The Thunder Bay Border Cats couldn’t hang on to a late lead in Eau Claire on Monday as the Express rallied for six runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to win 8-5 at Carson Park.  The Cats scored a pair of runs in the top of the ninth to take a 5-2 lead, but the Express walked it off thanks to a grand slam homer off the bat of Matthew Maulik (University of St. Thomas).  The Cats and Express split their four-game home and home series with both teams now at 3-5 on the season.

Thunder Bay starter Tyler Bribiescas (University of Arkansas-Monticello) turned in a solid performance on the mound as the lefthander allowed only one run on four hits over six innings with five strikeouts.  Judd Hildreth (Murray State University) took the loss in relief.

Lincoln Pack (Pensacola State CC) led the Cats with a 2-for-4 night at the plate, including a double, an RBI, and two runs scored.  Stevie Waters (University of British Columbia) also chipped with two hits, with one run batted in, and a run scored.

The Cats are back at Port Arthur Stadium Tuesday where they kick off a six-game homestand against the Minnesota Mud Puppies at 6:35pm.  Righthander Reid Leonard (University of New Orleans) is the scheduled starter for Thunder Bay.