Dickinson, North Dakota – Following their 7-4 victory, the Express split their series with the Badlands Big Sticks after falling 7-2 Sunday afternoon.
Eau Claire Express Postgame Recap:
In contrast to the last game, where the Trains quickly demonstrated their batting prowess, the Big Sticks adopted a similar approach. They scored the game’s first run in the bottom of the first inning thanks to Jalen Evans, who stole third base and then crossed home plate after a single by Chris Fox to center field.
Following their momentum, the Badlands led with their defense, minimizing the Express’s hits and runs. Fueling from their defense, the Big Sticks put together four runs at the bottom of the third inning after John Youens hit a home run near right field, bringing home three earned runs.
Shortly after, Alejandro Ludeiro ran home after Rhett Winchester hit a single, RBI to right field, uplifting the Big Sticks’ lead to 5-0.
Still having fun, the Big Sticks added one more run at the bottom of the fourth inning by Braylon Mitchell, who advanced to third base, then crossed home plate after Youens hit a single to right field, bringing the score to 5-0.
Going two innings without either team scoring a run, the Trains finally put their name on the board with Adam Salazar crossing home plate first, then Matthew Maulik, who advanced to third base, then ran home off of Hollon Brocks’ single to first base.
Despite hopes of having a late comeback, the offensive momentum for the Trains never spiked, with the Big Sticks adding one more earned run, totaling seven runs and 10 hits at the end of the game compared to Eau Claire’s two runs, six hits and two errors.
The Trains found the most success of the night from the field, where the team put together 34 total catches and 24 putouts. Leading the team was Brock, who went 6-for-6 from first base; close behind was Cade Palkowski, who went 5-for-6 from center field.
Still looking on the positive side, the Trains will roll into Bill Taunton Stadium in Willmar, Minnesota, to take on the Willmar Stingers at 6:35 p.m. Monday.
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The Eau Claire Express is 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. Having completed its 27th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 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 250 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 (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and MLB Gold Glove finalist and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TOR). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.eauclaireexpress.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or Google Play and set the Booyah as your favorite team.
