Thunder Bay, Ont. –  The Express could not get the job done up North this Saturday night as they lost to the Thunder Bay Border Cats to the tune of 2-4.

In a cool 65°F Game in Thunder Bay, the Express sent their 6’2” Right Handed Pitcher Spencer Wright (MSU Mankato) to the mound first, where he cruised through 5 innings largely unscathed. On the night he gave up 5 hits with only 1 run, coming in the 5th. He also fanned 4 Border Cats in his start, making for a quality start.

Things looked good offensively for the Eau Claire squad early in the game, as Rayth Petersen (UIC) was plunked, and moved around the bases on a Ryan Nagelbach (UIC) single. He then tagged up to come home on a Bronson Rivera (Hawaii) flyout to left field, scoring the Express’ first run of the game, and the only of that inning.

Things slowed for both teams until the 5th when both Thunder Bay and Eau Claire scored a run on their halves of the inning.

Things were evenly matched in the field, as neither team recorded an error on the night, leading to a slew of scoreless innings. This trend continued until the bottom of the 7th, when the Border Cats loaded the bases up on walks and a hit. Eau Claire’s Michael Trausch (Central Arizona) then walked in 3 batters in a row, before reaching his inning maximum, giving way to Tyler Schmitt (UW-La Crosse).

Schmitt, making his 2023 Express debut finished off the night for the team, and didn’t allow any more runs. Unfortunately for the visiting team though, they were not able to add any more runs, and their final score remained at 2.

The Express will have a chance to split the short series with the Border Cats in their game tomorrow afternoon. It will again be held at Port Arthur Stadium in Thunder Bay, and first pitch will come at 1:35 p.m. ET.

Boxscore

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The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Entering its’ 30th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 24 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, 325 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live for FREE via the Northwoods League website at watchnwl.com as well as select games on ESPN+ and ESPNU. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.