Express offense lights up for fourteen runs in game one

Box Score

In game one of a day-night doubleheader against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters the Eau Claire Express took the victory by a score of 14-3.

The lineup combined for fifteen hits including two home runs. Left fielder Austin Listi (Dallas Baptist) had the game of the afternoon with three hits and five RBI. He hit one of the longest home runs of the season at Carson Park when he blasted a solo shot off the scoreboard in centerfield in the fourth inning.

With two runs in the second inning the Rafters jumped on the board first. But the Express put up four runs in the fifth inning to take the lead for good. Brady Burzynski (UW-Stout) had a two run single to start the big inning and finished 2-4.

It would be enough but the Express kept the pedal to the medal anyway breaking the game open with an eight run eighth inning. After the first two batters reached Travon Benton (New Mexico Junior College) Blasted a three-run home run over the Fan Deck in right field. Then Listi would stay hot with his third hit of the night, a three-run double that was off the top of the centerfield wall, inches away from his second long ball of the night.

The Express are now 5-2 since the all star break which is when Listi returned to the team after starting the year as a temp player.

“Were feeling great, just crushing right now,” said Listi. “Everyone is seeing the ball well and putting up big numbers, when you can do that you’re going to win ball games.”

Daulton Varsho (UW-Milwaukee) finished with two hits on the day along with Teddy Cillis (Hofstra) and Sam Hurt (Madison College).

Erich Uelmen got the start for the Express and continued his solid season in the starting rotation earning his fourth win on eight hits and two runs in five innings pitched.

 “Our pitching, were not really mentioning them right now but they’ve been dominant as well,” said Listi. “They’re pounding the zone, getting guys out. When you can have dominant pitching and dominant hitting, how do you not win?”

The Express have just a couple hours off before game two of the doubleheader at Carson Park against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters at 7:05 p.m. tonight.

“It’s great to be back,” said Listi. “I love the game and I love to play for Eau Claire.”

Mega Co-Op is tonight’s sponsor where there will be a Joe Bonfe Bobble head giveaway.