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Northwoods Eau Claire Express

Stingers Take Game One of Two-Game Series

August 5, 2023 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Eau Claire Express News Release


Eau Claire, WI - In a Saturday night contest between the Great Plains East and West First Half Champions, the Stingers got the better of the matchup, beating Eau Claire 6-8.

Eau Claire stung first on a Tanner Sagouspe (Cal Poly) homer in the bottom of the 2nd inning. This 2-run blast sailed over the left-fielder's head and just barely snuck through to the right of the foul pole.

Willmar quickly called Eau Claire's raise, as the Stingers scored 2 of their own in the top of the very next inning. In the top of the fourth, Willmar took a break but got back to the scoring, adding 2 more in the top of the fifth.

Isaiah Katz (UW-La Crosse) was tapped for the start for Eau Claire and made it through four innings. In his appearance, he gave up 2 unearned runs on 7 hits with 4 strikeouts. After Katz came Rigel Verciglio (UIC), who struggled through 2/3 of an inning, giving up 2 earned runs on 3 hits and 2 walks. Nick Fitzanko (Missouri-St. Louis) relieved Verciglio and ate up the middle of the game, going for 2 2/3 innings and giving up 4 runs on 2 strikeouts. As Cameron Bagshaw came into finish the game, he did all that he could, yet Willmar's lead was insurmountable.

The Express found themselves in a hole after Willmar took the lead in the fifth. Eau Claire looked to climb its way back into the ballgame and did this by tacking on some gritty runs, including a Temo Becerra (Stanford) steal of home plate in the sixth.

The top of the eighth inning saw a Willmar Stingers squad pour gas on the fire, scoring an extra 3 runs, partially thanks to a monster home run by one Stinger.

Eau Claire would not go down quietly though, as they kept the ballgame within reach in the bottom of the same inning, scoring 3 more runs. These runs came on Sagouspe's second homer of the game, and a pair of big doubles from Dylan O'Connell (Western Kentucky) and Reed Latimer (UAB).

Eau Claire had the winning run at the plate in the bottom of the 9th inning, but ultimately was not able to capitalize, as Nate Witte grounded into the final out of the game.

The Express will get a rematch with Willmar tomorrow afternoon with first pitch coming at 2:05 pm CT. The game will again be held at Carson Park, and the theme for the game will be Military Appreciation. Military members, be sure to stop out to the game, and receive free admission to the action.



Northwoods League Stories from August 5, 2023


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