The Thunder Bay Border Cats returned from the All-Star break, but dropped a 9-2 decision to the Eau Claire Express on Friday before 804 fans at Port Arthur Stadium.

The Express scored twice in the first inning without the benefit of a base hit and held the lead the remainder of the game as the Cats overall record dropped to 17-24.  The Cats cut the lead to 2-1 in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by Steven Spalitta (University of Louisiana-Lafayette), but didn’t score again until the eighth on a sacrifice fly by Jesus Vasquez (University of Hawaii) that plated Spalitta.  The Cats actually outhit the Express on the night 11-9, but left a dozen men on base.

Eli Heyen (Amarillo CC) started for Thunder Bay and took the loss to fall to 0-2.  The righthander allowed three runs on two hits over 2 1/3 innings, with four strikeouts.

The Cats wrap up their two-game home set with the Express Saturday at 6:35pm. Mason Kosowick (University of Georgia) will get the start on the mound for the home side.  It’s “Hockey Night” presented by Forks South Sports Lounge as fans wearing their favourite hockey jerseys will have a chance to win LU Thunderwolves or Thunder Bay North Stars season tickets.