Despite trailing 9-0 after four complete, the Waterloo Bucks (6-6) brought the game to a single run, but ultimately fell 13-12 to the Eau Claire Express (5-7) on Saturday evening.

Waterloo’s first leg of the comeback effort began in the fifth, as Alex Ronnebaum (1-2, 2 BB, 2 R, RBI) singled, Alonzo Rubalcaba (0-1, 2 BB, 2 R, HBP, RBI) walked and Bryce Wooldridge (2-5, R, 2B, 3 RBI) singled to load the bases. Mike Nyisztor reached on an error, bringing two runs in. Following a flyout, Caleb LittleJim drew a walk to reload the bags. Patrick Ferguson (1-2, 3 BB, 3 R, HR, 4 RBI) promptly hammered a grand slam to right, bringing the game to a 9-6 deficit.

Down big again, 13-6 in the seventh, Ferguson walked and Cole Brooks singled to open the frame. Ronnebaum walked, loading the bases, then Rubalcaba was struck by a pitch, bringing in a run. Wooldridge roped a bases-clearing double down the right-field line, making it a two-run game.

Matt Campos added a run with an RBI single in the eighth, followed by a Ronnebaum sacrifice fly. The bottom half of the eighth was preserved by right fielder Cole Brooks gunning down a runner attempting to score from second to end the inning.

Waterloo returns home for a single game with the Rochester Honkers on Sunday at 2:05 p.m.

Box Score