Eau Claire, WI – Under sunny skies at Carson Park, the Eau Claire Express got back on track in a big way, defeating the Minnesota Mud Puppies by a final score of 18-9.
The Express’ bats lead the way for Eau Claire tonight, as the offense combined for a whopping 15 hits, pushing across 18 runs in a dominant performance. The hit party began in the first three frames, when Eau Claire was able to get started in the first by a Jake Busson (Iowa Central CC) grand slam, followed by a two-run second thanks to a Brady Reynolds (Stanford) RBI single. The Express put up a four-spot third inning thanks to Evan Gustafson (North Dakota State) and Brigs Richartz (St. Thomas) RBI doubles to extend their lead to 10-4.
The Mud Puppies hung around for a while, as they eventually made it a three run ball game in the top of the sixth, but a six-run bottom half sealed this one for Eau Claire. A Brady Blake (Kansas) two-run home run, as well as some manufactured runs propelled the Express to a 16-7 lead, which would lead to an 18-9 final score in this contest.
The two teams combined for a staggering 15 arms used in tonights contest. Matthew Hoskins (Georgia) got the start for Eau Claire, as he threw two innings, allowing three earned runs while striking out a batter. Gavyn Bowen (Florida- Manatee) picked up the win (1-2), while Jake Ammann (Sioux Falls) took the loss for the Mud Puppies (0-1).
The Express get a well-deserved two day break, in which they will pick back up at home Tuesday, July 7th at Carson Park against the Rochester Honkers. First pitch is set for 6:35pm CT.
https://scorebook.northwoodsleague.com/update/4314/statistics/stats/home/pitching
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.