Eau Claire, WI – The Eau Claire Express opened up a two game homestand but were defeated in game 1 by the Waterloo Bucks by a final score of 8-3.
This game began as a pitchers duel, as both teams hitters were mowed down in the first three innings by starters Parker Guthrie (Washington- St. Louis) and Kevin Jaxel (Virginia). The Bucks broke the game open in the top of the fourth, pushing across three runs thanks to some classic small ball, with a couple of walks and timely singles to grab the lead. Waterloo added two more runs in the top of the seventh frame, but the Express quickly answered with two of their own. Brigs Richartz (St. Thomas) grabbed an RBI on a fielders choice, and was later driven in by a Brady Reynolds (Stanford) RBI single. The Waterloo Bucks pushed across three more runs in the eighth and ninth frames to push their lead to 8-2. The Express threatened late, pushing across a run thanks to a Dylan O’Connell (Western Kentucky) sacrifice fly, but that would be all she wrote for the Trains hitters, as the game would conclude in a loss for Eau Claire.
Parker Guthrie (Washington- St. Louis) got the start for the Express, pitching 3.2 innings, allowing three runs on three hits, while striking out two batters and taking the loss (0-3). Kevin Jaxel (Virginia) got the win, after throwing seven innings, allowing no runs while striking out 10.
The Express look to split the series tomorrow night back at Carson Park. First pitch is set for 6:35pm CT.
https://scorebook.northwoodsleague.com/update/4450/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.