Eau Claire, WI – On a beautiful afternoon in Rochester, Minnesota, the Eau Claire Express (11-15) rallied for a comeback victory to beat the Rochester Honkers (13-13) by a score of 5-2.
The Express offense waited until the middle of the game to break out. Noah Sifrit (Oklahoma) began the 5th inning with a single to centerfield. He moved around the bases thanks to a sac bunt by Spencer Myers (Notre Dame) and scored on an error committed by the Honkers’ third baseman. Eau Claire added two more runs in the 8th inning. Davis LaManna (Notre Dame) started with a walk and advanced to second on a single hit by Andrew Pratt (Lubbock Christian). Cody Milligan (Oklahoma State) would lay a beautiful bunt down the third base line and get a single on the play, loading the bases. LaManna scored on a double play turned by the Honkers and Pratt ran into home on a double steal. The 9th inning was highlighted by a two run home run hit by Scott Ogrin (Cal Poly) to put the Express up 5-2. The second baseman now has four home runs in his six games wearing the Eau Claire burnt orange.
Josh Gaworski (Concordia-St. Paul) got the start for the Express, throwing five innings and giving up two runs (one earned) on one hit and four walks. He struck out eight Honkers. Tyler Strzelczyk (MATC) came in to pitch 2.2 innings, only allowing one hit and would receive the win. Phillip Sikes (New Mexico) was once again dominate and earned the save, going 1.1 innings and striking out three.
Eau Claire will head to Duluth for one game on Monday, June 25th. They return home to Carson Park on Tuesday, June 26th for a 6:35 pm first pitch. It is Foam Finger Giveaway Night! Game presented by Merrick Hand Surgery. Foam fingers will be given away to fans. For only $12, fans 55+ can take in a game at Carson Park and receive a hot dog and soda with their ticket.
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.
###
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.