Eau Claire, Wis.— Two Express players were selected to the 2016 Northwoods League Postseason All-Star team for outstanding performances throughout the 2016 regular season. Daulton Varsho and Caleb Boushley have made a tremendous impact on the playoff-bound Express this entire year, each player leading the league
Varsho has had the best offensive season in Express history, setting new franchise single season records in RBI’s, home runs, and walks. Varsho has consistently been the number three hitter in his uncle Dale’s starting line-up, producing clutch runs throughout the season to spark the dominant Express offense. Varsho has played catcher, right field, left field, and third base this season, displaying his speed, versatility, and arm strength in the field.
The UW-Milwaukee product leads the team in runs scored (50), home runs (14), RBI’s (60), stolen bases (26), hits (75), doubles (15), games played (62), at bats (237), and walks (44). Varsho was at the core of the first half title for the Express, and will play a vital role in the playoff success of the Express starting tomorrow night.
Caleb Boushley has been dominant on the mound for the Express this season, combining elite control, blistering speed, and a mix of quality pitches to baffle hitters throughout the Northwoods League in 2016. Boushley holds an 8-2 overall record this season, the highest win total in the NWL this season.
Boushley’s most impressive stretch came in late June, when he pitched 18 consecutive innings without allowing a run, including two shut out victories. Boushley pitched five starts this season without giving up a run, highlighted by his best game of the regular season against the Willmar Stingers on August 8th. In the victory, Boushley pitched an eight-inning shut out.
Perhaps his most impressive statistic this season has been his lack of walks issued to opposing batters. The right-hander from UW-La Crosse has walked just seven batters this season in 61 innings pitched. Boushley has a 2.95 ERA in 10 starts with 47 strikeouts and a .249 opponent batting average.
Both Boushley and Varsho were selected to play at the 2016 Northwoods League All-Star Game in Kenosha, Wisconsin earlier in July.
Joining Varsho and Boushley with a postseason accolade is broadcaster Pete Knutson, who was named Co-Announcer of the Year for the 2016 season.
Congratulations to Varsho, Boushley, Knutson, and the entire Express team and coaching staff for an excellent 2016 regular season. The Express will play either the St. Cloud Rox or Mankato MoonDogs on Monday night at 6:35 p.m. at Carson Park, hoping to advance further in the postseason.
The full press release is available here:
The Eau Claire Express have won the Northwoods League North Division and have earned a trip to the playoffs for the first time since winning the Northwoods League Championship in 2010. They will host a playoff game at Carson Park on Monday August 15th 6:35pm. Group and individual game tickets are on sale now! Season tickets and single-game tickets for the regular season are also on sale now for Express home games. All tickets can be purchased by calling the Express office at 715-839-7788 or by stopping at the downtown office at 102 E. Grand Ave.
The Eau Claire Express are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 23rd season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 150 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.eauclaireexpress.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store and set the Express as your favorite team.