Eau Claire, WI – On a hot and humid day in the Chippewa Valley, the Eau Claire Express defeated the visiting Duluth Huskies 3-2, and grabbed a share of first place in the division.
This game was all about the pitchers, as the teams starters combined for two runs allowed, and throwing a staggering 18 strikeouts to begin this game. Express starter Ryan Speshyock (Stanford) dominated the first two thirds of this game, allowing no runs on six hits, and striking out a whopping 13 Duluth batters. For the Huskies, Tyler Gray (Undecided) got the start, pitching 6.1 innings, allowing two earned runs on two hits, and stiking out five. Ethan Thomas (Hawaii) grabbed the win (
The Eau Claire offense would finally break open in the bottom of the seventh inning, as Gabe Richardson (Minnesota- Duluth) smacked an RBI single down the right field line, scoring base runner Dylan O’Connell (Western Kentucky). That would not be all, as Jake Busson (Iowa Central CC) mashed a two run home run over the Northwestern Bank sign to push the Express ahead 3-0. Duluth would not go down without a fight, as they were able to manufacture two runs in the top of the ninth inning, but closer Calen Higgins (Western Kentucky) secured the save (2) and the Express victory. This win pushes Eau Claire into a tie with Duluth for first place in the Great Plains East Division.
The Express look to extend their division lead and winning streak tomorrow night, as they open a new home series against the Thunder Bay Border Cats. First pitch is set for 6:35pm CT, and gates open at 4:35pm CT.
https://scorebook.northwoodsleague.com/update/4613/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.