Eau Claire, WI – In a game that carried massive playoff implications, the Eau Claire Express defeated the Duluth Huskies in a nail biter, by a final score of 8-6.
This game was back and forth, as both teams offenses took turns throwing punches throughout the first two thirds of the game. The Express got the games offense underway, as Gabe Richardson (Minnesota- Duluth) hit a two RBI single in the bottom of the first inning to push the Trains ahead, 2-0. The Huskies would answer back quickly, as Jayden Duplantier (Texas) hit a solo shot just in front of the center field deck, which would help push Duluth in front, 4-2. Eau Claire would punch back right in the bottom of the third, as Brigs Richartz (St. Thomas) and Brady Reynolds (Stanford) mashed base hits to help retake a lead for Eau Claire, 5-4. The Huskies would not go away quietly, as a home run into the short porch by Cal Elvis (Kansas) tied the game at five. A four run sixth inning would seal the game for Eau Claire, as Colton Wemhoff (Kansas) crushed a two RBI double off of the Toycen Ford sign, capping off a four run frame, and sealing the 8-6 victory for the Express. This win pushes Eau Claire only one game back from the division leading Huskies.
The Express recieved a plethora of strong pitching performances en route to tonights win. Logan Jones (Toledo) got the start for Eau Claire, pitching six full innings, allowing five runs on six hits, and striking out a whopping nine batters. Jones picked up the win (2-0), while Calen Higgins (Western Kentucky) grabbed the save (1), after pitching two innings, allowing no runs on one hit, and striking out five batters.
The Express look to sweep Duluth and take a share of the division lead tomorrow night. First pitch is set for 6:35pm CT back at your beloved Carson Park. Come on down to the ballpark to support the Express as they make their final playoff push, and see the Zooperstars!
https://scorebook.northwoodsleague.com/update/4605/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.