Eau Claire, Wis. – The Eau Claire Express (4-6) lost at Carson Park in the eleventh inning to the Bismarck Larks (6-4) by a score of 3-1. The Eau Claire faithful excitedly cheered on the home team as extra innings neared, but the Express could not pull out the win.
The bats from both teams were quiet tonight. Express starter Andrew Dean (Illinois-Springfield) had a solid outing. He went seven innings, giving up four hits, walking two, and striking out four. An unearned run would cross home plate while Dean was on the mound. Andrew Lee (Century CC) entered in relief in the 8th inning. Lee would go seven innings and give up two hits.
Spencer Myers (Notre Dame) scored the only Express run in the bottom of the third after reaching on a fielder’s choice followed by a wild pitch, stolen base, and a second wild pitch. Phillip Sikes (New Mexico) was the only Express with multiple hits. The right fielder went two for five at the plate.
Eau Claire had an opportunity to win the game in the bottom of the 9th. Zach Gilles (Central Michigan) advanced to first on a single. Showing speed, he would steal second and advance to third on an error by the Larks’ shortstop. However, a play at the plate did not go the Express’ way. Gilles would be put out on a tag by the catcher from Bismarck.
The Larks took the lead in the top of the 11th. Tanner Halvorson (Indian Hills CC) was on the mound for the Express. Brandon Barna led off the inning with a single. Matthew Warkentin would follow with a single that advanced Barna to third. A sacrifice fly by Jacob Nesbit would give the Larks a 2-1 lead. The next batter, Dylan Rock would hit his own sacrifice fly to score Warkentin and bring the Bismarck lead to 3-1. Eau Claire went quickly and quietly in the bottom of the 11th to end the game.
The Express are back in action tomorrow evening against the Larks with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm. Bucket Ruckus will be at Carson Park, sponsored by WESTconsin Credit Union. There will also be fireworks after the game!
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.