Eau Claire gives up early lead, can’t come back to finish home stand 3-4

Box Score – Virtual Game Day Program

He had been on fire as of late but tonight was not Dalton Roach’s night as the Express fell behind early to the Waterloo Bucks on their way to a 6-2 loss at Carson Park.

Roach pitched 3 innings and gave up 5 hits and 4 runs, however only 2 of them were earned as Waterloo put up 4 runs in the first three innings of the game.

“He struggled a little bit, I don’t think he spotted up the way he wanted and just left the ball over the plate,” said Express Field Manager Dale Varsho. “I think there was only 2 earned runs but overall he didn’t have his stuff tonight. It happens.”

At the plate the Express smacked 7 hits, but most of them came when it was too late. With the score 4-0 in the sixth inning second basemen Sam Hurt ripped an RBI single to left to finally put the Express on the board and bring Eau Claire within striking distance.

Waterloo would add two more runs in the top of the ninth however to go up 6-1 which virtually put the game out of reach. In their last at bat the Express rally saw an RBI single from catcher Nathan Krause but it would end there with a final of 6-2.

Cameron Cotton was a bright spot for the Express who came in for relief and pitched 5 scoreless innings, only allowing 2 hits. It was his second appearance of the season where he has yet to allow a run. He said he is just excited to be on the mound.

“I haven’t had a whole lot of innings in the last two years because my freshman year I had tommy john surgery,” said Cotton. “I’m just happy to get innings, see the mound and see live hitters and stuff.”

There is still plenty of baseball to play this season and Cotton said he is ready to contribute.

“Just trying to put up some donuts,” said Cotton. “The less amount of runs that I can allow gives us a better chance to win.”

The Express end the home stand with a 3-4 record. Their overall record now falls to 12-17 as they begin an eight game road trip to conclude the first half of the Northwoods League season.

“It seems like we go through waves where everyone is a little more intense or a little more relaxed,” said Cotton. “We just got to find that sweet spot between it that will carry us.”

The Express begin their road trip heading to St. Cloud for a two game series against the Rox. First pitch tomorrow is set for 7:05 p.m. The team returns home July 3, just in time for the holiday weekend. Listen to all home and away Express games on Mix 98.1 radio or online.