WATERLOO, Iowa – After winning six games in a row, the Eau Claire Express (6-2) were looking to continue their winning ways heading into a league-wide off-day. But the Waterloo Bucks (2-6) were having no part in the Express’ plan.

After winning three consecutive games against the Bucks, the Express threw JJ Pease on the mount to start the game after he pitched six innings against the Loggers, only allowing one unearned run. But his start would not go according to plan as Waterloo scored two runs off Pease in the opening frame to chase him from his start after recording just three outs.

The Express didn’t go quietly after that, however, as they struck back with two runs of their own the next half inning and added another in the third. However, this ballgame would go back-and-forth with Waterloo responding with another two runs in the fourth to take a 4-3 lead.

In the fifth and sixth, Bucks starter Keaton Parker used less than 15 pitches combined to work through the minimum in the two Express frames, including just a five-pitch sixth inning that contributed to the short game time of two hours and 27 minutes.

Eau Claire would manage a run in the seventh inning, but it wouldn’t be enough as the Bucks struck for five insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth to secure the victory with what would end up being the final score of 10-4.

Offensively, Waterloo secured 17 base hits in just eight innings, none of which included a home run or a triple. Caleb Hill (Temple College) led the way for the Bucks going 4-for-5 with two doubles and three RBI.

Waterloo starter Keaton Parker secured the win going six and a third, while Grant Hubka entered the ballgame when the Bucks had just a two-run lead, and pitched the remaining two and two-thirds to secure the save.

Both the Express and Bucks head into a league-wide off day on Tuesday before playing a different team for the first time in four games. The Express return home to Carson Park to take on the Minnesota Mud Puppies, while the Bucks hit the road for a two-game set with the Duluth Huskies in a rematch of the Great Plains East Championship Series from last season.

The Bucks make their ESPN+ debut on Wednesday against the Huskies, as the game will stream exclusively on ESPN+. However, you can listen to the game for free at waterloobucks.com. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. from Wade Stadium in Duluth, Minnesota.