Rochester, MN – Thanks to timely hits and strong pitching performances, the Express got back in the win column, defeating the Rochester Honkers 4-3.

The Honkers got out to an early 3-0 lead, thanks to home runs from Mattie Thomas (San Fransisco) and Ryan Tiger (Rogers State). After the first, the Express’ pitching held strong and did not allow another run for the remainder of the game.

Evan Esch (St. Thomas) had a solid outing, throwing for 5 innings, only allowing 3 runs and striking out 4, and came out with the win (1-0). Drew Whalen (Western Kentucky) was lights out, as he threw for 4 innings, striking out 8 batters and only allowing 1 hit. He picked up the save for the Express, while also winning pitcher of the night for the Northwoods League.

Gabe Richardson (Minnesota – Duluth) was clutch at the plate, finishing with 4 RBI’s. He started off with a sacrifice fly in the top of the 3rd inning, while hitting a go-ahead 3 run homerun in the top of the 5th.

The Express head back home tomorrow, looking to sweep the series against Rochester. First pitch is set for 6:35 pm.

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. Entering its’ 31^st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 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 350 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 (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (STL) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, 2021 and 2023 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and two-time All-MLB first team 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.