Willmar, MN – The Eau Claire Express (16-12) could not comeback against the Willmar Stingers (15-14) on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. After falling behind early, the Express loaded the bases in the top of the 9th. They could not get a runner to score as Eau Claire fell to Willmar by a final of 4-1.
Lakeland University Postgame Recap
Willmar jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after two runs scored in the bottom of the 1st inning. The Stingers plated these runs on double and an RBI single.
The Express cut the Stinger lead to 2-1 in the top of the 3rd inning. Sam Kohnle (Winona State) started with a double. Kohnle advanced to third and came around to score on an error by Willmar’s second baseman.
The Stingers added two more runs in the bottom of the 7ht inning on two Express errors and an RBI single to go up 4-1.
Eau Claire threatened in the top of the 9th inning by loading the bases. Alec Trela (Memphis) walked, Nick Marinconz (Cal Poly) reached on a fielder’s choice, and Brandon Dieter (Stanford) singled. However, a double play in the next at bat ended the inning and the Express threat.
Nick Alvarado (Illinois-Springfield) took the loss after going 5.0 innings and giving up two runs on four hits and five walks. Kuster Kinlecheenie (Montevallo) entered for 2.0 innings, allowing two unearned runs. Alec Baker (Dallas Baptist) pitched a scoreless 9th and struck out a batter.
The Express return home to Carson Park on Monday, August 5th for a 6:35 pm first pitch. It’s Bus’ting at the Seams School Supply Drive night! School is almost back in session and Student Transit want you to help them fill the bus with supplies for area schools. Check out our social media for a chance to uncover a special discount at tonight’s game.
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The Eau Claire Express are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The 25-year old summer collegiate league is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 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, over 200 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 (MIA). 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.