Box Score

The Eau Claire Express had only hit one home run in 11 games on the year entering play Saturday night.

In the top of second inning in a game against the host Mankato MoonDogs, they hit back-to-back jacks to triple the power numbers and, more importantly, lead to a 4-1 victory.

Tyler Hermann drilled his second home run on the young season to start the inning, and Lane Milligan followed an at-bat later with a solo shot of his own to give the Express a cushion they wouldn't relinquish.

Eau Claire also scored on an RBI single by Brent Gibbs, plating Hermann, in the top of the sixth along with a Hermann RBI single to score Drew Turbin in the top of the seventh.

Jordan Ruckman was dominant for a second-straight start on the mound, going six innings and striking out seven while only allowing two hits and no runs.

Austin Stroschein earned a three-inning save.

With the win, Eau Claire now improves to 8-4 on the young season. The Express will continue their road-trip tomorrow night in Waterloo. First pitch is set for 3:05 p.m.