Northwoods Eau Claire Express

Express Finish Regular Season on a Loss

August 12, 2023 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Eau Claire Express News Release


Eau Claire, WI - The Express ended their regular season with a loss to the visiting Willmar Stingers. The final score for the game read 2-4 in favor of the Stingers.

It was another successful first inning for the visiting team, as Willmar hit their second consecutive first-inning homer in the ballgame when Kevin Fitzer went yard.

The Express were quick to put runs on the board tonight though, as they tacked on 2 in the bottom of the third as Reed Latimer (UAB) and Marcus Cline (Tulane) each got an RBI.

Eau Claire made sure to work through their bullpen on the eve of playoffs. Tyler Schmitt (UW-La Crosse) led the charge, starting on the mound and going for two innings. After Schmitt came Ray Cantelo (Lewis) who pitched two innings of his own, before Tayler Montiel (Tulane) came in to get his two and two-thirds.

Derek Lilledahl (MSU Mankato) took the mound in the top of the seventh, marking his first outing since rejoining the Express. Lilledahl, who previously spent time with the Trains in the first half, looked to regain his footing and did just that through one and two-thirds innings.

Hits were few and far between for the Express, with only 2 base knocks totaled through nine innings.

It seemed that the only highlights for the Express came on the defensive side of the ball, with several good catches and plays, including one diving grab from Kaden Galason in the eighth inning.

With the winning run at the plate in the bottom of the ninth, the Eau Claire Express could not get the job done, as they struck out on the final pitch of the ballgame.

With the regular season officially in the books, the Express will begin their playoff run with a game at Carson Park tomorrow evening. First pitch for round one of the playoffs will come at 6:35 pm CT, and Eau Claire will take on the visiting La Crosse Loggers. Be sure to come out to see the Men in Orange in action, and get rowdy for your home team in this pivotal game!



Northwoods League Stories from August 12, 2023


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.

OurSports Central