Eau Claire, WI – On their first game back from the all-star break, the Eau Claire Express got off to a strong start in the final stretch of the 2024 season, defeating the Thunder Bay Border Cats on a walkoff by a final score of 10-8.
Thunder Bay got the early jump this game, hammering Express starter Evan Esch (St. Thomas) with three quick singles and pushing across one run to take a 1-0 lead. That would quickly disappear however, as Eau Claire answered with three runs of their own thanks to a Brady Blake (Kansas) solo home run, followed by a Brady Reynolds (Stanford) two RBI double to push the Express in front 3-1. Thunder Bay would answer right back, as they hit a two run home run to tie the game back up at three. That would not last long, as the Trains hit back to back home runs from Jake Busson (Iowa Central CC) and Brady Blake (Kansas) to push their lead up to three runs.
Thunder Bay would grab their fourth run on a solo shot, but the Express would grab one more run on a Brigs Richartz (St. Thomas) fielders choice, that would bring home runner Brady Blake (Kansas) to extend their lead back up to three. The Border Cats continued to hang around, tying the game at seven in the top of the eighth. This game would remain tied, and eventually head into extra innings.
Thunder Bay took the lead in the top of the 10th inning, scoring their ghost runner, but it would not matter, as Jake Busson (Iowa Central CC) sent the fans home happy on a three run walkoff home run to seal the teams victory.
The Express recieved a strong outing from starter Evan Esch (St. Thomas), who threw six innings, allwoing four runs while striking out seven and recieving no decision. Carl Cano (St. Thomas) recieved the win for the Trains (1-0), while Kobe Allen (Westminster) took the loss (0-2) for Thunder Bay.
The Express look to complete the series sweep tomorrow night. First pitch is set for 6:35pm CT back at your beloved Carson Park.
https://scorebook.northwoodsleague.com/update/4532/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. Now in its’ 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history 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, 360 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, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network. Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at watchnwl.com. 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.