Eau Claire can only muster two hits in second half opener
The Eau Claire Express would get a lead-off home run from second baseman Sam Hurt to start Wednesday’s ball game but not much more as they fell 3-1 to the Willmar Stingers at Bill Taunton Stadium to begin the second half of Northwoods League play.
After Hurt’s home run the Express would only get one more hit, a single from catcher Daulton Varsho in the fourth inning. The rest of the lineup would go hitless for the rest of the game.
Despite the lack of offense the score was tied 1-1 until the bottom of the sixth inning when the Stingers were able to plate the eventual winning run.
Austin Schulfer started for Eau Claire and pitched 5.0 innings giving up 4 hits and 2 earned runs. Anthony Herron Jr. came in for 3.0 innings of relief and gave up 1 run on 1 hit and 1 walk.
The Express have a chance at a rematch with game two of the series tomorrow night at Willmar, first pitch set for 7:05. After that, the Express return home for a six game home stand over the holiday weekend. Friday’s game is sponsored by Geno’s Pizza where first pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.