Eau Claire Express utility man Drew Turbin was hit by a pitch in the bottom of the eighth inning with the bases loaded to give the Express a 4-3 lead to end the playing at Carson Park Monday afternoon against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters.

However, due to Northwoods League rules, that is not a walk-off at-bat. Due to the home and home, on-day doubleheader between the two teams, a curfew was established so the second game, which will be played tonight at Witter Field in Wisconsin Rapids, could start on time. An email from league vice president of operations Glen Showalter states the following:

1)      A curfew time will be established by the home team for the first game, prior to the game start.

2)      The curfew time will be such that it allows the teams to get to the next game 1.5 hours before that game start time.

3)      No inning should be started after this curfew time.

4)      The game will be suspended at this point in order to keep the second game on track.

5)      The suspended game will be finished at this same location, on the day of the first home game between these two teams, following the suspension.

6)      The suspended game should be finished before that day’s scheduled game is played. 

This means the Express and Rafters will resume the game prior to the 7:05 p.m. contest on July 30 at Carson Park between the same two teams. As it stands right now, the Express are still hitting in the bottom of the eighth with the bases loaded. Brian Mundell, who homered in the bottom of the sixth to tie it at three along with an RBI groundout in the second on Monday, will be up to bat. Daniel Salters, Tyler Hermann and Turbin will be on the bases.

Eann Cox pitched five innings on the mound for the Express and gave up two runs while striking out six.

Ian Doughty takes the mound in game two tonight in Wisconsin Rapids. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.