The playoffs are right around the corner for the Austin Greyhounds. And they apparently couldn't come at a better time.

Player/coach Joe Serratore went 2-for-3 with a double and three RBI to help Austin squeak past New Ulm Kaiserhoff 8-6 in a Friday night tilt at Marcusen Park.

In a game that the Greyhounds were looking to tune up for the playoffs, it wasn't pretty. Each team tallied four errors and Austin had to come back with three runs in the bottom of the eighth to seal the victory.

Nonetheless, a win's a win and Serratore said the team is anxious to get out of the regular season and into postseason action.

"We're ready to start the playoffs," Serratore said. "Our guys want to play for something at stake. We're lacking some intensity here at the park. That's just the way it is."

Although Greyhounds starter Chris Pack allowed a leadoff homerun to New Ulm's Josh Hinson, he soon settled down and only allowed one other run until the top of the eighth. That's when New Ulm knocked in four runs to take a 6-5 lead.

But the Greyhounds (30-15) came back, thanks to a New Ulm miscue when relief pitcher Joey Schugel made a wild throw to home for a force out attempt.

The throw sailed right and eventually to the backstop, allowing two Greyhounds to cross the plate.

Next up for Austin will be a Sunday doubleheader, when the team travels to take on the Cavaliers of Eau Claire. The playoffs start Tuesday, which is fine with Serratore.

"I like the fact that guys understand that the playoffs are right around the corner. They're getting in some extra swings in and some (batting practice)."

Dan Fields can be reached at 434-2230 or by e-mail at mailto: dan.fields@austindailyherald.com