Eau Claire, Wis. – The Eau Claire Express (1-1) fell to the Rochester Honkers (1-1) in today’s match-up. Errors were too much for the Express to overcome, losing with a final score of 8-5. The game also featured an hour long rain delay during the bottom of the fourth inning.
The Express got out to an early lead in the top of the first, scoring one run on one hit. Spencer Myers (Notre Dame) led off with a single to right field. A stolen base and passed ball put him in position for Devon Garcia (Ohio) to drive him in. Eau Claire’s offense would come back in the top of the fourth, scoring three. Nic Ready (Air Force) and Devon Garcia would score on an error. Phillip Sikes’ sac fly to left would drive in one more. The highlight of the night was Devon Garcia’s solo shot in the top of the sixth inning.
The Express defense struggled throughout the game. Two errors allowed two Honkers to cross home plate in the bottom of the third. Continuing on to the 4th, another Honker would score on an Express Error. In the bottom of the seventh, a run scored on a passed ball would seal the deal for Rochester.
Josh Gaworski (Concordia – St. Paul) started on the mound for the Express, going 3.2 innings, allowing three runs on two hits and three walks. The rain delay would end his night. Gaworski was relieved by Reagan MacDonald (Dallas Baptist) who threw 3 innings while giving up two runs on two hits. Andrew Lee (Century CC) was the final Express to pitch, surrendering three runs on three hits. He would receive the loss. The pitching staff recorded a total of 11 strikeouts.
Zak Devermann started for the Honkers, only recording two innings of work. Joshua Ibarra came in before the fourth inning and stayed for two innings. The real start on the Honkers’ staff was Chad Tworek, giving up one earned run on three hits and struck out ten. After throwing the final five innings, Tworek would earn the win.
The Express continue to La Crosse to take on the Loggers for one game tomorrow night 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.