Eau Claire, Wis. – The Eau Claire Express (1-0) beat the Rochester Honkers (0-1) tonight by a score of 7-1. The Express offense and starting pitching was the key to the victory on the road.

Starting pitcher Justin Slaten (New Mexico) pitched a gem tonight as he did not surrender an earned run. He struck out six across 6 innings while earning the win. Colton Hale (Illinois-Springfield) came in relief for Slaten in the 7^th inning. Recording five strikeouts in 3 innings, Hale was rewarded with the save. The only Honker run came when Alex Baeza crossed home plate after two passed balls.

The Express bats were ready to get cracking. Eau Claire scored seven runs off of 12 hits. Nic Ready (Air Force) was 2-3 with 2 RBIs and one run scored. Spencer Myers (Notre Dame) went 2-5 while scoring twice. The team’s first extra base hit came on a two out double by Devon Garcia that plated a run. The Express offense was consistent, taking the lead in the top of the first and scoring in 5 different innings.

The Express will close the series against the Honkers tomorrow at 7:05 pm.  They continue to La Crosse to take on the Loggers for one game before opening their home schedule at Carson Park on Friday, June 1 versus the La Crosse Loggers. First pitch of the home opener is set at 7:05 p.m. and the game will be followed with a fireworks show.

Season tickets and 5-Game Packs are on sale now. 5-Game Packs include a reserved seat, Express jersey, Express hat, Express mug, and unlimited food and beverage for $70. Click here to purchase your 5-Game Pack online and we will contact you about your seats. You can also call us at (715)839-7788.  Jersey sizes will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

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The Eau Claire Express are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players: the Northwoods League. Entering its 25th anniversary season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 20 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 190 former Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist (CHC) and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (BOS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET) and Curtis Granderson (TOR).  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 or on Google Play and set the Express as your favorite team.