Eau Claire, WI – On a humid night in Eau Claire, the Express collapsed late and dropped game one of the series by a score of 12-9.
It was the Express offense that got off to an immaculate start, in which they jumped out to an early 6-1 lead. Eau Claire hit for the cycle in the inning, including two home runs from Gabe Richardson (Minnesota- Duluth) and Dylan Knowles (Cal Poly). The Trains followed that with a two-run shot from Brigs Richartz (St. Thomas) in the second inning to go ahead 8-1.
That would be where the offense stalled, as the Trains were only able to grab one more run tonight. The Loggers broke free in the top of the fifth inning, where they were able to manufacture four runs across to bring the score to 8-5. La Crosse exploded for a seven run seventh inning, thanks to some walks, wild pitches, and timely hitting. The Express threatened in the bottom half of the ninth, loading the bases, but ultimately came up short.
The Express got a quality start from newcomer Ryan Speshyock (Stanford), who threw for three innings, allowing one run on two hits, while striking out six. However, this would not be enough, as the bullpen could not hang on to the lead. Kaden Taque (California) picked up the win (2-0), as he tossed three no hit innings along with five strikeouts. Brendan Strenke (Creighton) took the loss (1-1), and Reece Beuter (Iowa) picked up the save (1).
The Express look to bounce back tomorrow and split the series. First pitch is set for 6:35pm CT at Carson Park.
https://scorebook.northwoodsleague.com/update/4082/statistics/stats/home/batting/game
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’ 31st 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.