Eau Claire bats outhit once again

Box Score – Virtual Game Day Program

The Eau Claire Express took on the Mankato MoonDogs at Carson Park for the first time this season tonight, but had no welcome party to show for. The Express only managed 2 runs on 7 hits and dropped the game by a score of 5-2.

Austin Schulfer started for the Express and pitched 5 innings giving up 4 runs on 7 hits. Express field manager Dale Varsho said he knew right away Schulfer didn’t have his best stuff working for him tonight.

“He’ll probably tell you he didn’t have his best game,” said Varsho. “We knew by the 2^nd inning that he couldn’t hit his spots.”

The Express jumped out to an early lead with an RBI single from centerfielder Brady Burzynski in the bottom of the third inning. But the MoonDogs grabbed the lead away from them right away with a three-run fourth inning.

Second baseman Sam Hurt and Burzynski accounted for 4 of Eau Claire’s 7 hits. Varsho said his offensive flexibility has been limited by how the team has been playing lately.

“We’re trying (to manufacture runs) but it’s tough when you’re down runs all the time,” said Varsho. “I’d love to get hit and runs on and let them do stuff but when you’re down you don’t wanna run yourself out of innings.”

The Express now fall to 9-15 on the season and have lost three games in a row. They look to get back on track tomorrow in the final of a two game series against the Mankato MoonDogs.

“We just got to keep on pumping along and get on a win streak here,” said Varsho.

First pitch for tomorrow’s game is set for 6:35 p.m. and is sponsored by Metropolis Resort.