Faribault Flames baserunner Barry Fritz (48) rounds third as coach Rick Vogel (9) waves him home during a four-run first inning against Webster Saturday at Bell Field. The Flames won in five innings, 10-0. (Mark Remme/Daily News)

The Faribault Flames walked with a swagger Saturday at Bell Field. Knowing the importance of the game, who could blame them?

Not only was Faribault putting on its “Honor Our Vets Day” promotion, but the Flames also knew that beating rival Webster could mean the difference in a mediocre or strong finish to the season. Faribault handled the pressure and earned a 10-0, five-inning win over the Wildcats.

“This game meant a lot to us,” coach Rick Vogel said. “We got to the point where it was like if we’re going to turn our season around, this is the night to do it.”

The Flames (4-9) honored area veterans at Saturday’s game. Red, white and blue streamers donned Bell Field’s grandstand, the names of 14 veterans in attendance — spectators, players and umpires alike — were announced in the fourth inning, and both a Color Guard and Honor Guard were present for pregame festivities.

Saturday’s Color Guard from Faribault American Legion Post 43 — Bob Flom, Jim Douda and Pete Flannery — stayed to watch their first Flames game after the pregame program. The trio said they were impressed with the way the Flames play baseball.

Bob Flom’s wife, Louise Flom, said she was happy the team put on the “Honor Our Vets” night.

“It’s good,” she said. “More people should be honoring the vets.”

On the field, the Flames didn’t disappoint. Taking advantage of nine walks issued by Wildcats pitching, Faribault was aggressive on the bases and didn’t hesitate to force Webster to make plays in the field.

Meanwhile, starting pitcher Tim Wagner pitched four scoreless innings while allowing three hits and striking out three. Barry Fritz finished off the game with a two-strikeout fifth inning.

For Vogel, the night signified a rebirth for the Flames — a team hoping to make a successful run down the final stretch of the season.

“Everybody stepped up to the plate,” Vogel said. “Everyone played as hard as they could. I’m really proud of the guys. They really performed tonight.”

FLAMES GAME STATISTICS R H E Webster 3 0 1 0 0 0 — 0 4 0 Flames 0 4 0 4 0 2 — 10 6 0 HITTING LEADERS — Troy Carver 2-3, BB, RBI; Mike Martin 1-4, R, SB; Chris Howell 0-2, 2BB, R, SB; Bill Storch 1-2, BB, R, RBI; Barry Fritz 0-1, 2BB, 2R; Chad Ferris 1-1, BB, 2R, 2SB; Shane Thom 1-2, BB, R. PITCHING LINES — Tim Wagner 4IP, 3H, 0R, 3K, 1BB; Barry Fritz 1IP, 1H, 0R, 2K, 0BB