Eau Claire wins a thriller in game one, game two gets rained out

Box Score

In a day which was slotted for a day-night double header versus the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters, the Eau Claire Express only played one game, but earned a 5-3 tenth inning victory at Witter Field on Monday afternoon.

Michael Gomez got the start for the Express and pitched 6 scoreless innings, allowing just 4 hits while striking out 7 batters.

Designated hitter Teddy Cillis put the Express on the board with a solo blast to left-center field for his first home run of the season. Third baseman Kyle Marinconz then put the Express up 2-0 with an RBI single in the top of the seventh.

However the Rafters would add two runs of their own, one each in the bottom of the seventh and eighth innings to tie the game 2-2. After a scoreless ninth the game went into extras.

It didn’t take long for the Express to get rolling in the tenth inning. After putting the two leadoff men aboard, first baseman Travon Benton would give Eau Claire the run they needed with a sacrifice fly RBI to score Tyler Adkison. A Rafters error would allow two more runs to cross before the inning ended with the Express up 5-2.

Victor Sanchez would come in and pitch a scoreless tenth inning to earn the save and seal the win for Eau Claire.

Game two was scheduled for a 7:05 p.m. start time but due to heavy rain between the games, it was postponed. A make-up date has not been determined by the league as of yet.

The Express end the first half of Northwoods League play with a 13-21 record. Tomorrow is an off day before they head to Willmar for a two game series against the Stingers. First pitch Wednesday is set for 7:05 p.m. The Express return home for a 6-game home stand on Friday July 3, just in time for the holiday weekend.