Eau Claire loses lead in eighth inning to drop fifth straight game
The Eau Claire Express fell again tonight in a tough game against the Willmar Stingers. The Stingers scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to take the lead and the series from Eau Claire by a score of 6-5.
Down 2-0 entering the seventh inning the Express put their first two runs on the board and tied the game after a 2-run double from second baseman Kyle Marinconz.
Then in the top of the eighth inning the Express would take the lead after a solo shot from shortstop Brandon Gibis, his first home run of the season.
However the bottom of the eighth would prove to be turmoil for the Express after giving up 4 runs on 5 hits to fall behind to the Stingers 6-3.
Bryce Hensley got the start for the Express and earned a no decision giving up 2 runs on 4 hits in 6 innings pitched. Trent Shelton was hung with the loss giving up 3 runs on 3 hits in 1.1 innings pitched.
The Express would add two runs in the top of the ninth inning from a Daulton Varsho home run but the game would end with the Express one run shy of victory.
The Express end the first half of the Northwoods League season tomorrow on the road with a double header against the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters. Game one is set for 12:05 p.m. and game two will follow, set for 7:05 p.m.
Listen to all home and away Express games live on Mix 98.1 radio and online. The Express return home for a series against the Willmar Stingers July 3, just in time for the holiday weekend. That game is sponsored by Geno’s Pizza.