Eau Claire, WI – The Express fell into a hole early and could not climb themselves out, as they lost to the Rochester Honkers 16-13 in the first game of a home and away series.
It was all Rochester early, as they scored 4 runs in both the first and second innings. A first inning double by Ryan Tiger (Rogers) and a second inning double by Mattie Thomas (San Fransisco) helped build an early 8-3 lead for the Honkers.
The Express chipped away at the deficit, and eventually took the lead in the bottom of the seventh thanks to a 5 run half inning in which they jumped ahead 13-12. It would not be enough however, as a 4-run eighth inning for Rochester would seal this one.
Eau Claire deployed a plethora of pitchers, but it could not slow down the Honkers offense, which was firing on all cylinders. It would be Jake Busson (Iowa Central CC) who took the loss (0-1).
The Express offense exploded tonight for 13 runs, and it was the long ball that carried the load. Davis Rivers (Texas Tech) hit a solo shot in the bottom of the second, followed by another one hit by Owen Washburn (Texas Tech) to lead off the fifth, and a grand slam by Brigs Richartz (St. Thomas) in the bottom of the seventh.
The Express are back in action tomorrow night, heading out to Rochester to wrap up the series. First pitch is set for 6:35pm at Mayo Field.
https://scorebook.northwoodsleague.com/update/3926/statistics/stats/visitor/batting
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.
