Eau Claire, WI – The Eau Claire Express (10-15) defeated the Rochester Honkers (13-12) by a score of 6-4 on Saturday thanks to a four run seventh inning. The Express offense and defense shined on a beautiful night at Carson Park.
Eau Claire jumped on the board first in the bottom of the 1st inning. Garrett Gouldsmith (New Mexico) singled and advanced to second after Scott Ogrin (Cal Poly) walked. Nick Brueser (Stanford) moved Gouldsmith to third and he would score on a wild pitch. The Express would again score in the 5th inning. Tommy Gillman (Midland JC) lead off with a single, advanced on a sac bunt by Devin Garcia (Ohio) and crossed home on another wild pitch. Scott Ogrin powered the Express to a big 7th inning, blasting a three run shot over the left field wall to put Eau Claire up 5-4. Later in the inning, Nick Brueser doubled and would score on two wild pitches.
Devon Garcia (Ohio) made an incredible diving catch in the top of the 6th inning to take away an extra base hit from Rochester. The play caught the attention of ESPN and was #6 on the night’s SportsCenter Top 10.
Jake Harrison (UT-San Antonio) got the start for Eau Claire. He went two innings, allowing two runs on a hit and a walk. Carson Rudd (Stanford) would enter for three innings and give up one run on one hit. Noah Sifrit (Oklahoma State) would receive the win, tossing two innings while limiting the Honkers to one run. Isaiah Davis (Fresno State) and Colton Hale (Illinois-Springfield) would both throw scoreless innings. Hale would earn the save.
Eau Claire will travel to Rochester to play the Honkers tomorrow, Sunday, June 16th. They will then head to Duluth for one game on Monday. They will 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.
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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.