
Bears Finish Homestand on High Note
Published on August 1, 2019 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Eau Claire Express News Release
Eau Claire, WI - The Eau Claire Bears (15-11, 34-28) finished the long homestand on a high note as they defeated the Willmar Stingers (13-13, 35-27) by a final of 7-3 on Throw Back the Clock Night.
Lakeland University Postgame Recap
Willmar did not waste any time getting on the board as they plated a run in the 1st inning on a solo home run.
The Bears scored twice in the bottom of the 3rd inning to take a 2-1 lead. Sam Kohnle (Winona State) led off with a ground rule double and was followed by a Sam Stonskas (Blackhawk CC) single. Brock Burton (Grand Canyon) singled to score Kohnle and the second run scored after Zach Gilles (Central Michigan) was hit with the bases loaded.
The offense was quiet through the next three innings until the Stingers scored their second run in the top of the 7th.
Eau Claire responded big with a 4-run bottom of the 7th. Stonskas and Burton reached on singles. Matt Bottcher (Illinois-Chicago) slashed a 2 RBI triple to drive in both runners. Nick Marinconz (Cal Poly) earned the RBI on a single that scored Bottcher. Gilles doubled to plate Marinconz and put the score to 6-2.
An insurance run came in during the 8th for the Bears. Â Vincent Martinez (Stanford) singled, got to second on a passed ball, and scored on a Kohnle RBI double.
Willmar attempted a 9th inning comeback but could only get one run across as the Bears won 7-3.
Rece Finck (Illinois-Springfield) was fantastic in his first start for Eau Claire as he went 6.0 innings, giving up one run on five hits. Brad Rindfleisch (UW Stout) entered for 2.0 innings of one run ball. Alec Baker (Dallas Baptist) allowed a run in the top of the 9th but shut the door down on the Stingers to secure the victory.
Eau Claire will now start a four-game road trip that will last through the weekend. They return home to Carson Park on Monday, August 5th for a 6:35 pm first pitch. It's Bus'ting at the Seams School Supply Drive night! School is almost back in session and Student Transit want you to help them fill the bus with supplies for area schools. Check out our social media for a chance to uncover a special discount at tonight's game.
Northwoods League Stories from August 1, 2019
- Bears Finish Homestand on High Note - Eau Claire Express
- Rochester Uses Big First Inning to Beat Larks - Rochester Honkers
- Booyah Comeback to Beat Woodchucks - Green Bay Rockers
- Kingfish Blanked by Pit Spitters - Kenosha Kingfish
- Woodchucks Lose Back and Forth Game against Green Bay - Wausau Woodchucks
- Bombers Outlast Mallards 8-7 in Series Opener - Madison Mallards
- Huskies Defeat Eau Claire 9-1 to Retain Top Spot - Duluth Huskies
- Bucks Bounced 4-1 by Border Cats - Waterloo Bucks
- Bombers Complete Comeback to Down Mallards - Battle Creek Battle Jacks
- Growlers Fall Short to Rockford at Home - Kalamazoo Growlers
- MoonDogs Drop Early Lead, Fall by One to Honkers Thursday - Mankato MoonDogs
- Pivotal Series Begins for Rafters against Chinooks - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Rafters Rotation Comes Together, Finds Success - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Pit Spitters Thirsty for Playoffs; First Home Playoff Game on August 13 - Traverse City Pit Spitters
- Larks Begin Search for New Head Coach - Bismarck Larks
- Rivets Take Series Finale against Battle Creek - Rockford Rivets
- Madison Suits up for First Series against Battle Creek - Madison Mallards
- Stingers Lose to Express - Willmar Stingers
- Barth Breaks Another Record as Rox Beat Bucks - St. Cloud Rox
- Booyah Swept by Rapids - Green Bay Rockers
- Rafters Sweep Booyah to Close Season Series - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Bucks Fall 11-2 to Rox - Waterloo Bucks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Eau Claire Express Stories
- A Letter from Owner Craig Toycen Following the 2025 Season
- Express Broadcaster Pete Knutson Once Again Selected for NWL Playoffs
- JJ Moran Named 2025 Express Most Valuable Player
- Express Drop Season Finale to Bucks, 14-5
- Walker Retz, Dawson Hargrove and JJ Moran Named NWL Postseason All-Stars

