The Waterloo Bucks (12-37, 2-12) won a thrilling 8-7 comeback game against the Eau Claire Express (20-27, 7-5), scoring 3 runs in an exhilarating 9th inning.

Trailing 7-5, Patrick Ferguson (3-4, RBI, BB) led off the top of the ninth with his third single of the night. Trey Leonard pinch ran for the Bucks’ DH, then advanced to second on a controversial offensive interference call on Ethan Ibarra (1-4, RBI, BB). Dawnoven Smith drew a pinch-hit walk, then Kyle Smith (0-2, 2 BB, HBP) was hit by a pitch to load the bases with one out. Myles Emmerson ripped a 3-2, pinch hit, 2-run single through the left side to tie the game at three. After a fielder’s choice and a walk to Carmen Sclafani to re-load the bases, Brendan Hueth (2-6, RBI, 2B, R) beat out a close play at first to force an error, allowing Emmerson to score the go-ahead run.

Jakob Kirman (1.1 innings, BB) and Justin Mulvaney (W, 2.0 innings, 2 H, 1 BB, 1 K) combined for 3.1 scoreless innings to close the game and help keep the Bucks comeback alive.

Waterloo and Eau Claire wrap up their series on Wednesday night at 6:35 p.m.

Box Score