Rochester, MN – The Express began their 2-game series against Honkers with a 2-6 loss in Rochester.
The Express struck first in this contest, when Cort MacDonald (Stanford) shot a Triple over the head of the centerfielder. This scored baserunner Nate Witte (UW-La Crosse) from 3rd, giving Eau Claire its first run on the night.
The Honkers were up to the challenge though, as they spat back with 4 runs of their own in the bottom of the same inning. Rochester went on to score another run in each of the 2 consecutive innings.
Eau Claire’s pitching rotation only included 2 arms on the night, as Freddy Rodriguez (Cal Poly) started the night, before giving way to Daniel Rosado (Lewis) in the bottom of the 6th. Together the pair combined for 2 earned runs, and 8 strikeouts. Rochester’s 4 unearned runs proved to be the Trains’ Kryptonite though, as they put the Honkers up for good.
The Express managed to add another run in the top of the 7th inning, as Dallan Quigley (NDSU) came home on an unearned run. However, this was too little too late, as Rochester would go on to win the ballgame.
The two teams will be back in action tomorrow in a Sunday afternoon game at Carson Park. First pitch will come at 2:05 om CT, and the game will be presented by Visit Eau Claire. Come on out to the ballpark for a Sunday Fun Day of baseball!
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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 Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Now in 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, over 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). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. 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.