the Bombers from Eden Prairie. With a minimal line-up once again, the Athletics made the most of six hits by answering a Westside Bombers challenge in the 8th inning, coming from behind for a 5-4 win behind the pitching of veteran Trent Larson.

Larson worked eight complete innings, holding the Bombers to just five hits and four runs in the outing. He struck out six, walked three and hit one batter as he picked up the win for Lakeville. Larson also had a hit, scored a run, and picked up his team leading 9th walk to help his own cause.

Justin Hahn gets set to rip a single in the 4th inning.

The Athletics jumped on the board first in the 4th inning with the Hahn brothers leading the way. With one out, catcher Derek Hahn walked on four straight pitches before brother and first baseman Justin Hahn pounded a single up the middle. One out later, centerfielder Mark Berger was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Left fielder Eric Watts also walked on four pitches to force in Derek Hahn for the game's first run. Third baseman Brent Johnson walked on a full count to drive in Justin Hahn, giving Lakeville a 2-0 lead.

Derek Jacobson zeros in on the pitch in the 7th inning.

The Bombers cut the lead in half by scoring a run in the top of the 6th inning, but the Athletics rebounded to grab the run back in the bottom of the 7th. Shortstop Derek Jacobson smoked a single into right, then proceeded to steal 2nd and 3rd before scoring on an overthrow by the catcher on his steal of 3rd. The score was 3-1 at that point.

Westside broke through in the top of the 8th scoring three runs on three hits, but two Athletics errors directly aided two of those runs. The Bombers took the lead 4-3.

Eric Watts at the plate before hitting a game tying double in the 8th.

Lakeville refused to give in and fought back in the bottom of the 8th. With one out, pitcher Larson walked on four pitches before Mark Berger moved him to 2nd on a 4-3 groundout. Eric Watts then hammered the first pitch he saw for a double to left, scoring Larson for the tying run. Brent Johnson followed by ripping a double to the right-center gap to score Watts with the go-ahead run. Lakeville took a 5-4 lead that they wouldn't give back.

Derek Jacobson relieved Larson on the mound in the top of the 9th, allowing just one hit and no runs as he picked up the save.

Both teams were even in hits with six each.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Derek Jacobson, 2 for 5, 2 SB, R
• Eric Watts, 1 for 3, 2B, BB, SB, 2 RBI
• Brent Johnson, 1 for 3, BB, 2 RBI
• Trent Larson, 1 for 3, BB, OBE, R
• Justin Hahn, 1 for 4, R

Brent Johnson had a sterling day at the hot corner for the Athletics.

Defensive props to Brent Johnson who had a stellar game at the hot corner, timing his leap to grab a lined rocket in the 2nd, and then going low to grab another hard hit ball to his right in the 3rd. Derek Hahn also made a couple nice catches behind the plate in the 2nd inning and the 5th to add to the Athletics defense.

Derek Hahn is back from injured reserve to catch for Lakeville.

The Athletics are now 4-10 on the year. The team will travel to White Bear Lake on Sunday night for a 7:00 game with the Metro Knights at Polar Lakes Park.

Ace Jake Hauck pitches in the 1st inning against the Diamond Kings.

Jake Hauck has pitched tough all season long, but with little run support behind him he had only one win to show for his efforts, until Sunday afternoon. On a day when Hauck might not have been his absolute sharpest, the bats finally came through for him, allowing his second win of the season. While it may not have been the outing he personally would have liked, most pitchers would be more than satisfied to have his line for the afternoon, a testament to the skill level that makes him the ace of the Lakeville pitching staff. Hauck drove all day long from the northern Minnesota boundary waters, to make his 5:00 start just in time. He still had enough in him to go seven complete innings, striking out seven as he scattered eight hits and five runs. He walked just three and hit two batters, but was able to strand eight Diamond Kings on the afternoon as he wrapped up the win.

Derek Jacobson launches a shot to left for a double in the 2nd inning.

Lakeville struck first with shortstop Derek Jacobson stroking a single up the middle and then stealing 2nd base. Centerfielder Jon Gaylord then followed with a single past the shortstop to score Jacobson for a 1-0 lead. First baseman Josh Storm hit a single to right to move the speedy Gaylord to 3rd. Trent Larson walked to load the bases, but two subsequent outs left the sacks full for the inning, but with a Lakeville lead they would never relinquish.

Jim Gaylord says all up to brother Jon and Derek Jacobson as Eric Watts looks on.

Lakeville came back for more in the 2nd. Left fielder Eric Watts picked up the first of his three hits with a single up the middle. He then grabbed the first of three steals by taking 2nd and then moving to 3rd on an overthrow by the catcher. Athletics catcher Brent Johnson, who was tough behind the plate for two games on the day, walked to give the team runners at the corners. Derek Jacobson smoked a double to left to score Watts, while moving Johnson to 3rd. Second baseman Jim Gaylord then pounded a shot off the pitcher's leg, which ricocheted into left, scoring both Johnson and Jacobson. Gaylord wasted no time stealing 2nd and moved to 3rd on an overthrow. Jon Gaylord followed his brother with a walk and took 2nd on no throw from the catcher. Josh Storm was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Pitcher Trent Larson stepped to the plate, receiving a wild pitch that scored Jim Gaylord and moved brother Jon to 3rd. Larson then hit a sac fly to center to score Jon. Right fielder John Degerness was hit by pitch and took 2nd on a wild pitch to designated hitter Robbie Punch, with Storm moving to 3rd. Punch hit a fly-out to right with Storm tagging on the play. An ensuing collision and a 9-4-2 out at home brought both Storm and the catcher chest to chest with words exchanged by both and then some shoving, which brought both players a quick ejection from the game. Lakeville led at that point 6-nothing.

Eric Watts gets his lead, breaks for 2nd, then slides safely with a stolen base.

The top of the 3rd saw Inver Grove cut the lead in half with three hits and three runs, but the Athletics weren't done scoring yet. Eric Watts once again led off the inning with a single that dropped in-between the right fielder, 1st baseman and the 2nd baseman. He then promptly stole 2nd base and eventually 3rd as well, before Derek Jacobson walked. Jacobson quickly took 2nd on no throw from the catcher. A wild pitch to Jim Gaylord scored Watts, with Jacobson taking 3rd. Gaylord eventually walked and took 2nd on a passed ball. Jon Gaylord also walked to load the bases once again for Lakeville. With the team at a minimum for players after Storm's ejection, coach Doug Johnson was forced into the line-up for the second time this season and once again played quite well. He hit a sac fly to right-center to score Jacobson. With Trent Larson at the plate, a wild pitch moved both Gaylords to 2nd and 3rd respectively. Larson walked to load the bases again, before John Degerness crushed a bases clearing double to the right-center gap to give Lakeville an 11-3 lead.

The guy still has it: Former Gopher Doug Johnson shows he can still hit.

The Athletics added an insurance run in the 4th. With one out, Brent Johnson scorched a double to left. One out later, team batting leader Jim Gaylord pounded his own double, this time to the left-center gap, scoring Johnson to give Lakeville a 12-3 lead.

A cloud of dust and Jon Gaylord is safe at 2nd base.

The Diamond Kings scored one run each in the 6th, 7th and 8th, to make the score 12-6, but the Athletics came back in the bottom of the 8th to plate two more runs. With one out, John Degerness picked up his second hit of the game with a single up the middle. One out later, Eric Watts collected his third hit with a single to the left of the shortstop, beating the throw, which sailed past the 1st baseman. Both Degerness and Watts moved up one base on the overthrow. The Inver Grove 1st baseman tried to get Degerness on the throw, but sailed the ball, allowing "Deggy" to score on the play. Brent Johnson then lined a shot over the left fielder's head to score Watts, giving Lakeville a 14-6 lead.

John Degerness pounds a bases loaded double in the 3rd for three RBI.

Derek Jacobson relieved Jake Hauck on the mound, pitching the 8th and 9th innings, scattering three hits and one run, while walking just one.

Brent Johnson strokes his 2nd hit of the game, a single to deep left in the 8th.

Lakeville out-hit Inver Grove 15 to 11 for the game.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Eric Watts, 3 for 5, 3 R, 3 SB
• Jon Gaylord, 2 for 3, 2 BB, 2 R, 2B, 1 RBI
• Jim Gaylord, 2 for 4, BB, 2 R, SB, 2B, 3 RBI
• John Degerness, 2 for 4, HBP, R, 3 RBI
• Brent Johnson, 2 for 4, 2 R, 2B, BB, 1 RBI
• Derek Jacobson, 2 for 5, BB, 3 R, 1 SB, 2B, 1 RBI
• Josh Storm, 1 for 1, HBP
• Robby Punch, 1 for 5, 1 RBI

The Athletics are now 2-7 in Cannon Valley League action and 3-9 overall on the year. The team travels to Rochester on Wednesday night for a 7:30 game under the lights at Mayo Field.

Hard throwing pitcher Trent Larson deals in the 2nd inning against Rosemount.

With a minimal line-up once again, the Athletics hosted Rosemount for the opener of a Father's day twin-bill, but were shut down by the Black Sox for the second time this year.

Josh Storm pounds a fly ball to right in the 4th inning.

Lakeville had numerous missed opportunities, with runners at 2nd in both the 1st and 5th innings. They loaded the bases in the 6th, but like so many times this season, they just couldn't come up with the timely hit when they needed it the most.

Robbie Punch gets set to drive a double in the 5th inning.

In the 8th, the Athletics broke up the shutout with one run. Shortstop Derek Jacobson led off the inning by pounding a double off the fence in left. He then moved to 3rd on a pick-off attempt and balk. Hot hitting right fielder Jim Gaylord then hit a single behind 3rd to score Jacobson. Gaylord was 3 for 4 in the game, while designated hitter John Degerness was 2 for 4. They would have the only multiple hits for the Athletics in the game.

Jon Gaylord gets his lead at 1st in the 6th.

Trent Larson pitched all 9 innings for Lakeville, giving up 12 hits and just 4 runs, but the offense couldn't give him the key hits when they needed them the most. Larson struck out five and walked no one , hitting one batter as he was saddled with the loss.

Phil Vigen knocks a single to right in the 7th inning.

Lakeville stranded a total of eight base runners on the afternoon as it dropped its second game to the Black Sox. The two will meet one more time in the regular season on Saturday, July 10th at Rosemount.

Jim Gaylord rips a single down the left field line in the 8th inning.

Rosemount out-hit Lakeville 12 to 10 for the game.

Collecting hits for the Athletics were...

• Jim Gaylord, 3 for 4
• John Degerness, 2 for 4
• Josh Storm, 1 for 3, BB
• Derek Jacobson, 1 for 4, R, 2B
• Jon Gaylord, 1 for 4, SB
• Robbie Punch, 1 for 4, 2B
• Phil Vigen, 1 for 4

The Athletics dropped to 1-7 in Cannon Valley League action and 2-9 overall on the year. The team followed up the twin bill with a 5:00 game versus the Inver Grove Diamond Kings.

All-Stars Jake Hauck, Trent Larson and Derek Jacobson. (Jim Gaylord is on DL.)

The 4th annual Cannon Valley League versus Classic Cannon Valley League All-Star game is scheduled for Wednesday night, July 7th at Fredrickson Field in Elko. The home run derby will kick off at 7pm with the game getting underway at 8:00.

This year the Athletics have four members selected for the mid-summer classic. Shortstop Derek Jacobson will be making his 3rd consecutive appearance while pitcher Jake Hauck will make his 2nd appearance in two years.

New this year are two players who earn the versatility award by holding down multiple positions for the Athletics. Right fielder and sometimes 2nd baseman Jim Gaylord, who is leading the team in hitting this year, earned his first selection to the team. Gaylord is currently on the DL with 30 stitches in his arm and will sadly miss seeing action for this year's all-star classic. Also new this year as an all-star is infielder and pitcher Trent Larson who regularly holds down 3rd base and occasionally shortstop for the Athletics.

Congratulations to these four players for their well deserved selection as 2010 Cannon Valley League all-stars.

Past All-Star Game Results

The CVL all-stars line up on the 3rd base line for the national anthem.

The Cannon Valley League won the home run derby with a walk-off tie breaking homer from Jason Grimm of Elko, but the Classic Cannon Valley League shut out the CVL in the actual game by a 4-0 score on Wednesday night at Fredrickson Field in Elko.

The CVL wasn't without their chances, with too many missed opportunities with runners on base, actually out-hitting the CCVL nine hits to six for the night. The Cannon Valley League left ten runners on base, missing the key hits when they needed them the most.

The CVL had runners at 2nd and 3rd in the 1st, but couldn't capitalize with two ensuing ground outs to end the inning. They had a man on in the 3rd, runners at 1st and 2nd in the 4th, one runner on in the 5th, as well as runners at 1st and 2nd in the 7th and 8th innings, but couldn't get the big hits when they needed them. The home plate umpire arguably didn't help matters much with an erratic strike zone most of the game and a blown call on a double down the left field line which clearly crossed over the bag. Coach Grant Mohwinkle plead his case on the play, but to no avail.

Athletics all-star pitcher Jake Hauck looks in for the sign in the top of the 6th.

Pitching appeared to be the showcase and was dominant for both sides. Neither team managed more than two hits per inning, but the CVL collected pairs in the 1st, 4th and 7th innings, while the CCVL could only muster two in the 2nd.

First time all-star Trent Larson awaits the pitch at 3rd base in the 6th inning.

The Athletics all-stars didn't see action until the 6th, when Jake Hauck took the mound, Trent Larson manned 3rd and normal shortstop Derek Jacobson played out of position at 2nd base. Hauck was his usual self on the mound, pitching a 1-2-3 scoreless 6th on twelve pitches. Trent Larsen made a nice catch on a smoked liner in the 9th inning. Both Larson and Jacobson were hitless at the plate.

Thee-time all-star Derek Jacobson at the plate in the 7th inning.

Three errors didn't help the CVL cause as the CCVL scored one run in the 1st, two in the 2nd and a final run in the 8th.

Kyle Blahnik of Red Wing played the entire game at shortstop for the Classic Cannon Valley League and was named the game's MVP, going 2 for 4 with one run and an RBI.

The CVL and CCVL all-stars shake hands after the game.

Collecting hits for the Cannon Valley League were...

• Evan Walker, 2 for 3
• Ash Larsen, 1 for 3
• Jeremy Chlan, 1 for 3
• Charlie Dubanoski, 1 for 2
• Robbie Wiens, 1 for 2
• Troy Hoeppner, 1 for 2
• Trent Anderson, 1 for 2
• Dan Lojovich, 1 for 1

All-Star Game Rosters  |  Microsoft doc format
Cannon Valley League Line-Up  |  Microsoft doc format

The month of June has produced ten days of rain, so far to date.

With an improved roster and pitching staff for 2010, the Athletics are surprisingly having a hard time so far finding their groove for the season. The team has found itself with a number of holes in their schedule, making it difficult to find their hitting stride, let alone establish a regular pitching rotation.

Three things have arguably played into this dynamic. First off, three games were lost on their schedule due to the loss of the Apple Valley Millers club this season. Second, four rainouts in the last nine games have kept the team off the field. Third, the lack of a true home field to schedule games on, since Lakeville South is seldom available during the week, severely limits any mid-week re-scheduling for make-up games, forcing the team to play at home predominantly on weekends only.

The three factors together have kept the team from stringing together any consistent game time, with the latter factor making it tough to make up any games lost due to the Millers subtraction this year, as well as the rain-outs. The Athletics normally are historically able to play every three days on average, but so far this year the span has been many times four to five days. Since May 15th, the average for 2010 is nearly five (4.5) days between games.

The team started the year with 13 days between games at the beginning of the season. Since then, they have gone four days twice, five days twice, and now a six day stretch this week. Only once has the team gone three days between games. This has made it tough for hitters to find a groove, not to mention making it difficult for Coach Johnson to string together a consistent pitching rotation and get enough innings for the rebuilt pitching staff.

While the first half of June has seen only four days without rain, the second half of June should see the team get more game time, providing that mother-nature decides to cooperate and dry up a little.

A LOOK BACK AT THE 2009 SEASON

ATHLETICS CELEBRATE DECADE OF BASEBALL IN '09
The 2009 Season Marks Ten Years of Lakeville Town Baseball

The 2009 Lakeville Athletics  (Click on picture for larger version)

The Lakeville Athletics will celebrate their tenth anniversary in 2009. The Athletics team was formed in 2000 and spent their first two years in the St. Paul League before moving to the Cannon Valley League for the last eight. Happy 10th anniversary guys!

The Athletics will be starting their next decade off on solid footing with the addition of no less than five new college recruits to join the team this summer. The team is expecting a larger than normal influx of new talent this season after large graduating classes at Lakeville North and South, resulting in more college prospects. Interested players should contact Doug Johnson at 952-457-1668.

NEW TO THE TEAM THIS SEASON:

• Ben Hansen
• Chris Erikson
• Jeff Farr
• Justin Hahn
• Robbie Punch
• Phil Vigen
• Collin Baker
• Kyal Williams
• Andrew Yetzer

The Athletics Wish Our New Additions The Best of Luck For 2010

The loss of two pitching mainstays for the Athletics was a hard off-season blow to handle, but the baseball gods have been favorable to Lakeville with the addition of newcomers Jeff Farr, Collin Baker, Kyal Williams, and Derek Goodnature. Baker and Goodnature are longtime Lakeville residents, while Farr and Williams are new to the community. Best of luck to the new staff for 2010.

• Jake Hauck
• Trent Larson
• Kyal Williams
• Jeff Farr
• Collin Baker
• Andrew Yetzer