Eau Claire, WI – The Express returned to form with a win over the Minot Hot Tots at Carson Park this Monday night. The Express got the better of the Tots, winning 5-2.

Good pitching was the name of the game for the victorious squad. They were given a boost when starter Isaiah Katz (UW-La Crosse) went a strong 5 innings, giving up just 1 unearned run on 5 hits and 7 strikeouts. This mound dominance earned him “Player of the Game” honors here at the ballpark.

Katz’s relief did not disappoint, as subsequent pitchers Daniel Rosado (Lewis), Rayth Petersen (UIC) , and Ethan Louthan (Iowa Western) all combined to allow just 1 more run. Unlikely heroics started when usual-infielder Petersen came in to close in the top of the 9th inning. He recorded one strikeout, before giving way to Louthan, who got the final two.

The bats continued to produce throughout this game, as the Express were helped out by several gritty players. Reed Latimer (UAB) led the team in the average category, going 3-4 on the night, and scoring 2 runs. Ryan Nagelbach (UIC) was the leader when it came to RBI, as he drove in 3 on a 4th-inning home run. This 3-run blast was his 9th of the year, which puts him at 2nd overall in the Northwoods League.

Despite having 3 early errors in the field, the Express were clicking. This team showed resilience, as they found their footing through the later innings of the ballgame. With a 5-1 lead in the 4th, the Express put up the ‘Stop’ sign on the Hot Tots, as they only allowed 1 more run.

At times in the late game, it looked as though Minot might try to sneak their way back into contention, but the Trains wouldn’t let that happen on their watch.

They will look to carry this winning mentality into their next game. They will have the day off tomorrow, but the two teams will be back in. action Wednesday night in another matchup at Carson Park. First pitch will come at 6:35 pm CT, and the theme for the game will be Christmas in July. Be sure to come out to the ballpark to take part in the fun-filled holiday festivities!

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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’ 30^th 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.