Mankato, MN – The Eau Claire Express (3-6, 16-27) picked up their third consecutive win on Thursday night against the Mankato MoonDogs (3-5, 21-23) in front of a second consecutive sellout crowd of 1,466 at Franklin Rogers Park.

The story of the night would be pitching, as both starters would work six strong innings. MoonDogs starter Rhett Rapshus would only allow three runs, scattering seven hits and striking out four.

Matching the performance of Rapshus would be Express starter Anthony Herron Jr. who only allowed three hits and struck out three over his six innings.

Eau Claire’s Trent Shelton entered in the seventh, on the mound, and retired nine of the final ten consecutive MoonDogs that came to the plate to close out the game for the Express.

Leading the way for the Express offensively was Brady Burzynski who went 3-for-4 with two RBI’s and scored three runs.

Mikel Mucha, Brinn Bell, and Eric Schenck-Joblinske were the lone MoonDogs to record single hits in the game.

The win would go to Express starter Herron Jr. (1-0) the loss would go to MoonDogs starter Rapshus (1-2) and the save would go to Shelton (1).

The MoonDogs continue night four of the seven game home stand tomorrow, Friday, gates open at 6:05pm, first pitch at 7:05pm where there will be a Post-Game Fireworks Extravaganza presented by KXLP and it is also Boy Scout Night. 

"The Mankato MoonDogs are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 22nd season of summer collegiate baseball in 2015, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 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, more than 120 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (WAS), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (OAK). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League Website.”