Eau Claire, Wis. – The Eau Claire Express (4-5) defeated the Bismarck Larks (5-4) 4-1 in the first game of a four game series. Express starter, Justin Slaten (New Mexico), shut the Larks down with a very dominating performance.
Slaten pitched a gem going 8.0 innings, allowing no runs and giving up only one hit. The big righty struck out thirteen Bismarck batters and did not issue a walk. The one hit Slaten gave up was a single by Cristian Montes. Colton Hale (Illinois-Springfield) would come in out of the bullpen to throw the 9th inning. He gave up one earned run on two hits. The stellar pitching staff was the key to the Express win.
The Express had big offensive nights from David LaManna (Notre Dame) and Garrett Gouldsmith (New Mexico). LaManna went 2-4 with a double and his first home run of the season. Gouldsmith decided to jump in on the fun and finished 2-3, driving in one run.
Eau Claire also shined defensively. Tommy Gillman (Midland JC) made several difficult plays at third base, showing off a very strong arm. Garrett Gouldsmith made the final out of the game, leaping as high as he could to snag a line drive.
The Express host the Larks again tomorrow evening at 6:35 pm. It is Double Your Pleasure Night with a T-Shirt giveaway and Thirsty Thursday! All twins get BOGO general admission tickets! There will be specials at the concession stand after every double hit by the Express. We will also have fun and creative double food items available. Fans will receive a free T-shirt, while supplies last. PLUS, we’ll have $2 16oz beer and 24 oz soda special until the end of the third innings. We hope to see you at this can’t miss night!
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.