Early Runs Lead to Express Victory

Eau Claire, WI – The Eau Claire Express (3-2) traveled to Mayo Field on Sunday afternoon to take on the Rochester Honkers (1-4) in the first game of a home and home series. Early runs and strong starting pitching were key in Eau Claire’s 6-5 victory over Rochester.

The Express were the first on the board, scoring two runs in the top of the 2^nd inning. David LaManna (Notre Dame) led off with a walk and Cody Milligan (Oklahoma State) was hit by a pitch. Andrew Pratt (Lubbock Christian) hit an RBI single to right field, scoring LaManna and advancing Milligan to second base. Devon Garcia (Ohio) walked to load the bases. Noah Sifrit (Oklahoma State) followed with a fielder’s choice and Milligan would score on the play.

Four runs would cross home in the top of the 4^th inning. Noah Sifrit hit his first home run of the season, a two-run shot to left field that would tie the ballgame at 4-4. The Express would later take the lead on another home run. This time it was Nick Brueser (Stanford) with the two-run blast to left. The right fielder has hit three home runs in his last two games.

On the mound was the Express ace, Justin Slaten (New Mexico). The sophomore threw 5 innings and gave up four runs, two earned, on six hits and two walks. Still at the top of the Northwoods League strikeout leaderboard, Slaten recorded six on the day to bring his total to 52 on the season. Slaten also leads the league with a 1.11 ERA. Reagan MacDonald (Dallas Baptist) entered for the 6^th and 7^th innings. The 6’8 lefty allowed one run off one hit and two walks. Colton Hale (Illinois Springfield) pitched a scoreless 8^th inning, striking out two Honkers. Phillip Sikes (New Mexico) sat down the Rochester Honkers in the 9^th inning to earn his 7^th save of the season.

Eau Claire will be back in town on Monday, July 9th, for a 6:35 pm first pitch. Join us for Bark in the Park, presented by emBARK! Enjoy the baseball game alongside your furry friend. Dog bandanas will be given away to fans. Fans will also be able to receive a complimentary chair massage from Paradise Massage while taking in an Express 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.