Box Score

Eau Claire, Wis. – It was an absolute shootout at Wade Stadium as the Eau Claire Express (1-5) dropped a close one to the Duluth Huskies (2-4).

Eau Claire starter, Justin Revels (Illinois-Springfield), pitched five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out five and walking three. Tyler Strzelczyk (MATC) and Colton Hale (Illinois-Springfield) would work out of the bullpen, allowing a combined five runs on six hits.

The Express jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the 2^nd inning. Zac Stange (Winona State) stole second base, allowing Adam Krajewski (St. Thomas) to score from third base. However, Duluth would quickly respond, scoring two runs in the bottom of the frame. The Huskies would add another run in the bottom of the third on a John Lagattuta RBI single.

Nic Ready (Air Force) absolutely crushed a ball to left for a two run home run in the top of the 5^th inning, tying the Huskies at 3-3. This tie would last one inning before Duluth’s Cade Edwards would drive in General McArthur in the bottom of the 6^th.

The 7^th inning was a big one for the Express. Devon Garcia (Ohio) hit a 2 RBI double and Phillip Sikes (New Mexico) would drive Garcia in with his own RBI double in the very next at bat. The final Express run of the inning came on a Tommy Gillman (Midland JC) RBI single. The Express would remain in the lead until the bottom of the 9^th inning when Duluth’s Augie Isaacson would hit a two out, 3 RBI double to walk it off.

The major highlight of the game today was Nic Ready. The Express first baseman had an incredible game, going 5-5 with a home run, double, three singles, two RBIs, and two runs scored.  He would be awarded with Northwoods League Player of the Night honors.

The Express will travel to Thunder Bay for two games before returning home for a 6:35 pm first pitch on Wednesday, June 6^th, against the Bismark Larks. It will be Buck Night at Carson Park. This includes $1 hot dogs, $1 small sodas, $1 domestic beer and $4 wine for the first three innings!