(Eau Claire, WI) Three familiar faces will return to Carson Park to play for the Express this summer. Field Manager Dale Varsho today announced the return of Santa Clara outfielder Lucas Herbst along with Augustana teammates Nate Baumann and Drew Heithoff from the 2009 roster. With the Express opener just under three weeks away, the roster now includes 23 players.

Herbst, a sophomore outfielder and pitcher, is batting .286 with three home runs and 12 runs batted in covering 46 spring games. His five triples lead the team and his nine stolen bases rank second. Herbst had an injury-filled 2009 season with the Express, finishing with a .295 batting average in 22 games played. He did steal six bases without being caught in his limited action.

Baumann, a junior outfielder, has put up some gaudy statistics this spring for Augustana. In 55 games played, he is batting .441 with 14 home runs, 60 RBI’s and 40 stolen bases. The Marshall, Minn. native was recently named the NSIC player of the week after batting .630 with five home runs and 16 RBI’s during the week ending May 1. Baumann began last season with the Express on a ten-day contract before being signed for the remainder of the season. He finished fourth on the team with a .286 batting average while also hitting three home runs.

Heithoff is a junior infielder from Yankton, SD. In 55 games played with the Vikings, he is batting .328 with 11 doubles and 38 stolen bases. Like Baumann, Heithoff began his career in Eau Claire as a ten-day player that eventually signed a full contract. He tied for the team lead appearing in 60 games and compiled a .262 batting average and 11 doubles in 195 at-bats.

The Express will open their 2010 season in La Crosse on June 2. June 3 will mark the Express home opener, as the Loggers travel to Carson Park. Game time is 6:35 and the first 500 families in attendance will receive a 2010 magnetic schedule, compliments of Maverick Media and Bridge Stop