An offensive outburst broke the ice in the opening game of Austin's home doubleheader with Owatonna Friday, but not even three home runs were enough for the Packers to complete the Big Nine Conference sweep in game two.

The Packers (5-10, 5-8) got five RBIs from senior first baseman Jim Knoebel in a 7-2 Austin win in game one, but home runs by Mike Leathers, Billy Anderson and Matt Anderson could not provide enough pop in an 8-6 loss in the nightcap.

Knoebel had three of Austin's seven hits in the first game, including a two-run double in the Packer half of the fifth inning, and finished 3-3 at the plate. Matt Johnson went 2-3 with a run scored as Tim Johnson tossed the complete-game five-hitters for Austin. Tim Johnson struck out five, walked one, and allowed one earned run as Owatonna tied the score at 2-2 in the top of the first.

The Packers scored twice in the third and fifth and added a solo run in the sixth. Five different Owatonna batters had one hit each, while Austin's seven hits were divided amongst four batters. Kyle Rizzi was 1-2 with two runs scored, while Brandon Schaefer was 1-3 with two runs and an RBI. Andy Klapperick, though hitless, drove in a run.

Austin hit a season-high three home runs in the second game, but two Huskies runs in the top of the seventh broke a 6-6 tie and gave Owatonna an 8-6 win.

Klapperick, Matt Johnson and Anderson each had two hits for the Packers, while Johnson, Anderson and Mike Leathers connected for home runs in the high-scoring loss. Leathers' homer was his first of the season, while Anderson connected for the second time.

Johnson's two-out solo homer welcomed Owatonna's relief pitcher into the game as the third Austin run in the sixth, but the Huskies got a two-out RBI-single by Vince Anderson to drive in the deciding run.

Klapperick went the distance in the defeat, striking out six while walking three and surrendering 10 Owatonna hits. Joe Herzog hit a two-run homer off Klapperick in the fifth to bring the Huskies to a 6-2 lead. Herzog, Anderson and Sam McKernon each had two hits for the Huskies.

Austin had Saturday's home game against Rochester Century postponed because of rain. The Packers' next scheduled game is Monday's meeting with Rochester Mayo at 4 p.m. at Marcusen Park. Austin led the Spartans 4-0 in an eventual 6-4 Big Nine loss.

The Packers have won three of their last five games, all in Big Nine play.

Linescores:

Game One

Owatonna0200000--252

Austin202021x--771

WP--T.Johnson. LP--Anderson.

Game Two

Owatonna0021302--8100

Austin0011130--692

WP--Bramer. LP--Klapperick.