Eau Claire, Wis. – The Eau Claire Express (2-5) entered play today on a 5-game losing streak and looked to today’s evening game against Thunder Bay (2-5) as a chance to snap that. The Express did so, defeating the Border Cats by a score of 3-1.
Express starter Jake Harrison (UT-San Antonio) cruised through seven innings, recording seven strikeouts and giving up just one earned run on six hits and one walk. The lone run would come off a Garrett Saunders sac fly to right that would allow Thunder Bay’s Nick Conti to score. Reagan MacDonald (Dallas Baptist) would relieve Harrison. The Border Cats threatened in the bottom of the ninth and Express fans could not help but think about yesterday’s similar situation and heartbreaking loss to Duluth. However, MacDonald shut the curtain on Trent Athmann with the bases loaded to secure the win. MacDonald did not allow a hit or run in two innings and struck out four during his time on the mound. The tall lefty would earn the win.
Eau Claire would score first on a Jordan Wilson (UW-Stout) RBI walk in the second inning, with David LaManna (Notre Dame) crossing home plate. The Express scored two essential runs in the top of the ninth. Spencer Myers (Notre Dame) got things started with a single and was advanced by Tommy Gillman (Midland JC). Myers would score on a Nic Ready sacrifice fly to centerfield and Tommy Gillman would slide into home later in the inning after a passed ball. Spencer Myers had a great night at the plate, going 4-5 with one run scored.
The Express will finish the series in Thunder Bay tomorrow morning before returning home for a 6:35 pm first pitch on Wednesday, June 6th, 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!
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. Now in 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.