Free passes haunted the St. Edmond baseball team on Wednesday night, as they lost their North Central Conference opener to Algona, 12-4, at Rogers Park.

The Gaels (3-2 overall, 0-1 NCC) walked 14 batters and hit three, giving away 17 free bases to the Bulldogs (3-2, 1-0).

St. Edmond only allowed four hits, but the free jaunts to first were too much to overcome.

“The walks and hit batters really got to us and added up,” said St. Edmond head coach Mike Szalat. “When you give up 17 free passes, you can’t expect to win.”

Cameren Rindone earned the win for the Bulldogs. Rindone and Andrew Hamilton drove in two runs each for Algona.

Cael Kolacia suffered the loss on the mound. Kolacia struck out nine batters, but walked eight. He only gave up one hit.

Kolacia also drove in a run.

Drew Szalat had a double and drove in a run. Devon Wirtz also had an RBI.

“Our approach at the plate was better (than against Pocahontas Area on Tuesday),” Szalat said. “We just can’t have that many walks as a pitching staff.”

The Gaels are back in action on Thursday when they host Clarion-Goldfield/Dows. Junior varsity action starts at 5:30 p.m. Varsity will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m.

ALGONA 12, ST. EDMOND 4

Algona 102 031 5 — 12 4 1

St. Edmond 012 001 0 — 4 6 3

2B–SE: Drew Szalat.