After only scoring 1 run in the past two games, the Eau Claire Express put together a complete win on Sunday afternoon defeating the Willmar Stingers 5-3 at Carson Park.
Brody Roding pitched his first game for the Express going 6 full innings giving up 3 runs, 2 of them earned, while collecting the win.
With the score tied 3-3, shortstop Irving Lopez hit a ground rule double down the right field line to lead off the 6th inning. Three batters later Tyler Jones launched a deep single to left field to score Lopez and give the Express the lead. They never looked back.
“We’ve been struggling for awhile but I think we’re getting better,” said Lopez. “The chemistry is getting better, the bats are starting to get alive. It was a great team win.”
Lopez went 2 for 3 with an RBI and two walks, including scoring the winning run.
Brett Blackwood joined the team last night and started at third base collecting 2 hits including a 2 RBI single in the first inning, his first at bat of the season. Considering the circumstances Varsho was impressed.
“Brett had a really good day for coming in late last night,” said Varsho. “He drove all the way here, I think it was 20 some hours. He’s got some juice in his bat.”
While the Express prepare to ship out for a 6 game road trip, Field Manager Dale Varsho knows this could be the perfect opportunity to turn the season around while its still young.
“I’m never happy about a six game road trip,” said Varsho. “But hopefully the guys bond and get to know one another and we can just play good baseball.”
The Express start the road trip on Monday where they will start it against the Alexandria Blue Anchors. They also take on the Thunder Bay Border Cats and the Duluth Huskies before heading back to Eau Claire in a week.
“This could be fun here,” said Varsho. “If we keep them here and keep them healthy, this could be fun.”
For more of the action check out today’s Virtual Gameday Guide.