Eau Claire, WI – The Eau Claire Express are red hot at home and it seems that almost no one can stop them. Trevor Haskins (Stanford) walked off the Rochester Honkers in the 9th as the Express improved to 22-5 at home.

Eau Claire would strike first in this one, scoring two in the first inning off of two costly errors by the Honkers’ defense. Rochester would punch back in the 3rd though as Carson Stevens (Cal Poly) knocked a two-RBI single up the middle to tie things up at two. They would add another run in the 4th frame after Reed Latimer (Montevallo) misplayed a ball in right field to set up an RBI groundout from Alex Pimentel (Long Beach State). The first long ball of the game would come off the bat of the Express’ Max Coupe (Skyline College) who launched a solo shot over the left field fence to make it a tie game after five innings. There would be no more scoring until the bottom of the ninth when Haskins dumped a single down the right field line to bring in the game-winning run.

Express’ Cory Ronan (Hawaii) made his first start of the season and pitched well, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits while striking out five in five frames of work. Luke Trahan (Dallas Baptist) was nearly perfect in relief, giving up just one hit and punching out three in three innings. Jared Lessman (Iowa Western CC) threw a perfect ninth and earned the win.

The Express offense was fairly quiet on Saturday night, but Haskins finished 2-3 and reached base four times. Coupe also finished with two hits including his solo home run which was his first of the season.

Eau Claire travels to Rochester tomorrow for the second part of this home-and-home series as they look to get the sweep.

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The Eau Claire Express is a member of the Northwoods League, the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players. The Northwoods League is the largest organized collegiate baseball league in the world, with 22 teams. With its friendly ballpark settings and high level of competition, it draws significantly more fans than any other league of its kind. All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.eauclaireexpress.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. You can also download the Northwoods League Mobile App and set the Express as your favorite team.