Eau Claire, WI – On the second game of a hot and humid doubleheader, the Eau Claire Express. were shutout by the Duluth Huskies by a final score of 4-0.
This game was filled with odd calls and random stoppages, as the game was delayed a couple of minutes due to Duluth’s starting pitcher Jackson Smith (Central Michigan) was signaled to remove his shooter sleeve from his arm before he could begin his start. The game remained scoreless through the first two innings, and would be delayed once again as Duluth manager Marcus Pointer requested a substance check on Eau Claire starter Ryan Speshyock (Stanford), who was quickly cleared. Duluth would jump ahead 2-0 after three innings of play.
Heading into the top of the fifth inning is where the madness ensued, when Husky batter Josh Duarte (Georgetown) would lose his bat on a swing that would go flying into the third base side grandstands. It would be a ten minute standoff between the fans, the Duluth players, and the umpires, but the bat would finally be returned to play, even though Duarte finished his at bat with a different bat. That was not the end of the chaos, as the following half inning Reggie Bussey (Ohio State) would be ejected from the game after heading to first base on a hit by pitch. He would be replaced by Colton Wemhoff (Kansas).
The Express offense was kept in check for the remainder of this contest, only tallying two hits by Brigs Richartz (St. Thomas) and Gabe Richardson (Minnesota- Duluth). The Trains were given seven free bases but would not be able to push across a single run.
Ryan Speshyock got the start for Eau Claire, pitching five innings, allowing three runs on four hits, while striking out eight batters, taking the loss (1-1). Jackson Smith (Georgetown) recieved the win (3-1), and there was no save situation in tonights contest.
The Express hit the road tomorrow, looking to get back on track against the Duluth Huskies. First pitch is set for 6:35pm CT at Wade Stadium.
https://scorebook.northwoodsleague.com/update/4390/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.