The Eau Claire Express gave up 3 runs in the first inning and could never catch up as the Thunder Bay Border Cats won 4-3 and took the first game of the series at Port Arthur Stadium.
Jamison Steege started on the mound for the Expres and went 4.1 innings giving up 4 runs on 5 hits. He was tabbed with the loss as the Express would never gain the lead.
Shortstop Irving Lopez had a great day at the plate going 2 for 4 including a double and a 2 run home run in the top of the sixth inning. The home run was his first of the season.
Hayden Krimmer came in for relief and pitched a scoreless 3.2 innings giving up only 3 hits.
Third baseman Brett Blackwood had the only other Express hit as he went 1 for 3.
The Express take on the Border Cats again tonight at 7:05 p.m. Griffin Jax is scheduled to make his second start of the season for Eau Claire.
Listen to all games live on Mix 98.1 radio and online. The Express return home on June 7 to take on the first place Waterloo Bucks. That game at Carson Park is sponsored by Regis Catholic Schools where the first 250 fans in attendance will receive a free baseball pen.