Ninth inning stings for Express

The Eau Claire Express stuck with the first half champion Willmar Stingers until the bottom of the ninth inning when the Stingers scored a game winning and walk off run to earn a 4-3 victory at Bill Taunton Stadium on Thursday night.

Dalton Roach started for the Express and gave up 3 runs in the bottom of the first inning to give the Stingers an early lead. However Erich Uelmen would come in for relief and pitch 6 scoreless innings, only allowing one hit and one walk.

Meanwhile the Express would score runs in the fourth, sixth and seventh innings to crawl their way back in and tie the game 3-3.

However an error by shortstop Kyle Marinconz would be all the Stingers needed to plate the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning to spoil the Eau Claire comeback.

Third baseman Daulton Varsho and designated hitter Tyler Adkison each added two hits for the Express to lead the way.

The Express now return home for another two game series against the Willmar Stingers at Carson Park. They look to nab their first win of the second half with first pitch set for 6:35 p.m. Tomorrow’s game is sponsored by Geno’s Pizza and there will be a pen and I.D. holder giveaway.