The La Crosse Loggers lost the series opener to the Eau Claire Express 14-1 on Monday night in front of 559 fans at Carson Park.
La Crosse scored first in the top of the first inning on an RBI single from Tony Bullard (Arizona) that drove in Cody Jefferis (San Diego) who led off the inning with a base hit. The lead would not last as the Express offense exploded for eight runs in the first four innings, chasing Loggers’ starting pitcher Dylan Gibeau (Young Harris) after just 3.1 innings pitched. The senior right-hander was tabbed with the loss after allowing eight earned runs on six hits and six walks. The Express were led offensively by Sam Kohnle who went 3-for-4 with a double, five RBI, and a pair of walks.
The Lumbermen would not score again as Eau Claire pitching combined for nine strikeouts, allowing just seven hits as reliever Alec Baker was given the win after entering in the fifth inning for starter Matt Verdun. La Crosse was led offensively by Bullard – 3-for-4, 1 RBI – and Jefferis – 2-for-3, 1 R, 1 BB – in the contest.
La Crosse will look to bounce back and even the series on Tuesday night with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 PM at Copeland Park. Bring a new toy or monetary donation for the Loggers’ Toy Drive with the La Crosse Jaycees and Marcus Theatres for a chance to win tickets to Toy Story 4 this summer!