Eau Claire Express Baseball

Northwoods League franchise unveiled as 'Willmar Stingers'

Willmar, Minn. The newest member of the Northwoods League from Willmar, MN is proud to announce they will be called the Willmar Stingers. The Stingers logo features a bee holding a bat and appears ready to hit a baseball wrapped behind the Stingers nickname with Willmar in a font below.

The logo and team colors will be black and yellow and were unveiled Wednesday night at the Holiday Inn Conference Center with special guest major league pitcher Chris Jakubauskas. Also on hand for the event was graphic designer/creator of the logo Justin Schaller, who resides in Eau Claire, WI.

Team owners Ryan Voz and Marc Jerzak are excited about the new name and the buzz that the “Name the Team” contest created. “We were very pleased with the turnout of names entered into the contest where there were over 800 names suggested.” We wanted a fun name, keeping with the Northwoods theme and the name Stingers stood out to us,” Voz said.

Robert Malmgren of Willmar submitted the winning entry and was the proud winner of a pair of Stingers Season Tickets for a lifetime.

Former Northwoods Leaguer and current Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Chris Jakubauskas took pictures and signed autographs for new Willmar fans. Jakubauskas played in the Northwoods League for the St. Cloud River Bats in 1999. This past season he made his Major League debut with the Seattle Mariners against the Minnesota Twins on April 8th. He finished his rookie season with 8 starts, 1 complete game, 27 relief appearances, 93 innings pitched and a 6-7 record. The Pirates recently purchased his rights.

To date, 60 former Northwoods League players have gone on to play Major League Baseball including nine players making their MLB Debut in 2009.

The Stingers will play the 34-home game schedule at Bill Taunton Stadium at Baker Field, where the capacity is currently 1,050.

The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The 17th season of Northwoods League baseball will begin in early June 2010. Willmar joins Alexandria, Brainerd, Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, and St. Cloud as Minnesota cities in the NWL; Eau Claire, Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, and Wausau from Wisconsin; Waterloo, Iowa; Battle Creek, Michigan; and Thunder Bay, Ontario.

2013 Express Home Opener vs. Wisconsin Woodchucks: Sunday, June 2, 2013 - 5:05 PM First Pitch

New Arrival

Eau Claire Express camouflage hats are now available at The Depot. These Bill Jordan's Realtree Hardwood hats will retail for $20 and will make a great gift for any hunter. Stop by our downtown office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to pick yours up, or call us at (715) 839-7788. And remember, our t-shirts are still on sale 2-for-$15.

Intern Moves to the Majors

After spending one season with the Express as a marketing intern, Milwaukee native Joe Stephenson returns home after accepting a position with the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club.

Stephenson, a May 2005 graduate of UW-Eau Claire, will be working in the Brewers' front office as a season ticket and group sales representative. The job includes customer service of current season ticket holders along with generating new season and group ticket sales.

Stephenson plans to take the experience he gained from the Express and the Northwoods League and relate it to the Brewers at the Major League level.

Adjustable Hats Are In!

The Depot just received its first shipment of hats for the fall and winter seasons. Our popular white and khaki adjustable hats are on sale now for only $15. Stop in today to pick yours up and we will sell you any basic short-sleeve t-shirt for only $5 more. The Depot, located at 108 E. Grand Ave in downtown Eau Claire, is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In addition, we are expecting our shipment of trucker hats and team flex-fit hats to be in within the next couple of weeks. Keep checking our website for more information on the Eau Claire Express.

Terry Ryan to Speak at Express Night Out

Minnesota Twins Vice President and General Manager Terry Ryan will be the keynote speaker at "Express Night Out" on November 16 at the Ramada Convention Center in downtown Eau Claire.

Ryan, who was drafted out of Parker (Janesville) High School by the Twins in 1972, became the fourth General Manager in Twins history on September 13, 1994. In 2004, Baseball America named Ryan the Executive of the Year and the Twins the Organization of the Year following back-to-back-to-back American League Central Division titles from 2002 to 2004. Ryan also received the Major League Executive of the Year award from The Sporting News in 2002.

Ryan pitched in the Twins' minor league system for four seasons. He posted a career record of 14-3, including a 10-0 season in 1973, before an arm injury cut his career short.

Other speakers at "Express Night Out" will include Owner and General Manager Dr. Jeff Jones, Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho, and 2005 Express players Jake Frombach and Travis Kempf. Mike Sullivan will emcee the event.

Social hour will run from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with food and refreshments. Speakers will start at 7:00 p.m. The Express invite all community members and 2005 sponsors to this free event to say "thank you" for a fantastic inaugural season and to discuss exciting plans for next season at Carson Park.

NWL Name Host Cities for Upcoming All-Star Games

The Northwoods League announced this week that Mankato, Minn. and Madison, Wis. will host the 2007 and 2008 All-Star Games, respectively.

At the recent NWL Board of Directors meeting in San Francisco, CA, the Mankato and Madison affiliates were unanimously chosen to play host to the League's All-Star festivities through 2008.

"These are two of the best run operations in the Northwoods League and are very deserving of this honor. I will look forward to outstanding events in both cities," said Northwoods League President Dick Radatz, Jr.

Mankato, a member of the League since 1999, will be hosting their first All-Star Game in 2007. The Mankato club, who became the MoonDogs in 2002, set a new franchise attendance record in 2005 at Franklin Rogers Park.

For the Madison Mallards, the 2008 game will mark the third All-Star game to be played at Warner Park. The Mallards previously played host to the mid-season game in 2002 and 2003, when 4,310 fans witnessed an exciting 8-7, 10-inning win for the North All-Stars.

2006 Season Ticket Renewals

The Eau Claire Express will begin this week renewing tickets for 2005 season ticket holders. The Express' front office will be contacting last year's season ticket holders by phone to give them the first opportunity to sit in the same great seats as last year. If any 2005 season ticket holders are interested in upgrading or changing seats from last year, their requests will be met based on availability following the renewal of all 2005 season ticket holders. Remaining season ticket packages will then go on sale to the general public in the near future. Keep checking the Express website for updates.

T-Shirt Sale at the Depot

Attention Express Fans! Did you forget to purchase your Express T-shirt during the season? Are you looking to start Christmas shopping early this season and need affordable options? All 2005 Eau Claire Express short sleeve and long sleeve T-shirts are currently on sale at "The Depot", 108 E. Grand Avenue in downtown Eau Claire. Short sleeve T-shirts, originally priced at $10.00 each, are now two for $15.00. Long sleeve T-shirts, originally $15.00 each, are now two for $25.00. Hurry in and get yours, as this will be your last chance to get a T-shirt from the Express' Inaugural 2005 Season!

Express Baseball Hats Arrive

The wait is over. Eau Claire Express baseball hats have arrived at "The Depot" and are for sale. The hats that arrived were the white and Texas orange fitted baseball caps. Pick yours up at 108 E. Grand Ave. Our office hours are still 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Weisheipl Named New Express Assistant Coach

Altoona native Nick Weisheipl will join the Eau Claire Express coaching staff for the 2006 season, it was announced today by Field Manager Dale Varsho. Weisheipl has been an assistant coach at Clark College in Dubuque, Iowa since 2003 and gained Northwoods League coaching experience last summer with the La Crosse Loggers.

Weisheipl, a two-time All-Cloverbelt baseball player, graduated from Altoona High School in 1998. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Elementary Education from Beloit College, where he was also on the baseball team. Weisheipl was a two-time all-academic athlete, two-time Player of the Year, team captain in 2002 and holder of five offensive records, including most runs and walks in a game and a season.

Weisheipl played professionally in Germany in the summer of 2003 for the Regensburg Legionaere, where he led the league in on-base percentage, walks and runs scored.

Weisheipl is filling the assistant coach position previously held by Travis Peterson. Peterson coached for the Express in 2005 before taking a position with the Grand View College Vikings in Des Moines, Iowa. Returning pitching coach Vic Cable and assistant coach Craig Jilek, along with Field Manager Dale Varsho, round out the 2006 Express coaching staff.

Express Release 2006 Schedule

The Eau Claire Express released today the complete 2006 Northwoods League Baseball schedule. The Express begin the season on the road in Wausau on June 1 and June 2 before the home opener on Saturday, June 3 versus the Waterloo Bucks. The Express will face Waterloo again on June 4 before a two-game home series versus the Madison Mallards on June 5 and June 6.

All Express home games, Monday through Saturday, will start at 7:05 p.m., with the lone exception of a 6:35 p.m. start on July 4 versus the St. Cloud River Bats. All Express Sunday home games will start at 6:05 p.m.

The longest homestand of the season for the Express will be from August 4 through August 9 when Eau Claire plays two-game series against Alexandria, Thunder Bay and Brainerd. The longest road trip for the Express will be a five-game stint from July 5 through July 9. The 68-game schedule will conclude at home on August 13 versus the Mankato MoonDogs.

During the month of July, the Express will play the La Crosse Loggers eight times, including four games in a row from July 26 through July 29. The Loggers hold a 7-5 series advantage over the Express.

The best-of-three Divisional Playoffs will run from August 14 through August 16, with the best-of-three Northwoods League Championship starting August 17.

For a complete schedule, visit our Schedule page at www.eauclaireexpress.com and go to our 2006 calendar for June, July and August.

Express Announce 2006 Play-by-Play Broadcaster

Current Fargo-Moorhead Jets Director of Broadcasting and play-by-play announcer Scott Montesano has officially committed to being the Eau Claire Express play-by-play announcer starting in 2006. The Utica, N.Y. native has been with the FM Jets, a North American Hockey League affiliate, since August 2004. Montesano also serves as the organization's Director of Media Relations and Group Sales.

Montesano is familiar with summer collegiate baseball leagues, having spent three years within the New England Collegiate Baseball League. He was the play-by-play announcer for the Vermont Mountaineers in 2005 after two seasons as the play-by-play announcer for the Sanford Mainers. Montesano handled media relations in both organizations and was selected by the NECBL to announce its 2003 All-Star Game. Prior to working in the NECBL, he was the marketing director and public address announcer for the Rome Indians of the New York Collegiate Baseball League.

Montesano is a May 2004 graduate of Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in communications and psychology.

Express Hats in Stock for Holiday Shopping

In time for the holiday the season, the entire line of Eau Claire Express baseball hats are in stock and on sale at "The Depot". All three team hats are available in Flex-Fit styles, and the adjustable trucker hat is back by popular demand. In addition, two new hats from Gator Garb have been introduced for the 2006 season. These black/white and orange/white hats feature the Express cap logo on the front, ball logo on the bill and team logo in a PVC patch on the back. These hats, along with the Flex-Fits, retail for $20. All adjustable hats are priced at $15.

Express Apparel on Sale at Chippewa Valley Softub and Gifts

For your holiday shopping convenience, Eau Claire Express apparel is on sale at Chippewa Valley Softub & Gifts in the Oakwood Mall near Scheels. Our entire line of hats, T-shirts and sweatshirts is available and make great holiday gifts. Need last minute stocking-stuffer ideas? Pennants, mini-bats, balls and window decals are also available. And remember, our full line of apparel is on sale at "The Depot" in downtown Eau Claire. Our store is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Binick Named to 2006 Wallace Watch List

New York Institute of Technology and 2005 Eau Claire Express centerfielder Kraig Binick has been named one of the 120 baseball student-athletes on the 2006 Wallace Watch List. The Brooks Wallace Award is presented annually to the national college baseball player of the year.

Last season with the Express, Binick led the team with a .308 batting average. He collected 28 RBIs and stole 38 bases - good for second place in the Northwoods League - on 46 attempts. In addition, Binick led the league with 263 at bats and tied for second with 81 hits.

As a sophomore with the NYIT Bears, Binick earned Division I Baseball All Independent Second-Team honors. He led the Bears with 31 stolen bases and finished second on the team with a .358 batting average, 64 hits and 35 runs scored.

The Wallace Watch will be trimmed to 12 semi-finalists by late May. Then the selection committee will narrow the list to three finalists following the NCAA Super Regionals at a press conference in Omaha. The finalists, their head coaches and their parents will be invited to Lubbock for a schedule of special events tied to the award banquet, which will again be nationally televised by Fox Sports Network.

Dedicated to the memory of former Texas Tech shortstop and assistant coach, Wallace was a slick-fielding shortstop at Texas Tech from 1977 to 1980. A four-year starter, he was named All-Southwest Conference and All-District Six his senior year when he led the Red Raiders to their first-ever appearance in the Southwest Conference Tournament. After playing two years in the Texas Rangers organization, he returned to Texas Tech and served as a graduate assistant and later as an assistant coach. In the summer of 1984 he was diagnosed with cancer and fought the disease courageously until his death on March 24, 1985, at age 27. The Plano, Texas, native was married to the former Sandy Arnold and they had one daughter, Lindsay Ryan.

The selection committee for the Wallace Award is comprised of a national panel of coaches, sports information directors, former winners and beat media who most closely follow the sport. Screening committee members will evaluate the candidates and will continue their review throughout the entire baseball season. The list will expand and contract during the regular season and additional Wallace Watch candidates may be added as the season progresses. Voting for the three finalists and the Wallace Award winner will be conducted by confidential balloting, with totals tabulated by the J.W. Anderson & Associates accounting firm in Lubbock, Texas.

Trax Bobbleheads Have Arrived

Trax, the beloved mascot of the Eau Claire Express, is now available to take home as a collectable bobblehead doll for fans of all ages. The figurine measures seven inches tall and is detailed down to the buttons on Trax's overalls. This fully colored bobblehead will make a great addition to any collection, or will look great as a decoration on your desk in the office or on your shelf at home. The Trax Bobblehead is on sale for $15.00 at The Depot in downtown Eau Claire.

Express Announce First Signings of the 2006 Season

The Eau Claire Express announce today returning pitchers Nick Fellman and Jon Huber as the first two official signings for the 2006 season. The Minnesota State University

Pair of Outfielders Added to Express Roster

The Eau Claire Express today added two outfielders, including returning right fielder Casey Garms, to the 2006 roster. Garms, a 5-foot-10-inch, 175-pound junior from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside will be joined by Ted Pattock, a 6-foot-1-inch, 180-pound sophomore from Long Beach State.

Garms' batting average of .292 was good for fourth place for the Express last summer. The Arlington Heights, Ill. native finished third on the team in runs (30), hits (57), at-bats (195), sacrifices (9) and games started (52). In 2004, Garms received the Great Lakes Valley Conference Freshman of the Year award, finishing with a league-best 23 doubles. He also received all-conference and all-region honors. The defending GLVC champions UW-Parkside Rangers are ranked 17th in the NCAA Division II preseason poll.

Pattock spent one season at Chandler Gilbert Community College in Chandler, Ariz. before transferring to Long Beach State. While at CGCC, the Tempe, Ariz. native batted .320 with seven doubles, eight triples and 21 steals and was named second team all-conference.

Long Beach State begins their season at home on Friday when they host the University of Southern California Trojans.

UC-Davis Teammates Sign with Express

Director of Operations and Field Manager Dale Varsho today announced the signing of University of California

Thomas Eager Returns to the Express

Director of Operations and Field Manager Dale Varsho today announced the returning of Thomas Eager to the Eau Claire Express roster. Eager is a right-handed relief pitcher that redshirted last season for the Cal Poly Mustangs.

Eager posted a 1-6 record with an earned run average of 4.47 for the Express in 2005. He finished second on the team with three saves and was one of only four Express pitchers to throw a complete game. Eager struck out 57 batters in only 56.1 innings of work.

Eager has appeared in three games with the Mustangs this season and has an ERA of 4.91. He is 1-0, with his lone victory coming over Fresno State on January 29. The team is currently 8-2, including a three-game sweep of Fresno State to open the season. The Mustangs' next game is Friday, when they travel to San Diego State for a three-game series.

Eager is the fifth announced returning player for the Express and seventh man overall on the 2006 roster.

Northern League Baseball Memorabilia on Display at the Express Office

The Northern League Baseball Memorabilia traveling display case can now be viewed at the Eau Claire Express office, located at 108 E. Grand Ave. The display, which is maintained by the City of Eau Claire Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, contains various Eau Claire Braves and Eau Claire Bears memorabilia from 1930 through 1960.

The focal point of the display is the actual 1952 Bears road jersey worn by Ken Reitmeier, along with the replica 1952 Bear hat from Cooperstown Ball Cap Company. The display also contains the 1949 Northern League Championship Pennant and an Andy Pafko store model glove among other various artifacts.

The Eau Claire Express invites all baseball enthusiasts to stop by our office and view this display of Eau Claire baseball history. But hurry, the display won't be here long!

Kraig Binick Returns to the Express

Eau Claire Express' 2005 standout centerfielder Kraig Binick resigned with the team, it was announced today by Director of Operations and Field Manager Dale Varsho. Binick, a 6-foot, 180-pound junior centerfielder for the New York Institute of Technology Bears, is the eighth player to be added to the 2006 Express roster. He is the fifth returning player, including fellow outfielders Casey Garms and Kevin James.

Last season with the Express, Binick led the team in games played (66), games started (62), batting average (.308), at bats (263), runs (51), hits (81), total bases (94) and stolen bases (38). He finished second on the team with 28 RBIs and 24 walks. His 38 stolen bases and 81 hits were also good for second best in the Northwoods League. Binick's 51 runs scored were third best in the league. Binick was the starting centerfielder for the South Division at the annual Northwoods League All-Star game in Alexandria, Minn.

Binick's collegiate accolades have earned him a spot on the 2006 Wallace Watch List, an annual award presented to national college baseball player of the year. As a sophomore in 2005, Binick earned Division I Baseball All Independent Second-team honors. He led the NYIT Bears with 31 stolen bases and finished second on the team in batting average (.358), hits (64) and runs scored (35).

In 2004, Binick stepped into the starting lineup as a freshman and made an immediate impact, leading NYIT with 26 stolen bases and 40 runs scored. He finished second on the team with 64 hits, 33 RBIs and a .332 batting average. Binick was a combined 6-12 with five runs scored and four RBIs in the first two games of the Division Independent Invitational Tournament, earning him Division I First Team All-Independent honors.

The NYIT Bears open their season on the road March 3 when they travel to Florida International University for a three-game road series.

Express Announces First Infielder and Catcher for the 2006 Season

Eau Claire Express Director of Operations and Field Manager Dale Varsho today announced the signing of the team's first infielder and catcher for the 2006 season. Indiana State University catcher Nevin Ashley will join returning University of New Mexico third baseman Ian Hollick as the ninth and tenth signed players to the 26-man active roster.

Hollick started 47 games at third base last season for the Express. The 6-foot-2-inch, 195-pound sophomore collected five doubles, one triple and 19 runs batted in on 36 hits. He is the seventh announced returning player from the 2005 Express roster.

Hollick has started in all eight games this season for the University of New Mexico Lobos. He is currently batting .233 with one triple and four RBIs. As a freshman in 2005, Hollick started in 47 games and batted .322 with nine doubles, five triples, three home runs and 28 RBIs.

Ashley is a 6-foot-1-inch, 200-pound junior for the Sycamores. Last season he started behind the plate in 52 games. Ashley's .328 batting average was good for second place on the team. He finished with 62 hits, 10 doubles, six triples, one home run and 41 RBIs. The Bruceville, Ind. native led the Missouri Valley Conference by gunning down 34 runners on the base paths. Ashley also started in 24 games as a freshman in 2004.

Ashley joins pitchers Chris Jones and Ryan Tatusko as the third Sycamore signed to the Express in team history. Indiana State University opens their season February 23 versus Notre Dame in Millington, Tenn.

Express Sign New Faces from Familiar Schools

Eau Claire Express Director of Operations and Field Manager Dale Varsho today announced the signing of Mike LaLuna from New York Tech and Dave Arnold and Nate McKeon from Lincoln Trail Community College. The signing of the trio of sophomores increases the 2006 Express roster to 13 players.

LaLuna is a 6-foot-2-inch, 180-pound infielder for the Bears. He started 39 games as a freshman in 2005, finishing the season with 35 hits, 25 runs scored and 17 runs batted in. The Commack, N.Y. native received Division I Independent Baseball Invitational All-Tournament honors. LaLuna joins Bear teammate Kraig Binick as the second New York Tech player to sign with the Express this season. The Bears open their season on March 3 versus the Florida International University in Miami.

Arnold is a right-handed pitcher for the Statesmen. The Indianapolis, Ind. native appeared in nine contests last year. Arnold struck out 37 batters in 29.2 innings of work. He finished the season with an earned run average of 4.25. Arnold will begin play with the University of Illinois-Chicago following this season with the Statesmen.

McKeon is a catcher for the Statesmen. He appeared in 28 games last year. The Frankton, Ind. native gathered 18 RBIs, three doubles and one home run on 18 hits. McKeon finished the season with a .261 batting average. Following his career as a Statesman, McKeon will play at Toledo University.

Arnold and McKeon join former teammates T.J. Brewer and Joe Skinner on the list of Statesmen who have signed with the Express. Brewer and Skinner were starting pitchers for the Express in 2005. The Statesmen open their season Friday at home versus the St. Clair County Community College.

WEAU TV-13 Partners with the Express

The Eau Claire Express baseball team is proud to announce its new partnership with WEAU-TV 13 for the 2006 season. In addition to the continuing coverage on SportScene 13, WEAU has created even more ways for Express fans to access team stories, statistics, highlights and news features.

Most notably, WEAU has created a web page dedicated to the Express that is accessible through www.weau.com/sports. This featured Express page will work in conjunction with SportScene 13 and the Eau Claire Express website as an additional news source. The page will contain all Express information including schedules, game sponsors, press releases, box scores and streaming video highlights. In addition, exclusive footage of the Express Player of the Week, featured news stories and extended video highlights will be available. This web page is up now and will remain through the end of the season.

WEAU-TV 13 will also be giving away four general admission tickets to each Express home game during the 2006 season. All WEAU viewers will be able to register for these tickets that will be awarded during the Sunrise News programming.

Come to the Xcel Energy 2006 Kids Expo

The Eau Claire Express encourage you to join us at the Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center for the 2006 Xcel Energy Kids Expo. This event will take place Sunday, April 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free to children.

The Eau Claire Express will have a booth at the event, along with a scheduled appearance by our mascot Trax. Featured entertainment for the Kids Expo includes dancing, music, face painting and tattoos, inflatables and other games. There will also be music and family programs. For more information, contact the Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center at (715) 552-1200 or visit them on the web at www.ecsportscenter.com.

Express Sign Pair of Islanders

Eau Claire Express Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho today announced the signing of two junior pitchers from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Right-hander Pat Criss and left-hander Emerson Trager are each in their first season for the Islanders after transferring from junior colleges.

Criss began his collegiate career at Galveston College before transferring to Howard Junior College. The La Marque, Texas native went 6-1 with a 4.00 earned run average at Howard as a sophomore. Coming into last weekend's four-game series versus Grambling State, Criss was 1-2 with one save in five appearances for the Islanders. Criss had struck out 13 batters in 12 innings of work and had an ERA of 4.50.

Trager spent two seasons at Galveston College after red-shirting at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. The Manchaca, Texas native posted a 3.14 ERA as a freshman and finished the season with a 2-6 record. As a sophomore, the 6-foot-3-inch, 200-pounder went 2-7 with an ERA of 4.00. Trager struck out 45 batters in 45 innings that season. Through the month of February, Trager was 1-0 with a 3.38 ERA with the Islanders.

The Islanders play in the Southland Conference and were 6-7 going into last weekend's series with Grambling State. The Islanders' next game is on Friday when they face the Arizona State University Sun Devils in the Whataburger College Classic in Corpus Christi.

With the pair of signings, the Express roster increases to 15 announced players. The roster includes seven pitchers, four outfielders, two infielders and two catchers.

Express Sign Two more Lobos

University of New Mexico Lobos outfielder Matt Foote and pitcher Drew Kendrick will join teammate Ian Hollick this summer with the Eau Claire Express, it was announced today by Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho.

Foote, a junior from Albuquerque, has started in all 25 games for the Lobos this season. He leads the team with a .387 batting average and a .496 on-base percentage. He has collected 17 runs batted in on 36 hits including four doubles, one triple and two home runs. Foote is second on the team with 31 runs scored and leads the team with 15 stolen bases on 19 attempts.

Kendrick, a freshman from Forney, Texas, has made two relief appearances for the Lobos this season. In 1.1 innings of work, the right-hander has allowed one earned run on two hits and one walk. His record currently stands at 0-0 with no saves.

The Express announced Hollick's return to the team on February 20. He currently has a .340 batting average and is third on the team with 23 RBIs. Hollick drove in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning on Saturday to beat Dallas Baptist 4-3. The Lobos are currently 17-8 on the season.

With the signing of Foote and Kendrick, 17 of the 26 active roster spots have now been announced by the Eau Claire Express.

Former Express Player Jake Fromback Receives Award

Former Express utility player and current University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point shortstop Jake Frombach was named co-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Athlete of the Week after his performance during the Pointers' trip to Florida last week.

Frombach had a team-high .472 batting average with 10 runs scored and four RBIs. As a leadoff hitter, Frombach had 17 hits and drew six walks for a .548 on-base percentage. On the base paths, Frombach swiped two bases on two attempts. For his efforts, Frombach was also named the WIAC Position Player of the Week.

Express Add Two More Players

Eau Claire Express Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho today announced the signing of two more players. Louisiana Tech infielder Nick Grunenwald and University of Hawaii pitcher Mark Rodrigues are the most recent signings, bringing the 2006 roster up to 19 players.

Grunenwald has appeared in 12 games with three starts as a true freshman for the Bulldogs this season. He was a three-year letter winner at Merrill Senior High School. As a senior in 2005, Grunenwald was named Wisconsin's Gatorade Player of the Year and Louisville Slugger Player of the Year. Grunenwald is the third infielder announced for the 2006 Express team, joining Ian Hollick and Mike LaLuna.

Rodrigues has posted a 3-1 record with a 3.31 earned run average for the Rainbows this season. In his three victories, Rodrigues has allowed only one earned run in 19 innings of work. The left-hander played two years with Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, Calif. before sitting out the 2004 and 2005 seasons because of an elbow injury. Rodrigues was a 29th round draft pick by the Montreal Expos in 2001 and a 37th round draft pick by the Oakland Athletics in 2002. He is the fourth left-hander and ninth pitcher overall to sign with the Express.

Stars of the Week

For the remaining spring collegiate baseball season, the Express website will feature weekly updates on the standout performances of our players.

WEEKLY RECAP

Eau Claire Sign Pair of Mavericks

Eau Claire Express Director of Operations and Field Manager Dale Varsho today announced the signing of two University of Nebraska-Omaha Maverick sophomores. The inking of outfielder Bryan Frew and pitcher Tim Huber brings the Express roster to 20 players with less than two months remaining before opening day in Wausau against the Wisconsin Woodchucks.

Frew has started in 28 of 30 games for the Mavericks this season. His .368 batting average is good for second on the team among players with more than thirty plate appearances. The native of Grand Island, Neb. is second in the North Central Conference with 24 runs batted in and is fifth with 35 hits.

Frew started in 51 games last season as a freshman. He led all freshmen with a .315 batting average and strung together a seven-game hit streak. On the base paths, Frew swiped seven bases on nine attempts.
Huber has appeared in six contests this season, two as a starter. He is currently 1-2 with a 3.79 earned run average. In 19 innings of work, Huber has struck out 24 batters while only issuing eight walks.

Huber earned all-NCC honors as a pitcher for the Mavericks with a 5-2 record and a 2.58 ERA in 2005. The Omaha native had a season-high 12 strikeouts in a 3-2 loss against Augustana on April 24.

The Mavericks are 23-7 on the season and have won their last eight games. They begin conference play this Saturday when they travel to St. Cloud State for doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday.

Stars of the Week

WEEKLY RECAP

Fellman Named NCC Pitcher of the Week

Sioux Falls, S.D. -- Sophomore right-handed pitcher Nick Fellman has been selected as the North Central Conference Pitcher of the Week for his efforts in helping Minnesota State compile a record of 7-1.

Fellman appeared in six of MSU's eight games and did not allow an earned run in seven innings of work. The closer limited opponents to five singles and one extra base hit. During the week, Fellman fanned seven batters while walking three on his way to picking up five saves. Fellman has already tied a single-season mark of ten saves on the season.

The Mavericks, who are 19-9 overall and are 3-1 in NCC games, are slated for six games this week. MSU plays at home Wednesday against Waldorf and again on Friday and Saturday against the University of North Dakota.

Stars of the Week

WEEKLY RECAP

Stars of the Week

WEEKLY RECAP

Stars of the Week

WEEKLY RECAP

Kempt Returns to the Express

Eau Claire Express Director of Operations and Field Manager Dale Varsho today announced the return of Travis Kempf to the Eau Claire Express. Kempf is a sophomore right-handed pitcher at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Kempf pitched relief in 16 games and started four games for the Express last season. Only returning pitchers Jon Huber and Nick Fellman appeared in more games. Kempf finished the season with a 2-0 record and a 3.78 earned run average.

Kempf has appeared in five games with four starts for the Pointers this season. He is 2-1 with a 3.90 ERA. Kempf transferred to UW-Stevens Point after his freshman season at the University of Illinois-Chicago. He appeared in 13 games for the Flames in 2005, finishing the season with a 0-1 record.

Kempf, a Kewaskum, Wis. native, is the tenth pitcher and eighth returning player signed to the 2006 Express roster. The Express have now signed 21 players to the team's 26-man roster.

Stars of the Week

WEEKLY RECAP

Express Sign Pair of Utility Players

With the season opener only 23 days away, Eau Claire Express Director of Operations and Field Manager Dale Varsho today announced the signing of Clarke College junior Randy Rosa and University of Iowa red-shirt freshman T.J. Cataldo.

Rosa started in all 40 games for the Crusaders this season. He finished first on the team in batting average (.361), home runs (10), runs batted in (39), total bases (80) and slugging percentage (.656). Rosa primarily played catcher, but also saw action at first base, third base and on the mound. In his four appearances as a pitcher, Rosa went 2-1 with one save and a 5.59 earned run average. He struck out 19 batters in 19.1 innings of work.

Cataldo has appeared in eight games with four starts for the Hawkeyes this season and has playing time at all three bases. As a senior at Carlisle High School (Iowa), Cataldo was a first team Iowa High School Baseball Coaches' Association all-state selection and four-time all-conference team member.

Varsho expects both Rosa and Cataldo to contribute at multiple positions this season due to their proven versatility. The signing of Rosa and Cataldo bring the Express roster up to 23 players.

Express Sign Another Pointer

Eau Claire Express Director of Operations and Field Manager Dale Varsho today announced the signing of University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point sophomore Jordan Zimmermann. Zimmermann is a starting pitcher and left fielder for the Pointers.

Heading into this weekend's Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament, Zimmermann is leading the team with a 1.72 ERA. He is 4-3 in his seven appearances, including five complete games and one shutout. In 52.1 innings of work, Zimmermann has struck out 55 batters. Opponents are batting a low .184 against him.

Zimmerman has also played in left field for 20 games this season. At the plate, the Auburndale, Wis. native is batting .391 with 27 hits, including five doubles and four home runs, 18 runs scored and 14 runs batted in.

The WIAC Tournament begins Saturday at Witter Field in Wisconsin Rapids. The Pointers take on top-seeded UW-Whitewater at 10:00 a.m., followed by the game between UW-Oshkosh and UW-La Crosse.

Zimmermann joins teammate Travis Kempf as the second Pointer signed by Varsho this season and the third player in Express history. He is the 24th player signed to the 2006 roster.

Zimmerman and Kempf Named to All-Tournament Team

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point pitchers Jordan Zimmermann and Travis Kempf were both named to the Wisconsin Rapids Regional All-Tournament Team of the NCAA Division III Baseball Tournament.

Zimmermann was also named the tournament's Most Valuable Player as he matched a single-game school record with 15 strikeouts to send the Pointers to the College World Series. Zimmermann also led the team in hitting during the regional with a .400 batting average.

Zimmermann will be entering his first season with the Express.

Kempf was also named to the All-Tournament Team. In his only start of the regional, Kempf pitched a complete game and struck out four to pick up the victory versus the University of St. Thomas.

This season with the Pointers, Kempf is 5-2 in seven starts with a 3.48 ERA.

Kempf is returning for his second season with the Express. He was 2-0 in 20 appearances and had an earned run average of 3.78 in his first season.

Express Sign Two more Players for Upcoming Season

Eau Claire Express Director of Operations and Field Manager Dale Varsho today announced the signing of Long Beach State middle infielder AJ Pinocchio and Minnesota State-Mankato pitcher Jon Bjelland.

Pinocchio enters his first season with the Express and joins his Long Beach State teammate Ted Pattock on the squad. Pinocchio played for Merced Junior College in 2004 and 2005 before transferring to Long Beach State this year. At Merced, he was named a Northern Californian All-American as a sophomore and led the Central Valley League in doubles as a freshman. So far in his first season with Long Beach State, Pinocchio is third on the team with a .339 batting average.

Bjelland enters his second season with the Express. This season for Mankato, Bjelland was 6-1 in 11 starts and had an earned run average of 2.86. Bjelland allowed just 37 hits in 56.2 innings pitched and was fourth on the team in strikeouts with 59.

Last season with the Express, Bjelland was 4-3 in 11 appearances, 10 of which were starts. His four wins were the second most on the team. Bjelland struck out 44 batters in 48 innings pitched last season.

Bjelland joins fellow Mankato pitchers Nick Fellman and Jon Huber on the Express pitching staff.

Pinocchio and Bjelland are the 25th and 26th players signed to the 2006 roster.

Stars of the Week

WEEKLY RECAP

Express to be Involved with Golf for Girls Benefit

The Eau Claire Express will be part of the second annual Golf for the Girls benefit on Saturday, July 29th at Pine Meadow Golf Club in Eau Claire.

The Express players will be involved in the first shotgun at 10 a.m. to kickoff the event. In addition to golf, there will be food, entertainment, and raffles.

The golf benefit is in honor of two infant twin sisters, Grace and McKenna, who were diagnosed with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion and died shortly after their premature birth. The parents of the infants, Mark and Kate Steward, started the event last year and raised over $11,000.

This year's proceeds will go toward establishing a Family Lounge on the NICU/Birth Center floor at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, as well as toward purchasing a fetoscope for the Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome Institute at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Milwaukee.

Ashley Earns All-Conference Accolades

Indiana State Sycamore catcher Nevin Ashley was named to the All-Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) first team last week in a vote by league coaches.

Ashley becomes the first Sycamore since 2001 to earn first team honors and it is the first time he has earned All-MVC honors in his three seasons with the Sycamores. He also becomes the first catcher at Indiana State to earn all-conference honors since 1997.

This season, Ashley finished in the top 10 of eight different offensive categories. He led the MVC with seven triples and 130 total bases and finished second in the league with a .382 batting average and 10 home runs. He also registered an MVC season-high 22-game hitting streak at the beginning of the year.

Ashley will be entering his first season with the Express.

Stars of the Week

WEEKLY RECAP

Zimmerman Earns Second Team All-American Honors

UW-Stevens Point sophomore pitcher Jordan Zimmermann was named to the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)/Rawlings All-American Second Team it was announced in conjunction with the 2006 College World Series.

For the Pointers this season, Zimmermann was 5-5 with an earned run average of 2.28 in 11 appearances and he led the team in strikeouts with 103.

Zimmermann was named the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Pitcher of the Year. He was also named the Wisconsin Rapids Regional's Most Valuable Player as he matched a single-game school record 15 strikeouts to send the Pointers to the Division III College World Series.

Zimmermann was also dangerous at the plate this season. He was third on the team hitting with a .355 batting average and hit seven home runs.

Zimmermann will be entering his first season with the Express and will be joining fellow Pointer pitcher Travis Kempf on the pitching staff.

Express Defeat Woodchucks in Season Opener

Wausau, Wis.

Express Sign Three Players Just Before Season Begins

Eau Claire Express Director of Operations and Field Manager Dale Varsho today announced the signing of UW-Stevens Point catcher Doug Coe, Grand Valley State infielder Justin McKenzie, and Ridgewater pitcher Adam Ferrell.

Coe will be entering his first season with the Express. Prior to joining the Pointers, Coe played two seasons at Lawrence University. At Lawrence, Coe ranked 10th in the nation in 2005 in batting average at .451 and 21st in slugging percentage at .745, earning second-team all-Midwest Region honors. He was also the nation's 26th toughest player to strikeout in 2005. In his two seasons at Lawrence he was a two-time first team All-Midwest Conference selection.

This season with the Pointers, Coe had the third most hits on the team with 64 and was second on the team in home runs with 13.

McKenzie will also be playing in his first season with the Express. McKenzie, who also goes by the first name of "Spud", had played two years at Grand Valley Community College before going to Grand Valley State. At Grand Valley CC, McKenzie hit .350 and was named the 2003 NJCAA World Series Most Valuable Player.

This season for Grand Valley State, McKenzie was fourth on the team with a .379 batting average and he was second on the team in home runs with six. He was also an All-Conference first team selection.

Ferrell will be returning for his second season with the Express. Ferrell saw limited action last year due to injury. He pitched just three innings, striking out three and allowing just one hit.

For Ridgewater this season, Ferrell pitched 23 innings, had 20 strikeouts and had an earned run average of 0.39.

Woodchucks Rally to Defeat the Express

Wausau, Wis.

Bjelland Pitches a Gem, Express Win Home Opener

Led by a 14 strikeout performance by pitcher Jon Bjelland (Minnesota State-Mankato), the Eau Claire Express won its home opener tonight over Waterloo 1-0 at Carson Park.

With the win the Express improve to 2-1 on the season and Waterloo suffers its first loss of the season, dropping to 2-1.

In the top of the first, the Bucks threatened putting runners at first and second with two outs. The Bucks' Ben Humphrey then hit a base hit to left where leftfielder Bryan Frew Nebraska-Omaha came up and nailed Waterloo's Bryan Resnick at the plate to keep the game scoreless.

The Express finally broke through in the bottom of the third when Casey Garms (UW-Platteville) picked up his fifth RBI of the season, knocking in Nick Grunenwald (Louisiana Tech) to make the score 1-0.

That is all the run support that Bjelland would need on the mound. Bjelland struck out the side in the top of the fourth and also had a string of five consecutive strikeouts including striking out the side in the seventh.

The Bucks threatened with two outs in the eighth, after Bjelland walked the bases loaded. Manager Dale Varsho stuck with Bjelland and he got Ben Humphrey to ground into a force out at third to end the inning.

Nick Fellman (Minnesota State-Mankato) came in the ninth to save the game and retired the side in order as the Express won 1-0.

Both teams combined for just seven hits in the game. Kraig Binick (New York Tech), Casey Garms, Ian Hollick (New Mexico), and Nick Grunenwald had all of the hits for the Express. Garms and Binick each had a stolen base for the Express.

The Express will finish their series with Waterloo tomorrow at 6:05 p.m. at Carson Park.

Express Unable to get the Bats Going in Loss to Waterloo

Pitching again was the story tonight as Waterloo was able to split the series with the Express, defeating them 3-1 at Carson Park.

It was the second straight series that the Express have split and they now have a record of 2-2. On the other hand, Waterloo improves to 3-1 in this young season.

The first three Waterloo batters would reach base as the Bucks got on the board early on a Bryan Resnick RBI single to right. The Bucks added to the 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth on a Chris Dabbs solo home run.

The Express would get their only run of the game, which was unearned, in the bottom of the fourth with a Doug Coe (UW-Stevens Point) sacrifice fly that scored Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) to make the score 2-1.

The game was relatively quiet until the top of the ninth when the Bucks began to threaten with runners at the corners with one out. Waterloo's Matt Kramer then knocked in Pete Schneider to make the score 3-1.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Express' Ian Hollick (New Mexico) got on after being hit by a pitch with one out. Following the Express' second out of the inning, Mike LaLuna (New York Tech) kept the Express alive with a single through the left side. However, the next Express batter would ground out as the Bucks went on to win 3-1.

Earning the win for Waterloo was Scott Shaw, who pitched a complete game, allowing just four hits and one earned run. Picking up the loss for the Express was Tim Huber (Nebraska-Omaha). Huber pitched well in the loss, striking out seven and allowing just five hits in 7.1 innings. Adam Ferrell (Ridgewater) pitched the final 1.2 innings and struck out two, while allowing a run.

Casey Garms (UW-Parkside), Bryan Frew, Nevin Ashley (Indiana State), and Mike LaLuna had all of the hits for the Express.

The Express will host the Madison Mallards tomorrow at Carson Park for the third game of a four-game home stand. The action gets underway at 7:05 p.m.

The New Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week

Does your son or daughter simply love baseball? Do they also love to talk? Then sign your child up for our Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week Contest.

Express radio announcer Scott Montesano will select one local boy or girl every Monday to be the Express of Tomorrow kid of the week. The winning child will be interviewed on the radio and mentioned right here on the Express web site.

To enter, either fill out an entry blank at any home game or send Scott an email at radio@eauclaireexpress.com.

Express Win Longest Game in Team History

The Eau Claire Express defeated Madison in thrilling fashion by a score of 4-3 in 13 innings tonight at Carson Park.

The game was the longest in team history in duration at 3:50 and innings. Both teams combined to use 33 players in the 13-inning marathon. The Express improve to 3-2, while the Mallards fall to 2-3.

The Mallards scored first in the top of the third on a Blaine Rutledge RBI double to make the score 1-0. The Express tied the game in the bottom of the sixth when Nevin Ashley (Indiana State) hit the Express' first home run of the season to leftcenter. The Express took the lead in the bottom of the seventh when Casey Garms (UW-Parkside) drove in his sixth RBI of the season on a fielder's choice.

Express starter Jordan Zimmermann (UW-Stevens Point) pitched well through eight innings, striking out eight and allowing just three hits. Zimmermann then started the ninth, but gave up a lead-off walk and was replaced by Nick Fellman (Minnesota State-Mankato). After walking the first batter; the Mallards would score on an Express error to tie the game at 2-2. The Express did not threaten in the bottom of the ninth and the game went to extra innings.

The Express loaded the bases in the bottom of the 10th, but were unable to score. Then in the top of the 11th, the Mallards took the lead when Ryan Bond stole home to make the score 3-2. However, the Express would respond to tie the game on passed ball that scored TJ Cataldo (Iowa).

In the bottom of the 13th, Kraig Binick (New York Tech) began the inning with a leadoff walk. After a sacrifice bunt, the Mallards intentionally walked Nevin Ashley. Ian Hollick (New Mexico) then hit a base hit to right field and Binick came around to score from second as the Express won 4-3.

Emerson Trager (Corpus Christi) picked up the win in relief, pitching four innings and allowing just two hits and striking out two.

The Express will host the Mallards in the final game of a four-game home stand tomorrow. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Express Lose the Final Game of the Home Stand

The Eau Claire Express could only gather four hits tonight as the Madison Mallards defeated the Express tonight 3-0 at Carson Park.

With the loss the Express have split their first three series of the year and are 3-3. The win improves the Mallard's record to 3-3 also.

The Mallards got on the board first when Ryan Basham knocked in Ryan Bond on an RBI single to make the score 1-0. The Express got runners on first and second with one out in the bottom of the first, but could not get a runner across the plate.

The game stayed relatively quiet until the top of the sixth when the Mallards would score two unearned runs aided by two Express errors.

The Express only got two more hits the final four innings and the Mallards came away with a split in the series, winning 3-0.

Mallard pitcher Casey Baron pitched a complete game four hitter and struck out two. Express pitcher Patrick Criss (Corpus Christi) picked up the loss, but gave up only one earned run and struck out sixth.

Kraig Binick (New York Tech), Casey Garms (UW-Parkside), Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha), and Mike LaLuna (New York Tech) had all of the hits for the Express.

The Express will hit the road tomorrow to begin a two-game series with the Waterloo Bucks. The start of tomorrow's game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Two Express Players Get Drafted

Express players Nevin Ashley (Indiana State) and David Arnold (Lincoln Trail) were both selected on the first day of the 2006 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft on Tuesday.

Ashley, a catcher from Indiana State was chosen in the sixth round (169) by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Ashley left the Express after Tuesday night's game. In his three games for the Express, Ashley hit .250 and had the only Express home run of the season.

Ashley had an outstanding junior season for Indiana State and has already garnered First Team All-MVC and ESPN The Magazine Academic All-Region honors for his efforts. He finished the season ranking in the top 10 of eight different offensive categories among the conference elite.

David Arnold a pitcher from Lincoln Trail Junior College was selected in the tenth round (288) by the Colorado Rockies. Arnold, who hasn't joined the Express yet, is expected to join the team and turn down the Rockies.

Arnold was named the GRAC Player of the Year and was recently named an Honorable Mention All-American by the NJCAA. The right-hander was 10-1 for Lincoln Trail, leading them to a conference championship and a birth into the NJCAA Regional playoffs.

Express Pull One Out in the Nineth

Waterloo, Iowa

First Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week

Congratulations go out to Kaneesha Bauer, 10, of Eau Claire for being the first Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week.

Every Monday during the season, Express radio announcer Scott Montesano will select one local boy or girl to be the Express of Tomorrow kid of the week. The winning child will be interviewed on the radio and mentioned right here on the Express web site.

To enter, either fill out an entry blank at any home game or send Scott an email at radio@eauclaireexpress.com.

Pitching Dominates as the Express Sweep Waterloo

Waterloo, Iowa

Express VS Rochester Suspended

Play was suspended due to weather Friday night between the Express and Rochester with the game tied at 1-1 through sixth innings. Play will resume tomorrow at 6:05 p.m.

Express Lose Twice to Rochester

Rochester, Minn.

Express Get Back On Track with Win

The Eau Claire Express returned home tonight and defeated the Madison Mallards 3-1 at Carson Park to snap a two-game skid.

The Express improve to 6-5 with the win, while the Mallards drop to 7-4. The Mallards had won five straight until tonight.

The Express struck first in the bottom of the second inning when Mike LaLuna (New York Tech) doubled down the right field line to score both Nate McKeon (Lincoln Trail) and Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) to make the score 2-0. The Mallards left the bases loaded in the top of the third as Express starter Patrick Criss (Corpus Christi) got out of the jam.

The Mallards finally got on the board in the top of the fifth on a wild pitch that scored Bobby Hubbard from third to make the score 2-1. The Express would get an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth on a RBI single through the left side by newcomer Matt Foote (New Mexico) as the Express extended their lead to 3-1.

After Pat Criss pitched six solid innings and Drew Kendrick (New Mexico) pitched two scoreless innings in relief, Nick Fellman (Minnesota State-Mankato) came in to pitch a perfect ninth and pick up his third save of the year as the Express won 3-1.

Criss got the win for the Express on the mound. He pitched six innings, allowed only three hits and struck out two. The Express bullpen was once again fantastic, giving no hits in three innings of work. Foote led the Express at the plate in his first game going 2-for-4 with an RBI.

The two-game series against Madison will conclude tomorrow at Carson Park with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Express Shoot Down Mallards

The Eau Claire Express completed a two-game sweep against the Madison Mallards, defeating them 2-0 tonight at Carson Park.

The Express improve to 7-5 and are 3-1 this season against Madison. The Mallards also drop to 7-5. They had won five straight coming into the series against the Express. This is the first series sweep of Madison in the team's young history.

Early on the Express knocked on the door on two occasions as they had runners thrown out at the plate in the third and fourth inning. Eau Claire finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth when Doug Coe (UW-Stevens Point) hit his second RBI of the season on a single to center, scoring Ian Hollick (New Mexico). Following an Express strikeout, TJ Cataldo (Iowa) hit a RBI single through the right side, scoring Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) to make the score 2-0.

That is all the run support that Express starter Adam Ferrell (Ridgewater) would need. Ferrell (3-0) making his first start of the season, pitched eight innings, struck out four, and allowed only six hits. For the second consecutive night, Nick Fellman (Minnesota State-Mankato) came in the ninth and pitched a perfect inning, picking up his fourth save of the season.

The Express cranked out 11 hits against the Mallards. Casey Garms (UW-Parkside), Doug Coe, and TJ Cataldo each had two hits.

The Express will begin a four-game road trip tomorrow as the team will travel to face Mankato. Tomorrow's game is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m.

Express Win Third Straight

Mankato, Minn.

Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week

Congratulations go out to Andrew Rieck, 8, of Eau Claire for being selected as this week's Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week.

Every Wednesday, Express radio announcer Scott Montesano will select one local boy or girl to be the Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week. The winning child will be interviewed on the radio and be mentioned right here on the Express web site.

To enter, either fill out an entry blank at any home game or send Scott an email at radio@eauclaireexpress.com.

Win Streak Ends at Three for the Express

Mankato, Minn.

Zimmerman Leads the Express Past Brainerd

Brainerd, Minn. - Jordan Zimmermann (UW-Stevens Point) struck out 10 and allowed only two hits in eight innings as the Express defeated Brainerd 2-0 tonight at Stewart C. Mills Field.

The win improves the Express record to 9-6 overall and 2-1 against the North Division. The loss drops the Blue Thunder to 6-9 overall. The Express are currently in second place in the South Division, two games back of Rochester.

The Express wouldn't need much offense as the Express pitching staff showed why they are the best in the league. The top of the order led the Express at the plate. The top four hitters had all of the hits for the Express.

The Express got on the board in the top of the fourth inning and would add insurance in the top of the seventh inning to go up 2-0. Zimmermann (1-1) pitched eight shut out innings until Nick Fellman (Minnesota State-Mankato) came in the ninth to save the game for the Express. Brainerd would load the bases with one out. Fellman then got the Blue Thunder to ground into a 1-2-3 game-ending double play to pick up his fifth save of the season as the Express won 2-0.

At the plate, the Express were led by Ian Hollick (New Mexico), who went 2-for-4 and scored a run. Kraig Binick (New York Tech), Casey Garms (UW-Parkside), and Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) had the other three hits for the Express. Matt Foote (New Mexico) scored the second run for the Express.

The two game series against Brainerd will conclude tomorrow. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Errors Cost Express in Loss to Loggers

The Express committed five errors leading to three La Crosse runs as the Loggers defeated the Express 3-0 at Carson Park this afternoon.

The loss drops the Express to a record of 10-7, while win puts the Loggers above.500 at 9-8.

Express pitcher Tom Eager (Cal-Poly) making his first start of the season got into trouble early. La Crosse loaded the bases in the top of the first with one out, but Eager would get the next batters to get out of the jam.

The game remained scoreless until the top of the fifth. With one out La Crosse's Andy Podmolik reached on an Express error. Two batters later the Loggers' Kirk Bacsu hit a sacrifice fly to left, scoring Podmolik from third to make the score 1-0. The Express finally got their first hit of the game in the bottom of the fifth and loaded the bases, but were unable to get any runs across.

The Loggers added on to their lead in the top of the seventh. The first two Logger batters would reach on Express errors and Mark Ortega would hit a sacrifice fly to make the score 2-0. The Express threatened in the bottom of the eighth, loading the bases with no one out. However, two Express strikeouts and a ground out ended the inning. The Loggers added one more run in the top of the eighth, also unearned, to make the score 3-0. The Express did not threaten in the bottom of the ninth as The Loggers went onto win 3-0.

Adam Dominick picked up the win for the Loggers. He pitched seven innings, allowed just two hits and struck out four. Jason Dominguez got the save in two innings of work. Tom Eager received the loss for the Express. Eager pitched six innings, also allowed just two hits and struck out four, while allowing no earned runs.

Kraig Binick (New York Tech), Matt Foote (New Mexico), and Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) had the only hits for the Express.

The Express and Loggers will face each other tomorrow night to conclude the two-game series. It will also be "Human Cannonball Night" sponsored by WQOW-News 18. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Express Lose a Heartbreaker to La Crosse

The Express blew a 2-1 ninth inning lead as the La Crosse Loggers scored three runs in the final three innings to win 3-2 in 10 innings at Carson Park tonight.

The loss drops the Express to 10-8 overall and with the sweep the Loggers improve to 10-8.

The Express got the offense rolling early tonight. Kraig Binick (New York Tech) led off the game with a double. Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) then hit an infield single. The next Express batter, Casey Garms (UW-Parkside), would pick up his 11th RBI of the season on a single to left, scoring Binick to make the score 1-0. However, the Express would strand runners on second and third. The Loggers loaded the bases with one out in the top of the second, but Express starter Patrick Criss (Corpus-Christi) got one Logger batter to pop out and struck out another to get out of the inning.

The Express added to their lead in the bottom of the fourth when Mike LaLuna (New York Tech) hit an RBI single up the middle to score Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) to make the score 2-0. The score remained that way until the top of the eighth when the Loggers' Andy Podmolik hit a RBI double to score Jim Viscomi from first to make the score 2-1.

Express brought in closer Nick Fellman (Minnesota State-Mankato) in the ninth to finish the game. However, following a strikeout, back-to-back singles put runners on the corners. Matt Aidem then hit a ground ball and the Express could not turn the double play as the runner from third came into score to tie the game at 2-2. The Express would not threaten in the bottom of the ninth and the game went to extra innings.

The Express walked the first La Crosse batter in the 10th and then threw a wild pitch advancing the runner to second with no one out. Podmolik then reached on an error putting runners at the corners. The next batter, Kirk Bacsu hit an RBI single through the right side to give La Crosse the lead 3-2. In the bottom of the 10th, three straight singles loaded the bases for the Express. After an Express strikeout, Ian Hollick (New Mexico) stepped to the plate and hit a line shot at the pitcher, who caught the ball and doubled up the runner at third to end the game.

Express pitcher, Pat Criss had a no decision in the loss. Criss pitched seven innings, struck out five, and allowed four hits. Teddy Pattock led the Express at the plate going 3-for-3.

The Express will hit the road for a two-game series against St. Cloud tomorrow. Tomorrow's game is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m.

Express Let One Slip Away Again

St. Cloud, Minn.

Big Seventh Inning Lifts Riverbats Over Express

St. Cloud, Minn.

This Week's Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week

Congratulations go out to Logan Weiss, 12, of Eleva for being this week's Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week.

Every Wednesday, Express radio announcer Scott Montesano will select one local boy or girl to be the Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week. The winning child will be interviewed on the radio and be mentioned right here on the Express web site.

To enter, either fill out an entry blank at any home game or send Scott an email at radio@eauclaireexpress.com.

Express Fall to Duluth

It was "Turn Back the Clock Night" tonight at Carson Park; however the Express wished to fast forward through most of it as the Duluth Huskies defeated Eau Claire 11-6.

Both teams wore retro jerseys with the Express wearing 1952 Eau Claire Bears uniforms, while the Huskies were wearing 1961 Dukes uniforms.

The Express have now lost five straight games, the most in its two-year history and have fallen below .500 for the first time this season with a record of 10-11. The Huskies improve to 10-11 in the North Division with the victory.

The Huskies got on the board first in the top of the third on a sacrifice fly by Brock Bond to make the score 1-0. The Express answered in the bottom of the third on a RBI single through the left side by Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) that scored Justin "Spud" McKenzie (Grand Valley State) to tie the game at 1-1.

The wheels would fall off in the top of the fourth. The first two Husky batters walked and then an error by the Express loaded the bases. The Huskies then scored on back-to-back fielders choices to make the score 3-1. With one out, the Huskies got three straight RBI singles to make the score 6-1.

The Huskies followed that up with another five-run inning in the top of the fifth to make the score 11-1. The Express tried to make a game of it in the late innings as they scored one in the bottom of the seventh on an error. Then in the bottom of the ninth, with the bases loaded the Express' Matt Foote (New Mexico) got hit by a pitch and Nate McKeon (Lincoln Trail) walked to make the score 11-4. The Express then scored two on an error, but it wasn't enough as the Huskies cruised to victory 11-6.

Jon Bjelland (Minnesota State-Mankato) received the loss for the Express. Emerson Trager (Corpus Christi) pitched well in relief for the Express as he pitched five innings, allowed five hits, and struck out three. Casey Garms (UW-Parkside) and Kevin James (UC-Davis) each had two hits for the Express.

The Express will host Duluth again tomorrow night. There will be a fireworks following tomorrow's game. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Spud Comes Through in the Clutch for the Express

Justin "Spud" McKenzie (Grand Valley State) drove in the winning run in the bottom of the 13th inning as the Express won 3-2 tonight over the Duluth Huskies at Carson Park.

The win puts the Express back at .500 with an 11-11 record. The Huskies drop to 10-12 with the loss. The Express are now 2-1 this season in extra inning games

The Express got the scoring started in the bottom of the fourth. Casey Garms (UW-Parkside) led off the inning with a single to left. After a sacrifice and a ground out, Doug Coe (UW-Stevens Point) hit a single down the left field line that scored Garms from second to make the score 1-0.

However, the Express lead was short-lived as the Huskies scored two in the top of the fifth, both unearned, to take a 2-1 lead. The Express answered in the bottom of the sixth when Doug Coe scored on an infield single by TJ Cataldo (Iowa) to tie the game 2-2.

Neither team would get a hit from the seventh through the ninth inning as the game went into extra innings. Express starter Jordan Zimmermann (UW-Stevens Point) carried the Express through the ninth inning without giving up an earned run. Zimmermann struck out 11 and allowed only three hits in his nine innings of work.

Adam Ferrell (Ridgewater CC) came in relief of Zimmermann in the 10th inning. With a runner at second in the top of the 10th, the Huskies' Brock Bond hit a single to left and the runner was waved home but was thrown out easily by leftfielder Matt Foote (New Mexico). The Express then stranded two runners in both the 10th and 11th innings and neither team did anything in the 12th as the game went to 13th.

After Ferrell completed his fourth inning of relief for the Express in the top of the 13th, the Express came up in the bottom of the inning. The inning started with a Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) walk, followed by a sacrifice by TJ Cataldo to move Frew to second. Justin "Spud" McKenzie then came to the plate and hit a shot to right and Frew was sent home and avoided the tag by the Husky catcher; as the Express went on to win in exciting-fashion 3-2.

Ferrell (4-0) got the win in relief for the Express. Ferrell pitched four innings, struck out four, and allowed only two hits. Garms, Coe, and McKenzie all had two hits to lead the Express at the plate.

The Express will continue their home stand as they will begin a two-game series with South Division leader Rochester tomorrow night. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Tonight's Game VS Rochester Rained Out

Tonight's game against the Rochester Honkers was rained out. There will be a doubleheader starting at 3:05 p.m. tomorrow.

Express Split Doubleheader Against Rochester

The Eau Claire had a thrilling come from behind victory in game one, defeating Rochester 3-2 in eight innings, but a team record 16 walks led to a 15-4 game two victory for Rochester tonight at Carson Park.

Today's doubleheader was delayed one hour due to rain. In the Northwoods League, when there is a doubleheader both games are only seven innings in length.

Game one remained scoreless until the top of the fifth inning when the Honkers' Will Cherry got a leadoff double and then scored from second on an error to make the score 1-0. The Honkers scored again in the top of the sixth on a Brett Featherston mammoth homerun to right to make the score 2-0.

In their last at-bat, the Express got the rally going in the bottom of the seventh on a leadoff single by Mike LaLuna (New York Tech). Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) then followed that up with a single as LaLuna advanced to third. After an Express out, Casey Garms (UW-Parkside) stepped to the plate and struck out, but a wild pitch scored LaLuna from third and Bryan Frew advanced all the way to third. On the next pitch, Honker pitcher Mike Donohoe was called for a balk, which scored Frew from third to tie the game at 2-2.

The game then went to extra innings and Drew Kendrick (New Mexico) pitched a perfect top of the eighth to keep the game tied. TJ Cataldo (Iowa) led off the bottom of the inning with a single to right. Nick Grunenwald (Louisiana Tech) was then brought in to pinch run. After a ground out moved Grunenwald to second, Kevin James stepped to the plate and hit a base hit to center. Rochester's centerfielder misplayed the ball, which allowed Grunenwald to score the winning run, as the Express won 3-2.

Kendrick (1-0) picked up the win on the mound. Express starter Tim Huber (Nebraska-Omaha) received a no decision. Huber pitched seven innings, allowed eight hits and struck out eight. Doug Coe (UW-Stevens Point), Nate McKeon (Lincoln Trail), and Bryan Frew each had two hits to lead the Express at the plate.

Game two was a different story. Express starter, Tom Eager (Cal-Poly) got into trouble early. Eager walked in two runs with the bases loaded and then another run scored on an error as the Honkers took a 3-0 first inning lead. Eager walked in another batter in the top of the second before he was taken out and replaced by Emerson Trager (Corpus Christi). The Honkers scored three more runs in the second to make the score 7-0.

The Express rallied in the bottom of the fourth, scoring four runs. Back-to-back Rochester errors led off the inning. An RBI single by Kevin James and a two-run single by Matt Foote (New Mexico) made the score 7-3. A sacrifice fly by Bryan Frew made the score 7-4. However, walks would once again bite the Express. Two runners were once again walked in, and a base-clearing three-run double made the score 12-4. Rochester added three more runs and the final score was 15-4. The split gives the Express a 12-12 record, while South Division leading Rochester is 18-6.

The Express will have a day off tomorrow before hitting the road for four games on Tuesday. The Express will play Duluth on Tuesday night with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Info on Today's Game VS Rochester

Today's game against the Rochester Honkers has been rescheduled as a doubleheader beginning at 3:05 p.m. The two teams will play a pair of seven-inning games with roughly a 30-minute break between the first and second games.

If you have a reserved section ticket from Saturday's night game, you must present it at the downtown office or at the Carson Park will call window to receive a free ticket for a future game.

The UBC Fan Deck will open at 2:00 p.m. Ballpark food and beverage will be served at this time. Catered food will be served starting at 3:00 p.m. All food and drink will be cut at the end of the fourth inning of the second game.

The Country Jam raffle will take place throughout both games today, along with the scheduled Milwaukee Brewers prize giveaways.

Duluth Blanks the Express

Duluth, Minn.

Express Leave Duluth with a Win

Duluth, Minn.

This Week's Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week

Congratulations go out to Waylon Kolve, 11, of Altoona for being this week's Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week.

Every Wednesday, Express radio announcer Scott Montesano will select one local boy or girl to be the Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week. The winning child will be interviewed on the radio and be mentioned right here on the Express web site.

To enter, either fill out an entry blank at any home game or send Scott an email at radio@eauclaireexpress.com.

Two in a Row for the Express

Thunder Bay, ONT

Big First Inning Not Enough for the Express

Thunder Bay, ONT

Coe's Homerun Lifts the Express

The Eau Claire Express used a three-run seventh inning on its way to a 3-2 victory over the Waterloo Bucks tonight at Carson Park.

The victory puts the Express at 15-14 overall this season and 9-8 against the South Division. The Bucks drop to a record of 12-17.

The Express threatened in the bottom of the first, as they put runners at second and third with one out. However, the Bucks would get out of the jam by striking out back-to-back Express batters. Both teams would not get a hit from the second through the fourth inning.

The game quickly got to the seventh inning where the Express took control of the game. Kevin James (UC-Davis) got the inning started with single to right center. Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) then doubled down the left field line, which advanced James to third. Bucks' starter Scott Shaw then threw a wild pitch that scored James from third and advanced Frew to third. The next Express batter, Doug Coe (UW-Stevens Point), put the game on ice when he hit the Express' third home run of the year, a two-run blast to left field to put the Express up 3-0.

Express starter Jordan Zimmermann (UW-Stevens Point) went into the ninth as he looked for the complete game shutout. Zimmerman got the first batter out, but then hit the second batter and the next Waterloo batter reached on an error to put runners at the corners with one out. Shea Robin put the Bucks on the board with a RBI single to center.

Zimmermann was then pulled from the game and closer Nick Fellman (Minnesota State-Mankato) came in. Another RBI single by Waterloo cut the lead to 3-2. Fellman would get the next Waterloo batter to pop up for the second out. Fellman then got two strikes on Bucks' batter Ben Humphrey when a bank of lights went out right behind home plate. If it wasn't for that, the Express were on their way to their fastest game in history. However, when the lights came back on Fellman struck out Humphrey and the Express went on to win 3-2.

Zimmermann (2-1) pitched 8.1 innings, allowed just four hits and struck out 10. Fellman picked up his eighth save of the season. Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) led the Express at the plate, as he went 2-for-2.

The Express will finish up their two-game series against Waterloo tomorrow with the action beginning at 6:05 p.m.

Huber Throws Complete Game, Express Sweep Waterloo

The Eau Claire Express scored four runs in the first two innings, including three in the first on its way to sweeping Waterloo tonight by a score of 5-0 at Carson Park.

The Express have now won four of their last five and have an overall record of 16-14. The Bucks drop to 12-18 with the loss.

Spud McKenzie (Grand Valley State) got things rolling tonight, as he led off the game with a double down the left field line. Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) then reached on a bunt single to put runners at the corners. The next batter, Matt Foote (New Mexico) would hit a RBI double also down the left field line that scored McKenzie. Later in the inning Casey Garms (UW-Parkside) reached on an error that scored both Pattock and Foote to make the score 3-0.

Waterloo started off the second with three straight singles, however Express pitcher Tim Huber (Nebraska-Omaha) picked off two of the base runners to get out of the inning unharmed. In the bottom half of the inning, Pattock hit a single with one out and then advanced to second after a balk by the Waterloo pitcher. An error by the shortstop put runners at the corners for the Express. AJ Pinocchio (Long Beach State) would hit a ground ball to second, but the Bucks were unable to turn the double play and Pattock scored from third to make the score 4-0. Foote would score on a wild pitch in the fifth to make the score 5-0.

Tim Huber was in control after the second inning. Huber allowed only four hits after the second inning. Huber (2-1) went on to pitch the first complete game of the season for the Express. He allowed just seven hits and struck out eight in the win.

The top three players in the batting order for the Express: McKenzie, Pattock, and Foote had two hits for the Express.

The Express continue their home stand tomorrow as the St. Cloud River Bats come to town for the first of two games. It will be "Whoopee Cushion Night" at Carson Park as the first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Express Rally to Defeat St. Cloud in Extra Innings

The Eau Claire Express scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to send the game into extra innings and then Spud McKenzie (Grand Valley State) scored on a passed ball in the bottom of the 11th as the Express defeated St. Cloud tonight 4-3 at Carson Park.

The Express have now won three straight games and have sole possession of second place in the South Division. The Express are now 17-14 overall. The River Bats fall to 15-16 with the loss.

The River Bats started things off in the top of the first on a James Leverton RBI single that made the score 1-0. Later in the inning, Leverton scored on an Express error from second to make the score 2-0. The Express got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the third on a sacrifice fly by Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) that scored Spud McKenzie to cut the River Bats lead to 2-1.

The Express would leave the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth and the bottom of the seventh as the score remained 2-1 until the ninth inning. Express starter Mark Rodrigues (Hawaii) pitched eight innings allowed four hits and struck out seven before being relieved in the ninth.

The River Bats added to their lead in the top of the ninth when Leverton scored on sacrifice fly by Pat Mahoney. With the score 3-1 in the bottom of the ninth, Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) started the inning with an infield single. McKenzie then singled to center and a sacrifice by Teddy Pattock put runners at second and third with one out. Frew would score from third on a ground out by Kraig Binick (New York Tech) and McKenzie advanced to third as the Express cut the lead to 3-2. With two outs, Matt Foote (New Mexico), celebrating his 21st birthday, hit a line drive to center and the ball fell just in front of the diving centerfielder and McKenzie scored to tie the game at 3-3.

In the bottom of the 11th, McKenzie reached base after a St. Cloud error. A sacrifice by Pattock moved McKenzie to second. After a ground out, McKenzie moved to third. With Foote at the plate again, a passed ball scored McKenzie from third and the Express won 4-3.

Emerson Trager (Corpus Christi) picked up the win in relief. McKenzie and Pattock each led the Express with two hits.

The Express will conclude their home stand tomorrow as they will host St. Cloud. The first pitch begins at 6:35 p.m. and there will fireworks to celebrate Independence Day following the game. General Admission and Fan Deck tickets are only available. Both of those are first come, first serve. Gates open at 5 p.m.

Express Fall to St. Cloud in Front of a Record Attendence

In front of a team record 5,257 fans tonight at Carson Park the St. Cloud River Bats ended the Express' three-game winning streak with a 3-2 victory.

The previous attendance-high was a year ago today when the Express hosted Rochester in front of 4,718 fans. With the loss, the Express fall to a record of 17-15 overall this season, while the River Bats improve to 16-16.

The Express threatened in the bottom of the first as they had runners on second and third with one out. A fly ball by Casey Garms (UW-Parkside) to center was caught by the centerfielder and Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) took off from third, but was thrown out at the plate on a perfect throw.

The River Bats took the lead in the top of the fifth on a solo home run by Pat Mahoney to make the score 1-0. Express starter Tom Eager (Cal-Poly) then left the game with an injury. The River Bats added a run in the top of the sixth when Ryan Curry scored on a wild pitch to make the score 2-0.

The Express cut the lead to 2-1 in the bottom of the seventh on a Teddy Pattock RBI single that scored Mike LaLuna (New York Tech). St. Cloud then extended their lead back to two runs in the top of the eighth on a RBI single by Kyle Baran. The Express answered in the bottom of the eighth on a Kevin James (UC-Davis) RBI single that scored Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha). However, that's as close as the Express would get as St. Cloud's Chad Dawson pitched a perfect ninth and River Bats went on to win 3-2.

Eager (0-3) picked up the loss for the Express. Teddy Pattock led the Express at the plate as he went 2-for-4 with a RBI.

The Express will hit the road tomorrow to face the Wisconsin Woodchucks. Tomorrow's game will be played in Stevens Point. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

This Week's Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week

Congratulations go out to Zach Stange, 7, of Eau Claire for being this week's Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week.

Every Wednesday, Express radio announcer Scott Montesano will select one local boy or girl to be the Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week. The winning child will be interviewed on the radio and be mentioned right here on the Express web site.

To enter, either fill out an entry blank at any home game or send Scott an email at radio@eauclaireexpress.com.

Express Come From Behind to Defeat Woodchucks

Stevens Point, Wis.

Express End First Half with a Loss to the Woodchucks

Wausau, Wis.

Express Shut Out By Madison to Start Second Half

Madison, Wis.

Express Cruise Passed the Mallards

Madison, Wis.

Five Express Players Named to the All-Star Team

Rochester, Minn.

Express Slip Past the Loggers

La Crosse, Wis.

Comeback Falls Short for the Express

The Eau Claire Express tried to comeback from a 5-1 deficit, but fell just short tonight, losing 5-4 to the La Crosse Loggers tonight at Carson Park.

The Express fall to a record of 2-2 in the second half and a 20-18 overall record. The Loggers improve to a 3-1 second half record and are also 20-18 overall.

The Loggers jumped ahead early on the Express. After a leadoff single and a sacrifice to start the game, the Loggers had a runner in scoring position. Kirk Bacsu then doubled off of the top of the wall in left center that scored Travis Check from second to make the score 1-0. Two batters later, Ben Barrone doubled to left center that scored Bacsu to make the score 2-0.

The Express scored one in the bottom of the second on a sacrifice fly by TJ Cataldo (Iowa) that scored Kevin James (UC-Davis). The Loggers extended their lead to back to two runs in the top of the third on a Ben Barrone RBI single through the left side that made the score 3-1. After the Loggers Nick Romero scored on a wild pitch in the sixth, La Crosse extended the lead to 5-1 on a suicide squeeze by Travis Check that scored Andy Podmolik.

The Express began the rally in the bottom of the eighth when Doug Coe (UW-Stevens Point) scored on a groundout by Cataldo to make the score 5-2. In the bottom of the ninth, Spud McKenzie (Grand Valley State) was hit by a pitch to start the inning. Casey Garms (UW-Parkside) then walked and Kraig Binick (New York Tech) hit an infield single to load the bases. McKenzie then scored on a groundout by Matt Foote (New Mexico) to make the score 5-3. Doug Coe then hit a deep fly ball to center that scored Garms to make the score 5-4. However, pinch-hitter AJ Pinocchio (Long Beach State) would fly out to end the game as the Express lost 5-4.

Mark Rodrigues (Hawaii) received the loss for the Express. Rodrigues (0-1) pitched 5.2 innings, allowed nine hits, and three earned runs. Kraig Binick led the Express at the plate going 3-for-5. TJ Cataldo added two RBIs.

The team will now enjoy three days off for the all-star break. The Northwoods All-Star Game will take place Wednesday night in La Crosse at 7:05 p.m. After the break, the Express will host Rochester Friday night in the first game of a home-and-home series. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

North Nips the South in Extra Innings

La Crosse, Wis. - Brock Bond of the Duluth Huskies knocked in the game's winning run with a single in the top of the 11th inning to give the North Division All-Stars a 3-2 win over the South Division All-Stars in the 12th annual NWL All-Star Game at Copeland Park.

The South got on the scoreboard first in the bottom of the second as they scored two. The North rallied to score one in the top of third on two errors by the South. The North then tied the game in the top of the sixth. Joey Lieberman of the Thunder Bay Border Cats hit a one-out double in the top of the 11th and Brock Bond then drove him in and the North All-Stars went on to win 3-2.

Chad Dawson of St. Cloud got the win on the mound; Jake Toohey of Rochester received the loss. Seth Gilleland of Brainerd picked up the save.

Four of the five Express All-Stars saw action in the game. Tim Huber (Nebraska-Omaha) pitched the fourth inning. Huber picked off one runner and struck out two in his one inning of work. Jon Bjelland (Minnesota State-Mankato) was the next Express pitcher to see action. Bjelland came in the game in the seventh and threw just one pitch, which was turned into a double play to end the inning. Nick Fellman (Minnesota State-Mankato) pitched the ninth and struck out one with a runner on third.

Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) came in the game in the fourth inning to play center field. Pattock had three at-bats in the game and reached base twice. Pattock singled in his first at-bat and then stole second. He then reached on an error in his third at-bat and stole second again.

Jordan Zimmermann (UW-Stevens Point) did not play in the game.

Home Runs Carry Rochester Over the Express

The Rochester Honkers scored five unanswered runs in the final three innings to rally from a 3-2 deficit to defeat the Express tonight 7-3 at Carson Park.

The loss drops the Express under .500 in the second half of the Northwoods season with a 2-3 record. The Express have an overall record of 20-19. Division leader Rochester improves to 5-0 in the second half and 29-10 overall.

Rochester got things started in the top of the first when Dan Lyons scored from second on an infield grounder to make the score 1-0. The Express tied things up in the bottom of the third when Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) scored from third on a Rochester error. Rochester regained the lead on the top of the fifth on an Efren Navarro Jr. RBI infield single to make the score 2-1.

The game continues to go back-and-forth when the Express took their first lead of the ball game in the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Kraig Binick (New York Tech) was hit by a pitch. AJ Pinocchio (Long Beach State) then singled to center. Casey Garms (UW-Parkside) followed that up with a RBI single to right that scored Binick from second. Later in the inning, Matt Foote (New Mexico) hit a sacrifice fly that scored Pinocchio from third to make the score 3-2 Express.

However, the Honkers tied the game up in the top of the seventh on a Dan Lyons RBI double and then Rochester took the lead in the eighth on a Adam Cross solo home run that made the score 4-3. Rochester added three unearned runs in the ninth, with two of the three coming by way of a Chris Jones two-run home run. The Express were put down in order in the ninth as Rochester was victorious tonight 7-3.

Emerson Trager (Corpus Christi) received the loss for the Express. Thomas Eager (Cal-Poly) picked up a no decision after he left the game after the fifth inning with an injury. AJ Pinocchio (above) led the Express at the plate as he went 3-for-4 with a run scored.

The Express hit the road tomorrow for the second game of a home-and-home series with Rochester. Tomorrow's first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The Express then play at La Crosse on Sunday and Monday.

Errors Cost the Express in the End

Rochester, Minn.

Loggers Cut Down the Express

La Crosse, Wis.

Express Pick Up Their First Win After the All-Star Break

La Crosse, Wis.

Express Struggle Against the Woodchucks

The Wisconsin Woodchucks picked up its first win of the second half with a four-run seventh inning as it defeated the Express tonight 5-1 at Carson Park.

The loss drops the Express to a second half record of 3-6 and an overall record of 21-22. The Woodchucks are now 1-8 in the second half and 16-27 overall.

The first six innings of tonight's game was a pitchers dual. Express starter Jon Bjelland (Minnesota State-Mankato) had six strikeouts through five innings. However, Wisconsin starter Freddie Hampe had nine strikeouts through five innings, including striking out the side in the second.

The Woodchucks however got things going in a big way in the top of the seventh. Back-to-back singles put runners at the corners for Wisconsin. A sacrifice fly by Matt Czimskey made the score 1-0. Matt Froehlich then had a bunt single and then advanced to second on an Express error. A suicide squeeze by Collin Fanning made the score 2-0. After another Woodchucks run, a RBI double by Corey Ashner later in the inning made the score 4-0.

Wisconsin added another run in the eighth to make the score 5-0. The Express' only run of the game came in the bottom of the eighth when Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) hit a RBI single up the middle that scored Mike LaLuna (New York Tech) to make the score 5-1, which would be the final score.

Jon Bjelland picked up the loss for the Express on the mound. Bjelland (3-4) went seven innings, allowed four runs, and struck out six. Kraig Binick (New York Tech) led the Express at the plate as he went 2-for-3.

The Express will host Wisconsin again tomorrow night with the first pitch slated for 7:05 p.m.

Express Unable to Overcome Deficit

The Express could not overcome a 6-0 deficit as it lost to the Wisconsin Woodchucks tonight by a score of 6-4 at Carson Park.

The loss drops the Express to a record of 3-7 in the second half and an overall record of 21-23. The win propels Wisconsin to 2-8 in the second half and 17-27 overall. The Express have now lost five straight home games.

Both teams had their chances early, but both would strand a runner at third once in the first three innings. Wisconsin struck first in a big way in the top of the fourth. With one out, the Woodchucks had runners at second and third. With two outs, Corey Ashner was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Ryan Wilkes then hit a RBI single to left to make the score 1-0. Zach Danelson followed that up with a two-RBI single to make the score 3-0.

The Woodchucks added to their lead in the top of the fifth. With two outs again and runners at first and second, Collin Fanning doubled down the left field line to make the score 4-0. Corey Ashner followed that with a double to right center that scored two runs to make the score 6-0.

The Express began to rally in the bottom of the sixth. After a AJ Pinocchio (Long Beach State) walk, Doug Coe (UW-Stevens Point) hit a two-run home run over the left field fence to make the score 6-2. In the seventh, Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) doubled to left center with one out. Coe then singled through the left side to score Frew to make the score 6-3. In the eighth, Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) singled through the right side that scored Casey Garms (UW-Parkside) to make the score 6-4. However, the Express would strand runners at second and third in the eighth and go down in order in the ninth, as the Woodchucks won 6-4.

Travis Kempf (UW-Stevens Point) picked up the loss for the Express. Kempf struck out six in his five innings of work. Thomas Eager (Cal-Poly) pitched well for the Express in relief. Eager went three innings, struck out five and allowed only three hits. Doug Coe led the Express at the plate, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs and a home run. Teddy Pattock was also 2-for-4 and had a RBI.

The Express will play their final game of a three-game home stand tomorrow as they host the Rochester Honkers in the first game of a home-and home series. State Farm Insurance sponsors tomorrow's game and Matt Wahl will be performing before and after the game on the fan deck. Tomorrow's first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

This Week's Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week

Congratulations go out to Bryce Rasmussen, 9, of Eau Claire for being this week's Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week.

Every Wednesday, Express radio announcer Scott Montesano will select one local boy or girl to be the Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week. The winning child will be interviewed on the radio and be mentioned right here on the Express web site.

To enter, either fill out an entry blank at any home game or send Scott an email at radio@eauclaireexpress.com.

The Express Fan Mailbag

Want to find out more about the Express and the Northwoods League? Send your questions to our radio announcer Scott Montesano and he will answer the questions during every Saturday Express game. Send your questions to radio@eauclaireexpress.com.

Express Unable to Conquer League's Top Team

The Rochester Honkers proved why they have the best record in the Northwoods League as they defeated the Express tonight 9-4 at Carson Park.

The Express fall to a second half record of 3-8 and an overall record of 21-24. The Honkers improve to 10-1 in the second half and 34-11 overall.

The Honkers scored early and often tonight. A RBI single up the middle by Chris Jones made the score 1-0 in the top of the first. The Express walked in another run later in the inning to make the score 2-0. Rochester then scored three in the top of the second to make the score 5-0. Two of the three runs in the inning came on a Chris Jones double deep to rightcenter field.

The Express answered in the bottom of the second. Mike LaLuna (New York Tech) reached on an error with one out to start the rally. Nate McKeon (Toledo) then doubled down the left field line to score LaLuna all the way from first to make the score 5-1. After a sacrifice, Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) hit a single to right that scored McKeon from third. Kraig Binick (New York Tech) then singled through the left side to score Spud McKenzie (Grand Valley State) to make the score 5-3.

Rochester's Chris Jones added to his big night in the top of the sixth with a two-run home run to right field to make the score 7-3. It was Jones' fifth RBI of the night, the most by one player against the Express this season. The Express cut the lead to 7-4 in the bottom of the seventh on a Matt Foote (New Mexico) RBI bunt single that scored Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) from third. However, Rochester added two more runs in the top of the eighth as the Honkers cruised to victory 9-4.

Mark Rodrigues (Hawaii) received the loss for the Express on the mound. Teddy Pattock (above) led the Express at the plate as he went 3-for-5 with an RBI.

The Express will travel to Rochester tomorrow for the first game of a three-game road trip. It will be the second game of a home-and home series and the final time the Express will see Rochester this regular season. Tomorrow's first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Express Come Up Short Against Rochester

Rochester, Minn.

Express Lose a Heartbreaker in Extra Innings

Madison, Wis.

Huber Dominant as Express Snap Losing Streak

Madison, Wis.

Express Game Rained Out

Tonight's game between the Express and the Wisconsin Woodchucks has been rained out. The teams will play a doubleheader tomorrow beginning at 5:05 p.m.

Express Sign Two More Players for the Stretch Run

Eau Claire Express Director of Operations and Field Manager Dale Varsho today announced the signing of Butler County Community College (KS) catcher Tyler Goodro and Southeastern Community College (IA) pitcher Will Schulte.

Goodro played in 55 games at Butler County Community College in the spring, a team that made it to the Junior College World Series. Goodro was fourth on the team with a .331 batting average and third on the team with a .490 slugging percentage. He also was third on the team with 13 doubles and was fifth on the team in home runs with four.

Schulte pitched in 12 games last season at Southeastern Community College. He had a 2.65 ERA and had 35 strikeouts in 51 innings of work.

To make room for the signings, the Express released Doug Coe and Emerson Trager due to injuries.

Woodchucks Sweep Express in Double Header

The Wisconsin Woodchucks continued their success over the Express as they swept a doubleheader winning game one 5-2 and game two 9-4 at Carson Park tonight.

The two losses drop the Express to 22-28 overall and 4-12 in the second half. The two wins for Wisconsin improves its record to 22-28 overall and 7-9 in the second half. The Express are winless at home since the all-star break.

In game one, the Woodchucks scored first in the top of the first with an RBI double by Daniel Descalso that made the score 1-0. The Express answered in the bottom half of the inning with as Spud McKenzie (Grand Valley State) scored on a ground out by AJ Pinocchio (Long Beach State).

Wisconsin then blew the game open in the top of the second. With the bases loaded Corey Ashner hit a two-RBI single to left to make the score 3-1. Later in the inning with the bases loaded again, Descalso hit another double that scored two more runs to make the score 5-1. Newcomer Tyler Goodro (Butler CC) had a single in the sixth inning that scored Kraig Binick (New York Tech), but that's as close as the Express would get as the Woodchucks cruised to victory 5-2.

Patrick Criss (Corpus Christi) had the loss for the Express. Tyler Goodro went 2-for-3 with a RBI in his first game with the Express.

In game two, the Woodchucks once again got on the board first. With two outs and nobody on, Wisconsin had four straight singles to make the score 2-0. The Express cut the lead to 2-1 in the bottom of the second with a Kraig Binick solo home run to left. It was his first home run of the season.

Wisconsin added to their lead in the top of the third. The Woodchucks scored their first run of the inning after a play in which the Express committed two errors. A wild pitch scored another run and a RBI single later inning made the score 5-1. The Woodchucks then scored two runs in the fifth, one run in the sixth, and another run in the seventh to make the score 9-1. The Express cut into the lead somewhat in the bottom of the seventh as Spud McKenzie was walked with the bases loaded to make the score 9-2. Later in the inning, Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) had a sacrifice fly that scored TJ Cataldo (Iowa) and Matt Foote (New Mexico) later in the inning had a pinch hit RBI single, but it wasn't enough as the Woodchucks won 9-4.

Jon Bjelland (Minnesota State-Mankato) picked up the loss for the Express. Kraig Binick (above) went 2-for-3 with a home run to lead the Express at the plate.

The Express begin a home-and-home series with La Crosse tomorrow at Carson Park. WAYY 790 - ESPN 1150, Powertex, Airtec Sports, and Carlson Wagonlit sponsor tomorrow's game. Barbeque nachos and brisket sandwiches will be served on the Fan Deck. Tomorrow's first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Home Woes Continue for the Express

The Express could not end their home losing streak tonight as they lost to the La Crosse Loggers 3-2 at Carson Park.

The loss drops the Express to 22-29 overall and 4-13 in the second half. The Loggers improve to 25-26 overall and 8-9 in the second half with the win. The Express have lost nine straight home games with their last home win coming on July 3rd.

The Express fell behind early once again tonight. The first three Logger batters reached base on singles to load the bases. However, Express starter Travis Kempf (UW-Stevens Point) would only give up one run on a squeeze play by Ben Barrone. The Express came back in the bottom of the first. Casey Garms (UW-Parkside) was walked with one out and then advanced to third on a throwing error by the third baseman after a Kraig Binick (New York Tech) ground ball. Tyler Goodro (Butler CC) then stepped to the plate and hit a RBI single up the middle to make the score 1-1. Later in the inning, Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) had an infield single that scored Binick to make the score 2-1 in favor of the Express.

The score stayed that way until the top of the fifth. With two out and nobody on, back-to-back walks put runners at first and second. The Loggers Jesse Hart then singled to right center scoring the runner from second to tie the game 2-2. La Crosse regained the lead in the top of the sixth. With two outs and a runner at second, Nick Romero had a RBI single to make the score 3-2. The Express would put runners at first and second with no outs in the bottom of the sixth, but came away with nothing. The Express also stranded runners at first and second in the eighth as the Loggers would go on to win tonight 3-2.

Travis Kempf (3-5) picked up the loss for the Express on the mound. Kevin James (UC-Davis) was 2-for-3 to lead the Express at the plate.

The Express go on the road tomorrow for the second game of a home-and-home series with La Crosse and then return home Friday and Saturday for two more games against the Loggers. Tomorrow's first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

This Week's Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week

Congratulations go out to Jordan Darwin, 10, of Eau Claire for being this week's Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week.

Every Wednesday, Express radio announcer Scott Montesano will select one local boy or girl to be the Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week. The winning child will be interviewed on the radio and be mentioned right here on the Express web site.

To enter, either fill out an entry blank at any home game or send Scott an email at radio@eauclaireexpress.com.

Walk-off Home Run Leads the Loggers Past the Express

La Crosse, Wis.

Express Score Four in the Eighth to Snap Home Losing Streak

The Express scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth to pull out a 7-4 victory over the La Crosse Loggers tonight at Carson Park.

The win snapped a nine-game home losing streak for the Express. The Express are now 23-30 overall and 5-14 in the second half. The Loggers fall to 26-27 overall and 9-10 in the second half.

The Express got things rolling in the bottom of the first. Back-to-back singles by Casey Garms (UW-Parkside) and Kraig Binick (New York Tech) put runners at first and second. Kevin James (UC-Davis) then hit a RBI to left center that scored Garms from second. Spud McKenzie (Grand Valley State) then hit a sacrifice fly to center that scored Binick to make the score 2-0. It stayed that way until the bottom of the fifth when AJ Pinocchio (Long Beach State) hit a solo home run to right field that just got over the outstretched arm of the rightfielder to make the score 3-0. It was the first home run this year for Pinocchio and the first home run hit by an Express player into the Fan Deck.

However, La Crosse answered back in the top of the sixth. Three consecutive singles by the Loggers against Express starter Paul Johnson (St. Olaf) made the Express go to the bullpen. Johnson struck out six in his five innings of work. The Loggers then scored three runs off of Adam Ferrell (UW-Milwaukee), two by way of wild pitches and another by a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 3-3.

A brouhaha then took place in the top of the eighth. After the Loggers plunked an Express batter in the bottom of the seventh, a Thomas Eager (Cal-Poly) pitch was thrown behind Ross McCoy in the top of the eighth. The Loggers felt that he threw at McCoy. Eager then struck out McCoy to end the inning. Two Loggers players were then ejected from the game.

This sparked the Express in the bottom of the eighth. Back-to-back bunt singles by Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) and Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) followed by a Loggers error on a Casey Garms bunt loaded the bases. Kraig Binick then singled to center, which scored Frew and a misplay by the center fielder allowed Pattock to score from second to make the score 5-3. Kevin James then singled to center that scored two to make the score 7-3. The Loggers scored one run in the bottom of the ninth, but it wasn't enough as the Express won 7-4.

Thomas Eager (1-3) picked up the win in relief. Eager struck out three in two innings. Kevin James led the Express at the plate going to 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Kraig Binick also had two hits and a RBI for the Express.

The Express play La Crosse again tomorrow at Carson Park. I-94, Eau Claire Lasik, Saturn of Eau Claire, and Carlson WagonLit sponsor tomorrow's game. Pulled Pork and Brisket Sandwiches and cowboy beans will be served on the Fan Deck. Tomorrow night's game begins at 7:05 p.m.

New Info on Bus Trip

Attention all Express fans, the Eau Claire Express will be taking a fan bus down to La Crosse for the game against the Loggers on Thursday, August 3rd. The cost of the trip is $10 to take the bus, plus the cost of the ticket. For season ticket holders, your pass will be honored.

Fans must pay first to be signed up and we will only take the first 47 people. Pay in cash or check only, please. Make checks payable to Country Coaches. Fans can pay at the Express office or at the apparel shop at Carson Park during home games.

The bus will leave the Festival Foods parking lot at 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon. Feel free to bring your own snacks and refreshments, however glass is prohibited.

Loggers Give Express a Taste of their Own Medicine

After the Express scored four runs in the eighth to win on Friday night, the Loggers came back and rallied from a 2-0 deficit by scoring five runs in the eighth tonight to defeat the Express 6-2 at Carson park.

The loss drops the Express to 23-31 overall and 5-15 in the second half. The Loggers improve to 27-27 overall and 10-10 in the second half.

The Express once again scored first in tonight's game. In the bottom of the second, Spud McKenzie (Grand Valley State) led off the inning with a single and then advanced to second on an error by the rightfielder. Two batters later, Nate McKeon (Toledo) singled to right center that scored McKenzie. Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) then had a RBI single to score TJ Cataldo (Iowa) to make the score 2-0.

It stayed that way until the top of the eighth. Express starter Jordan Zimmermann (UW-Stevens Point) had been cruising as he struck out five through seven innings. However, two straight singles put runners at first and second to begin the eighth inning. Then on a sacrifice bunt, a throwing error by the Express allowed one runner to score. Lex Reinke then had a two-RBI single to make the score 3-2. The Loggers then scored on a RBI groundout and a walk with the bases loaded to make the score 5-2. The Loggers added an insurance run in the top of the ninth, which would be the final score as the Loggers prevailed 6-2.

Jordan Zimmermann picked up the loss for the Express he had pitched seven great innings before allowing five runs in the eighth. Nate McKeon and Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) each went 2-for-4 to lead the Express at the plate.

The Express will have an off day tomorrow before heading to Waterloo for a two-game series with the Waterloo Bucks. Monday's game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Express Crush the Bucks

Waterloo, Iowa

Express Unable to Complete the Sweep Over Waterloo

Waterloo, Iowa

Express Fall Further Behind in the Playoff Race

La Crosse, Wis.

Express Swept By Rival La Crosse

La Crosse, Wis.

Express Lose Another Close One

After rallying from a 5-1 deficit the Express gave up a run in the top of 10th as they lost to Alexandria tonight 6-5 at Carson Park.

The Express fall to a record of 24-35 overall and 6-19 in the second half. The Beetles improve to 34-25 overall and 15-10 in the second half. The Express are now 4-3 in extra inning games.

Alexandria began the game with a two-run home run by Lucas Duda in the top of the first to give the Beetles a 2-0 lead. Spud McKenzie (Grand Valley State) then led off the bottom of the first with a solo home run to left field to make the score 2-1. It was McKenzie's second home run of the season. However, the Beetles extended their lead in the top of the second. With two outs, Danny Worth hit a two-RBI double to right to make the score 4-1. The Beetles added another run in the top of the fifth to extend their lead to 5-1.

The Express would then chip away at the lead. In the bottom of the sixth, Kraig Binick (New York Tech) began with a lead off single. Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) then singled and advanced to second on the throw to put runners at second and third with one out. Mike LaLuna (New York Tech) then singled to left center that scored both Binick and Pattock to make the score 5-3.

In the top of the seventh after Kraig Binick reached on a fielders choice and then stole second, Tyler Goodro (Butler CC) hit a single to right center that scored Binick to make the score 5-4. TJ Cataldo (Iowa) would then deliver in the eighth with a single up the middle that scored Mike LaLuna to tie the game 5-5. However, the Beetles' Tim Stewart doubled to left center to lead off the inning. A sacrifice moved him over to third with one out. Then Barrett Shaft would perform a safety squeeze and Nate McKeon (Toledo) would not be able to handle the throw from AJ Pinocchio (Long Beach State) as the Beetles took the lead 6-5. The Express went down in order in the bottom of the 10th and Alexandria slipped by the Express 6-5.

Nick Fellman (Minnesota State-Mankato) received the loss for the Express. Mark Rodrigues (Hawaii) had six strikeouts in seven innings of work in a no decision. Kraig Binick, Teddy Pattock, Mike LaLuna (above), and Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) each had two hits for the Express

The Express face Alexandria at Carson Park tomorrow for the second game of a two-game series. L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library sponsors tomorrow night's game. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Internet Broadcast Technical Difficulties

Clear Channel has been experiencing technical difficulties with the internet feed for the Express radio broadcast. Listeners can still listen to the game, but glitches may occur periodically. Clear Channel is aware of the issue and the problem should be fixed by next week.

Mega Member Night with the Express

All Mega Member Card holders will have free admission to Monday night's game against the Thunder Bay Border Cats. Just show your Mega Member Card at the gate and your family's admission is free. There is a limit of two adults per card. In addition, all cardholders will receive $2.00 in concession tokens for the family to use during the game. All who attend will be entered to win up to $50 in prizes donated from Mega Marts each half inning.

Monday night is also team trading card giveaway night, sponsored by Chippewa Valley Sports Medicine and the Oakleaft Network. The first 1,000 fans will receive a complete set of 2006 Eau Claire Express trading cards. Listen for your chance to win tickets to Monday night's game on 92.9 The Big Cheese and be sure to sign up at the game for two airline tickets from Chippewa Valley Travel. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Alexandria Too Much for the Express

The Alexandria Beetles scored in each of the final six innings as they handled the Express tonight 14-2 at Carson Park.

The Express have lost five straight games and are 6-20 in the second half. Overall, the Express are now 24-36. Alexandria improves to 35-25 overall and are now 16-10 in the second half. The 12-run defeat is the worst of the season and ties a franchise record.

Early on, it was the Express threatening. The Express loaded the bases in the bottom of the first, but could not get a run across as a double play ended the inning. The Express would then strand a runner at second in the second a runner at third in the third, as the game remained scoreless going into the fourth.

Express starter Paul Johnson (St. Olaf) cruised through the first three innings as he allowed only one hit and struck out four. Things went downhill with two outs in the top of the fourth. Back-to-back doubles to left center by Alexandria made the score 1-0. Mike Flood followed that up with a double to left to score another run. Digger Towe then hit a two-run home run to right to make the score 4-0. The Beetles would score four more runs in the top of the fifth with most of the scoring coming by way of a three-run home run by Jermaine Curtis.

The Express got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth when Spud McKenzie (Grand Valley State) scored on a wild pitch. A two-run single by the Beetles Lucas Duda in the top of the sixth made the score 10-1. Kevin James (UC-Davis) had a RBI single in the bottom of the sixth that scored Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) to make the score 10-2. The Beetles would score a run in the seventh and the eighth and two runs in the ninth on a Lucas Duda home run as Alexandria cruised to victory 14-2.

Paul Johnson (0-3) received the loss for the Express. Tyler Goodro (Butler CC) and Matt Foote, (New Mexico) each had two hits for the Express.

The Express continue their six-game home stand tomorrow, as they will face the Thunder Bay Border Cats in the first game of a two-game series at Carson Park. Luther Midelfort sponsors tomorrow's game. The first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

Zimmerman Flirts with a Perfect Game in Express Win

With Major League scouts in attendance, Jordan Zimmermann (UW-Stevens Point) had a perfect game going in the eighth inning until Joey Lieberman hit a base hit to left, but the Express still cruised to victory over Thunder Bay 9-0 tonight at Carson Park.

Zimmermann (4-2) faced just 28 batters in his nine innings of work. He struck out 13 Border Cats and allowed just one hit. Thunder Bay only had two base runners the entire night.

The Express improve to an overall record of 25-36 and a second half record of 7-20. The win also snaps a five-game losing streak for the Express. After winning the North Division in the first half, the Border Cats are just 5-22 in the second half and 26-35 overall.

The Express gave Zimmermann all the run support he needed in the first inning. Spud McKenzie (Grand Valley State) led off the inning with a walk. Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) followed that with a bunt single to put runners at first and second. Kraig Binick (New York Tech) was then walked to load the bases. Tyler Goodro (Butler CC) then hit a two-run double over the left fielder that scored Pattock and McKenzie. Two batters later, Casey Garms (UW-Parkside) hit a single to left to bring in Binick to make the score 3-0. A sacrifice fly by AJ Pinocchio (Long Beach State) and a TJ Cataldo (Iowa) RBI on an infield single made the score 5-0. Mike LaLuna (New York Tech) scored on a balk for the final run of the inning as the first inning ended with the score 6-0 Express.

The Express would get two more runs across in the bottom of the seventh when Casey Garms had two-run single down the line that scored Matt Foote (New Mexico) and Teddy Pattock. TJ Cataldo would score on a wild pitch in the eighth as the Express went on to win 9-0.

Casey Garms went 2-for-4 with three RBIs to lead the Express at the plate. Tyler Goodro also added two hits and had two RBIs for Eau Claire.

The Express play the fourth game of a season long six-game home stand tomorrow night as they face the Thunder Bay Border Cats for the second game of a two-game series. 92.9 The Big Cheese, Oakleaf Medical Network, Carlson WagonLit, and Mega sponsor tomorrow's game. Express trading cards will be handed out at the gate. The action begins at 7:05 p.m.

Express Sweep Thunder Bay on a Balk

With the score tied and the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth, Thunder Bay's John Goneau was called for a balk as the Express went on to win 7-6 tonight at Carson Park.

The Express improve to a second half record of 8-20 and an overall record of 26-26. The Border Cats fall to 5-23 in the second half and 26-36 overall.

In front of 3,052 fans, the third largest of the season, the Express struck first in the bottom of the fourth inning. Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) led off the inning with a single. Then a throwing by Thunder Bay on a Kraig Binick (New York Tech) ground ball put runners at first and second. Two batters later, Matt Foote (New Mexico) would beat out a double play that scored Pattock to make the score 1-0.

Thunder Bay responded in the top of the fifth. Ben Petsch had a sacrifice fly to tie the game 1-1. Later in the inning, Gene Marchant would hit a mammoth three-run home run over the fan deck to make the score 4-1. However, the Express would come back in the bottom of the inning. After Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) walked and Spud McKenzie (Grand Valley State) was hit by a pitch, Teddy Pattock would reach on an error and Frew would score all the way from second because of a throwing error by the first baseman to make the score 4-2. Kraig Binick then doubled to left to score both Frew and McKenzie to tie the game 4-4.

In the top of the seventh, Thunder Bay regained the lead on a sacrifice fly and a RBI single to center to make the score 6-4. In the bottom of the seventh, Teddy Pattock hit a RBI single to left that scored Bryan Frew to cut the Border Cats lead to 6-5. In the bottom of the eighth, Matt Foote was hit by a pitch to leadoff the inning. A sacrifice and a ground out moved Foote to third. He then scored on a passed ball to make to tie the game 6-6.

In the bottom of the ninth, Bryan Frew struck out swinging, but the ball got away from the catcher and Frew reached first to leadoff the inning. Spud McKenzie then walked to put runners at first and second. After a fielders choice and a walk, the bases were loaded for Tyler Goodro (Butler CC). However, Goodro would not even get a chance to swing the bat as the umpires called a balk on Border Cat pitcher John Goneau and Frew walked in from third as the Express won 7-6. It was the fourth balk call of the ball game.

Nick Fellman (Minnesota State-Mankato) picked up the win in relief for the Express. The Express bullpen pitched a scoreless 2.1 innings. Teddy Pattock went 2-for-5 with an RBI to lead the Express at the plate. Kraig Binick, Casey Garms (UW-Parkside), and Bryan Frew had the other three hits for Eau Claire.

The Brainerd Blue Thunder comes in to town tomorrow to face the Express. The Express will look to break a new franchise record for attendance in a season, as we are just 603 people under last year's total. Thrivent Financial sponsors tomorrow's game. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Pair of Home Runs Carry the Express to Third Straight Win

The Express used a pair of home runs by Spud McKenzie (Grand Valley State) and Tyler Goodro (Butler CC) to rally from a 3-0 a deficit and defeat Brainerd tonight 7-3 at Carson Park.

The Express also set a new single season attendance record tonight. Last year the Express had a total season attendance of 60,965. This season with three more home games to go, the Express are sitting at 62,531.

After just one hit through the first two innings of the game, the Blue Thunder had a big three-run third inning in the top of the third. A RBI double by Andy Dirks made the score 1-0. After a RBI ground out, Erik Huber hit a RBI single to center to make the score 3-0. The Express came back in the bottom of the inning. After a Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) walk, Spud McKenzie stepped to the plate and hit a two-run home run into the second row of the fan deck to make the score 3-2. It was McKenzie's team-leading third home run of the season.

The Express would tie it up in the fourth on a Kevin James (UC-Davis) RBI double down the right field line that scored AJ Pinocchio (Long Beach State). Express starter Pat Criss (Minnesota State-Mankato) got into trouble in the top of the fifth as the Blue Thunder had runners at first and second with nobody out. However, after a fly out, Criss got out of the jam with a double play to keep the game tied at 3-3.

The Express would then have a big bottom of the fifth. Bryan Frew doubled to lead off the inning. Then after advancing to third on a wild pitch, Frew would score on a Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) sacrifice fly to make the score 4-3. Kraig Binick (New York Tech) followed that with a double down the left field line. Tyler Goodro then stepped to the plate and hit a two-run home run that just got over the right field wall to make the score 6-3.

The Express got one more run in the sixth inning when AJ Pinocchio scored on a safety squeeze by Spud McKenzie to make the score 7-3. Pat Criss settled down after the fifth inning as he allowed just one base runner in his final two innings of work. Criss went seven innings before being relieved by Will Schulte (Southeastern CC) in the eighth. Brainerd would strand base runners at first and second in the eighth. In the ninth, the Blue Thunder had runners at second and third with two outs, however Teddy Pattock would end the game with a spectacular diving catch in left field as the Express went on to win 7-3.

Criss (4-3) got the win for the Express on the mound. He struck out four in seven innings. AJ Pinocchio went 2-for-3 and scored two runs to lead the Express at the plate. Spud McKenzie and Tyler Goodro also had two hits apiece for the Express. The Express are now 27-36 overall and 9-20 in the second half. Brainerd falls to 25-38 overall and 11-18 in the second half.

The Express end their six-game home stand tomorrow as they Brainerd for the second game of a two-game series. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Meet and Greet the Express

Following the fireworks after Saturday's game against the Mankato MoonDogs, all host families and season ticket holders will be able to go on to the field and meet the players before they head back home.

After the fireworks, host families and season ticket holders can enter the field either from the first base dugout or from the gate down at the fan deck. Players will be signing autographs and taking pictures, so be sure to bring along some memorabilia.

The Final Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week

Congratulations go out to Austin DeWitt, 11, of Eau Claire for being the final Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week.

Every Wednesday during this past season, Express radio announcer Scott Montesano selected one local boy or girl to be the Express of Tomorrow Kid of the Week. The winning child was mentioned on the radio and right here on the Express web site.

Congratulations once again go out to Kaneesha Bauer, Andrew Rieck, Logan Weiss, Waylon Kolve, Zach Stange, Bryce Rasmussen, Jordan Darwin, and Austin DeWitt for being selected as Express of Tomorrow Kids of the Week for this past season.

Express Pick up a Franchise Record Fourth Straight Victory

The Eau Claire Express picked up a franchise record fourth straight win tonight as it defeated the Brainerd Blue Thunder 3-2 at Carson Park.

The Express now have a second half record of 10-20 and an overall record of 28-36. The 28 wins match the team's win total of last year. Brainerd drops to 11-19 in the second half and 25-39 overall.

After three and a half scoreless innings of baseball, the Express would get on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth. Kraig Binick (New York Tech) led off the inning with a single to left. Tyler Goodro (Butler CC) followed that with a single through the left side. AJ Pinocchio (Long Beach State) also reached base on single to load the bases. The next batter, Matt Foote (New Mexico) hit fly ball to left, which was deep enough to score Binick from second to make the score 1-0. The Blue Thunder responded in the top of the fifth when Andy Dirks hit a RBI single to right field to tie the game 1-1.

However, the Express regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Mike LaLuna (New York Tech) began the inning with a single. After a walk and a passed ball, the Express had runners at second and third. Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) then stepped to the plate and hit a RBI single to right that scored LaLuna to make the score 2-1. Express starter Jon Bjelland (Minnesota State-Mankato) pitched well in seven innings of action. After the first two innings where Brainerd stranded a runner at third, Bjelland would settle down and allow just one run.

The Express bullpen got into trouble in the top of the eighth. After Brainerd loaded the bases with two outs, closer Nick Fellman (Minnesota-State-Mankato) would enter the game. Fellman got the batter to foul out to the third baseman to end the inning and preserve the lead. The Express added insurance in the bottom of the eighth when AJ Pinocchio had an infield single with the bases loaded that scored Spud McKenzie (Grand Valley State) to make the score 3-1.

Brainerd made it interesting in the ninth. Brainerd had runners at the corners with no one out when Fellman struck out Erik Huber for the first out of the inning, but the ball got past the catcher and a run scored to make the score 3-2. With the tying run at second, Fellman would get Erik Komatsu to fly out to end the game as the Express went on to win 3-2.

Bjelland (4-5) picked up the win for the Express. Bjelland scattered seven hits in seven innings and struck out eight. Fellman picked up his 12th save of the season. Spud McKenzie, Teddy Pattock, Kraig Binick, and AJ Pinocchio all had two hits for the Express.

The Express will hit the road for the final time this season tomorrow, as they will face the Alexandria Beetles for the first game of a two-game series. Tomorrow's first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Express Hang on to Win Fifth Straight

Alexandria, Minn.

Express Lose a Wild One in Alexandria

Alexandria, Minn.

Chippewa Valley Chiropractic Alliance Night

Fans be sure to come out to tomorrow's game against the Mankato MoonDogs as there will be many prizes given away throughout the game by Chippewa Valley Chiropractic Alliance (CVCA).

Some of the prizes include gift certificates, autographed baseballs, super soakers, two bicycles, five Brewer tickets, and an Express autographed bat signed by the team.

CVCA will also be honoring the Indianhead Area Special Olympics athletes. Many of the athletes competed in the Special Olympics Wisconsin Outdoor Sports Tournament held last weekend in Eau Claire.

CVCA is a non-profit organization made up of local chiropractors, whose mission is to share the message of health and wellness among our community.

Tomorrow's game will help to raise money, as well as provide tickets for local Special Olympics participants. Tomorrow's first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. There will be a fireworks show following the game.

Three Express Players Named Post-Season All-Stars

Rochester, Minn.

Big Start Lifts Mankato Over Short-Handed Express

The Mankato MoonDogs scored 11 runs in the first three innings on their way to defeating the Express tonight 14-6 at Carson Park.

The loss drops the Express to 29-38 overall and 11-22 in the second half. Mankato improves to 32-25 overall and 20-13 in the second half.

In a game in which the Express committed a franchise record eight errors, the Mankato MoonDogs would jump up early against Eau Claire. Mankato's Tim Smith led off the game with a double. A Ryan Addison RBI single made the score 1-0. Jeff DeSmidt followed that with a RBI single to make the score 2-0. The MoonDogs would get two more singles that accounted for three runs as Mankato was up 5-0 after the top of the first. The Express committed three errors in the first. The Express had six errors in the first three innings.

The Express got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first when Spud McKenzie (Grand Valley State) scored on a Thomas Eager (Cal-Poly) sacrifice fly to left to make the score 5-1. The Express cut the lead to 5-2 in the bottom of the second when Mike LaLuna (New York Tech) scored on a throwing error. However, Mankato came back with a big third inning. A sacrifice fly, a RBI single, and a run scored on an error scored three runs for Mankato. The other three runs came by way of a three home run by Jeff DeSmidt to make the score 11-2.

AJ Pinocchio (Long Beach State) had a RBI single to left that scored Kraig Binick (New York Tech) to make the score 11-3. The Express got another run in the fourth when Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) had a sacrifice fly that scored Casey Garms (UW-Parkside) to make the score 11-4. Mankato added three insurance runs in the top of the seventh to make the score 14-4. In the bottom of the inning, Kevin James (UC-Davis) hit a pinch-hit RBI double to right center that scored Kraig Binick. James scored later in the inning on a wild pitch to make the score 14-6. That is how the game would end as Mankato cruised to victory 14-6.

Paul Johnson (St. Olaf) received the loss for the Express on the mound. Spud McKenzie, Teddy Pattock, Kraig Binick, and TJ Cataldo (Iowa) all had two hits for the Express.

The Express will finish their season tomorrow as they face the Mankato MoonDogs for the second game of a two-game series. Tomorrow is Fan Appreciation Night. Game time is 6:05 p.m. with gates opening at 4:30 p.m.

Last Game of the Season Rained Out for the Express

The season finale between the Eau Claire Express and the Mankato MoonDogs was cancelled tonight due to rain and unplayable field conditions, which ends the season for both teams.

The Express finish with an overall record of 29-38 and a second half record of 11-22. The 29 wins by the Express is one more than they had in their inaugural season. Mankato finishes with a 32-35 overall record and a 20-13 second half record.

The Express finish with a total attendance of 68,360 and an average of 2,250 per game. The Express averaged over 400 more people per game this season than in there first.

There was one award given out today. Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) received the ClearChannel Burger King "King of the Express" award for this season. Pattock led the team in hits and finished third in the league with a .318 batting average.

Thanks go out to all of the fans who attended the Express games, listened to them on the radio, or just read about them on the web. Thanks for making the second Express season a successful one. We hope to see you all in 2007.

Pattock Named King of the Express

Teddy Pattock (Long Beach State) was named the ClearChannel and Burger King "King of the Express" for this season it was announced yesterday by Mike Sullivan.

Pattock was a mid-season all-star and a post-season all-star this year for the Express. Pattock had 68 hits to lead the team at the plate. He finished third in the league with a .318 batting average. Pattock had one home run this season and 15 RBIs. Pattock finished in the top five on the team in slugging percentage (.341), on base percentage (.348), and in runs scored (21). He also led the team sacrifice hits with 20.

The ClearChannel and Burger King "King of the Express" award was voted on by the fans throughout this season.

A Pair of Express Fans Get Rewarded

Congratulations go out to Jed Stutzman for being this year's Fantastic Sam's Fantastic Fan and congratulations go out to Wayne Preston as he was selected in the Eau Claire Bears uniform drawing.

For being this year's Fantastic Fan, Jed Stutzman receives season tickets for the 2007 season. During all of the Express home games this season, the Express chose one person out of the crowd for being that game's Fantastic Sam's Fantastic Fan. The Express then had a drawing of all of the winners from the past season.

Wayne Preston receives a retro 1952 Eau Claire Bears jersey. The Express wore the jerseys twice this season for "Turn Back the Clock Night" against the Duluth Huskies.

An announcement on the Williams Diamond Center winner will be made within the next day or two.

Williams Diamond Center Winner Announced

Congratulations go out to Heidi Ottevaere for being selected as the Williams Diamond Center winner.

For being selected, Heidi wins a pair of $1,200 diamond earrings. During this season, the Boys & Girls Club sold tennis balls at Express home games and those balls were used for a promotion in which the ball closest to the diamond won for that night. The winner was then entered in the drawing. People could also have signed up for the drawing at Williams Diamond Center.

This season Williams Diamond Center raised $3,493 for the Boys & Girls Club. Once again congrats go out to Heidi for being the winner.

Express to Participate in Check Presentation

The Eau Claire Express will assist the Knights of Columbus and FS Appliance TV and Audio in presenting two donations to Feed My People Food Bank. The check presentations will take place Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. at the Henry Aaron statue outside Carson Park baseball stadium.

The Knights of Columbus raised $2,532 for Feed My People Food Bank by selling raffle tickets for a 42-inch Toshiba plasma screen television that was donated by FS Appliance TV and Audio. Raffle tickets were sold at various events this summer including Eau Claire Express baseball games.

In addition to donating a television, FS Appliance TV and Audio collected non-perishable food items for Feed My People Food Bank in exchange for free general admission tickets to the Eau Claire Express game on July 1, 2006.

Feed My People Food Bank has existed for over 20 years to feed hungry people, heighten awareness of the issues of hunger and poverty, and assist member hunger relief agencies in the distribution of food to people in need.

In addition to distributing food, Feed My People provides services and technical assistance to agencies that operate food pantries or programs so that they operate efficiently and effectively.

All food donated to Feed My People from individuals or group food drives is given out free of charge to member hunger relief agencies for distribution to the needy. Feed My People distributes over 600,000 pounds of food annually to hunger relief agencies in a 14-county area of western Wisconsin. Literally thousands of people are helped each year through the work of Feed My People, many of whom are children.

Please visit www.fmpfoodbank.org/fmpfoodbank/ for more information on Feed My People Food Bank. This event is open to all who wish to attend.

Zimmerman Named League's Top Prospect

Baseball America today announced Express pitcher Jordan Zimmermann as the best college prospect of the Northwoods League for the 2006 season.

Zimmermann led all pitchers in the league with a 1.01 earned run average and finished second with 92 strikeouts. In 80.0 innings of work, Zimmermann allowed only nine earned runs on 42 hits and 28 walks. The 6-foot-1-inch Auburndale native finished the season with a 4-2 record.

Zimmermann was named the Northwoods League Player of the Night three times during the 2006 season. In those three appearances, Zimmermann pitched 26.1 innings and allowed only one earned run on eight hits while striking out 34 batters. Zimmermann pitched 7.2 innings of perfect baseball on August 6 versus the Thunder Bay Border Cats before Joey Lieberman singled through the left side of the infield.

Zimmermann was named to both regular season and post season Northwoods League All-Star teams along with teammates Tim Huber and Ted Pattock.

Bus Trip to Miller Park

Are you looking to go to see the Milwaukee Brewers play? The Eau Claire Express still has seats available for the bus trip to Miller Park on Sunday, August 10 to see the Brewers take on the Houston Astros at 1:05 p.m. For $40, you will get a roundtrip ride on a Country Coaches coach bus and ticket in Section 204 for the game. Bus will leave at 7:30 a.m. and return to Eau Claire following the game. If you are interested in joining us, you must sign up by this Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. For more information stop down to "The Depot" at 108 E. Grand Ave in downtown Eau Claire, or call us at 839-7788.

NWL and ESPNU Announce Agreement

Rochester, MN

NWL Announces Silver Glove Winners

Rochester, MN - The Northwoods League, in conjunction with Rawlings, has announced the recipients of the 2006 Silver Glove Award winners. The Silver Glove is awarded annually to the League's "Finest in the Field", recognizing the top fielders at each position.

Second baseman Justin McKenzie is the first Eau Claire Express player to receive a Silver Glove Award. McKenzie committed only six errors on 255 chances during the 2006 season, good for a .976 fielding percentage.

This year's squad also includes first baseman Lucas Duda (Southern California) and outfielder Andy Dirks (Hutchinson CC) who were previously named to the NWL post-season All-Star team,. The La Crosse Loggers were the only team to be represented twice as outfielder Travis Check (Western Illinois) and pitcher Jason Dominguez (Pepperdine) were both honored at their respective position.

The winners are selected based on final official fielding statistics compiled by League statistician Sports Ticker, a Bristol, CT based sports statistical service company.

This season's Silver Glove Award winners are:

Pitcher - Jason Dominguez (Pepperdine University) - La Crosse Loggers
Catcher - Shea Harris (Gardner-Webb University) - Rochester Honkers
First Base - Lucas Duda (University of Southern California) - Alexandria Beetles
Second Base - Justin McKenzie (Grand Valley State University) - Eau Claire Express
Shortstop - Bryan Cartie (McNeese State University) - St. Cloud River Bats
Third Base - Dan Pirillo (Long Island University) - Thunder Bay Border Cats
Outfielder - Travis Check (Western Illinois University) - La Crosse Loggers
Outfielder - Andy Dirks (Hutchinson Community College) - Brainerd Blue Thunder
Outfielder - Robert Matlock (Freed-Hardeman University) - Waterloo Bucks

Express to Participate in Boys and Girls Club Check Presentation

Eau Claire, Wis.

Two NWL Alumni Receive Rookie of the Year Votes

Rochester, MN

Fan Survey: Sunday Home Game Start Times

Hey baseball fans! The Eau Claire Express staff is interested in finding out what time you would prefer to see Sunday home games start this summer. To cast your vote, simply go to the survey in the lower right corner of our home page and click on the time you prefer. The Eau Claire Express staff will take the fans votes into consideration when scheduling Sunday home games. The 2007 Eau Claire Express schedule will be available soon. Keep checking back to www.eauclaireexpress.com for updates on the 2007 season.

2007 Express Schedule Announced

Eau Claire, Wis.

Holiday Sales for Express Apparel

Attention Holiday Shoppers! Starting Monday, November 27, the Depot will have great deals on all remaining apparel from the 2006 season. Selected items will be discounted at up to 25% off the regular price to make room for the new apparel that is coming in next week. New apparel will include hooded sweatshirts, pullovers and stocking caps in time for the long winter months ahead. Keep visiting the Eau Claire Express website for more deals during this holiday season.

2007 Express Schedule

The Eau Claire Express 2007 schedule has been finalized and can be found on the schedule page of our website or in the list below. Please note that the June 26 and 27 series with Battle Creek was incorrectly labeled as a home series. The Express will be playing those games in Battle Creek at 7:05 p.m. each night. It has since been changed on the schedule page.

Please also note that Express home games on Sunday will begin at 6:05 p.m. Thank you for your help in determining Sunday game times.

The Eau Claire Express schedule is still subject to change. Any changes will be posted to our website.

MAY

31 - @ Madison Mallards - 7:05 p.m.

JUNE

1 - @ Madison Mallards - 7:05 p.m.
2 - Waterloo Bucks - 7:05 p.m.
3 - Waterloo Bucks - 6:05 p.m.
4 - @ La Crosse Loggers - 7:05 p.m.
5 - @ La Crosse Loggers - 7:05 p.m.
6 - Thunder Bay Border Cats - 7:05 p.m.
7 - Thunder Bay Border Cats - 7:05 p.m.
8 - @ Wisconsin Woodchucks - 6:35 p.m.
9 - @ Wisconsin Woodchucks - 6:35 p.m.
10 - OFF
11 - Madison Mallards - 7:05 p.m.
12 - Madison Mallards - 7:05 p.m.
13 - La Crosse Loggers - 7:05 p.m.
14 - @ La Crosse Loggers - 7:05 p.m.
15 - @ Rochester Honkers - 7:05 p.m.
16 - @ Rochester Honkers - 7:05 p.m.
17 - @ Battle Creek - 5:05 p.m.
18 - @ Battle Creek - 7:05 p.m.
19 - @ Waterloo Bucks - 7:05 p.m.
20 - @ Waterloo Bucks - 7:05 p.m.
21 - Alexandria Beetles - 7:05 p.m.
22 - Alexandria Beetles - 7:05 p.m.
23 - St. Cloud River Bats - 7:05 p.m.
24 - St. Cloud River Bats - 6:05 p.m.
25 - OFF
26 - @ Battle Creek - 7:05 p.m.
27 - @ Battle Creek - 7:05 p.m.
28 - @ Wisconsin Woodchucks - 6:35 p.m.
29 - Wisconsin Woodchucks - 7:05 p.m.
30 - Green Bay Bullfrogs - 7:05 p.m.

JULY

1 - Green Bay Bullfrogs - 6:05 p.m.
2 - Wisconsin Woodchucks - 7:05 p.m.
3 - @ Wisconsin Woodchucks - 6:35 p.m.
4 - La Crosse Loggers - 6:05 p.m.
5 - @ La Crosse Loggers - 7:05 p.m.
6 - @ Green Bay Bullfrogs - 7:05 p.m.
7 - @ Green Bay Bullfrogs - 7:05 p.m.
8 - Madison Mallards - 6:05 p.m.
9 - Madison Mallards - 7:05 p.m.
10 - OFF
11 - ALL-STAR GAME, - Mankato, Minn.
12 - OFF
13 - Duluth Huskies - 7:05 p.m.
14 - Duluth Huskies - 7:05 p.m.
15 - Waterloo Bucks - 6:05 p.m.
16 - Waterloo Bucks - 7:05 p.m.
17 - @ Thunder Bay Border Cats - 6:05 p.m.
18 - @ Thunder Bay Border Cats - 6:05 p.m.
19 - @ Waterloo Bucks - 7:05 p.m.
20 - @ Waterloo Bucks - 7:05 p.m.
21 - Battle Creek - 7:05 p.m.
22 - Battle Creek - 6:05 p.m.
23 - Rochester Honkers - 7:05 p.m.
24 - Rochester Honkers - 7:05 p.m.
25 - Green Bay Bullfrogs - 7:05 p.m.
26 - Green Bay Bullfrogs - 7:05 p.m.
27 - @ St. Cloud River Bats - 7:05 p.m.
28 - @ St. Cloud River Bats - 7:05 p.m.
29 - Battle Creek - 6:05 p.m.
30 - Battle Creek - 7:05 p.m.
31 - OFF

AUGUST

1 - @ Duluth Huskies - 7:05 p.m.
2 - @ Duluth Huskies - 7:05 p.m.
3 - Wisconsin Woodchucks - 7:05 p.m.
4 - Wisconsin Woodchucks - 7:05 p.m.
5 - La Crosse Loggers - 6:05 p.m.
6 - La Crosse Loggers - 7:05 p.m.
7 - @ Green Bay Bullfrogs - 7:05 p.m.
8 - @ Green Bay Bullfrogs - 7:05 p.m.
9 - @ Alexandria Beetles - 7:05 p.m.
10 - @ Alexandria Beetles - 7:05 p.m.
11 - @ Madison Mallards - 6:05 p.m.
12 - @ Madison Mallards - 6:05 p.m.
13 - Divisional Playoffs
14 - Divisional Playoffs
15 - Divisional Playoffs
16 - Championship Series
17 - Championship Series
18 - Championship Series

Northwoods League Finalizes Plans for Battle Creek

Northwoods League President Dick Radatz, Jr. today officially announced the plans for the League's fourteenth team with the expansion franchise in Battle Creek, Michigan.

"We're excited to have our wheels set in motion for our fourteenth team, especially expanding to my home state of Michigan," said Radatz.

The yet-to-be-named expansion team, which will be owned and operated by the Northwoods League, joins fellow expansion city Green Bay, Wis. for the circuit's fourteenth season of play. Battle Creek becomes the first League affiliate in the state of Michigan. The League now has teams in the states of Wisconsin (5), Minnesota (6) and Iowa (1), and the province of Ontario (1).

Current NWL Director of Operations Rick Lindau has been named the team's first general manager. Lindau has been with the League since April 2004 and helped coordinate previous League expansion in 2005 and earlier this year with the Green Bay affiliate. Many of the team's details, including nickname and logo, will be finalized in the upcoming weeks.

"It will be a big loss for the League office but a big gain for the League as a whole with Rick taking over in Battle Creek," said Radatz. "It's a great opportunity for him."

The Northwoods League plays more games, draws more fans, and plays in better venues than any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The League recently completed its thirteenth season of play in August, and had 96 of its current players or alumni taken in last June's Major League Baseball amateur draft.

Hollick and Fellman Commit to Return to the Express

Eau Claire, Wis.

University of Nebraska-Omaha Teammates Set to Return

University of Nebraska-Omaha teammates Bryan Frew and Tim Huber have committed to return to the Eau Claire Express this summer. The pair join Ian Hollick and Nick Fellman as the third and fourth announced returning player from the 2006 roster.

Last year with the Express, Frew appeared in 62 games with 59 starts. He was the epitome of a utility player, as he played at six different positions throughout the season. His .294 batting average was good for third place on the team. Frew collected 15 RBI's on 57 hits, including seven doubles. He also scored 30 runs and swiped six bases on six attempts.

Frew, a 5-foot-11-inch junior, has a career batting average of .350 with the UNO Mavericks. Frew has started in 107 games and has collected 122 hits, including 23 doubles, five triples and six home runs. He has scored 84 runs and has collected 71 RBI's.

Huber, a 5-foot-10-inch junior, led the Express last season with a 5-2 record. He finished second on the team with a 1.67 ERA. In 75.2 innings of work, Huber allowed only 14 earned runs on 57 hits while striking out 56 batters. For his efforts, Huber was named to both the mid-season and post-season Northwoods League All-Star Teams.

For the Mavericks, Huber has a career record of 9-5 with one save in 27 games he has appeared in. He has a career ERA of 3.03 and has struck out 113 batters in 107 innings of work.

The UNO Mavericks open their season in Hays, Kan. on February 21 when they take on Fort Hays State.

Pair of Bruins to Join the Express

Eau Claire, Wis. - A pair of University of California, Los Angeles freshmen have committed to play with the Eau Claire Express, it was announced today by Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho. Outfielder Jeff Rapoport and left-handed pitcher Justin Uribe are the first two Bruins to ever commit with the Express.

Rapoport, a native of Westlake Village, Calif., lettered four years in high school under head coaches Mike Lee and Josh Eby. As a senior, he batted .300 and established a Westlake High School record with 28 stolen bases. Rapoport earned many area and national awards during his junior and senior seasons including a Louisville Slugger All-American award in 2006. He competed for the Los Angeles Dodgers elite team from 2003 to 2005 and the Los Angeles Angels elite team from 2004 to 2005.

Uribe was a three-year varsity star at Foothill (Santa Ana) High School. He was both a pitcher and outfielder under head coach Gary Fishel. Uribe saw limited action as a senior due to injury but still posted a .349 batting average with 14 RBIs in 11 games. Foothill High School won the California Interscholastic Federation

Express Sign a Pair from the Southeast

Freshman shortstop Jonathan Merritt of the University of Alabama-Birmingham and sophomore outfielder Jonathan Ratledge of the University of South Carolina have both committed to play for the Eau Claire Express in 2007, it was announced today by Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho.

Merritt, a native of Douglasville, GA, will be entering his first season with the Blazers. He was tabbed as one of the nation's top prospects after being ranked the 215th best player out of the class of 2006 by Perfect Game. Merritt was a four-year player under head coach Alan Adair at Douglas County High School. At Douglas County he earned all-county recognition as a junior after hitting .302 with 22 stolen bases and a .512 on-base percentage. He was also named to the All-Tournament Prospect Team at the Perfect Game National Underclass Showcase in Ft. Myers, FL. Merritt also excels in the classroom as he maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout high school.

Ratledge, a native of Charlotte, NC, will enter his sophomore season with the Gamecocks. He will become the first member of the Southeastern Conference to join the Express. He played in 10 games, including two starts as a freshman and had a batting average of .214 and three RBIs. Ratledge played two seasons at South Mecklenburg High School where he earned North Carolina All-State honors and was named the Conference Player of the Year his junior season. He is a two-time all-conference and all-county selection. He finished with a .450 batting average with 36 RBIs in 2004, while batting .400 in his senior campaign. He also finished with a 9-1 record on the mound with a 1.29 ERA in 2004.

Merritt and the Blazers open their season at home February 16th against Central Michigan University, while Ratledge and the Gamecocks open the season February 9th against the University of Oklahoma in the UNC-Wilmington Tournament.

A Couple of Roughriders to Join the Express

Yavapai Junior College freshman infielder Dan Duffy and freshman outfielder/pitcher Kole Calhoun have both have committed to play for the Express this upcoming season, it was announced today by Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho.

Yavapai competes in Division I of the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) and belongs to the Arizona Community College Athletics Conference (ACCAC). The Roughriders have finished atop their conference in each of the last two seasons and were the national runner-up last season after losing 7-6 to Walters State in the NJCAA Championship game.

Duffy, a native of Glendale, AZ, was drafted in the 42nd round by the New York Yankees in the 2006 Amateur Baseball Draft. Duffy attended Mountain Ridge High School. He was an honorable mention 5A all-state selection in 2006. So far this season Duffy has two hits in four games.

Calhoun, a native of Buckeye, AZ, has four hits and one RBI this season for the Roughriders. He had the team's first three-hit game, all singles, against Western Nevada in the second game of the season. He has pitched in one game, going two innings and striking out one. Calhoun attended Buckeye Union High School where he played quarterback on the football team along with playing baseball. He led the state of Arizona with 2,892 passing yards his senior season. He was a 4A first team all-state selection as a pitcher in 2006.

The Roughriders continue their season on Friday when they face Nagoya Shoka University in a doubleheader.

Pattock and Laluna to Return for Another Season

Long Beach State junior outfielder Teddy Pattock and New York Tech junior infielder Mike LaLuna have both committed to play for the Eau Claire Express for a second year, it was announced today by Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho.

Last season with the Express, Pattock was named the team's Most Valuable Player and was a Post-Season All-Star Team selection by the Northwoods League. In 56 games with the Express, he had one home run, 15 RBIs, and 21 runs scored. His .318 batting average led the team and was third best in the Northwoods League. He had a .392 average with runners on base and led the Express with 20 sacrifice bunts. He also was one of five Express players to participate in the Mid-Season All-Star Game in La Crosse.

LaLuna played in 57 games, including 55 starts, for the Express last summer. He had a .213 batting average with one home run and 14 RBIs. He also saw some action on the mound, which we may see a lot more of this upcoming season. Last season he had a 5.79 ERA in three relief appearances. He was apart of a team-high 28 double plays and led the team with 141 assists.

LaLuna was one of four players for New York Tech to appear in at least 50 games in 2006. He finished tied for the team lead with three triples and tied for third with nine doubles. LaLuna and New York Tech begins their season March 2nd at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

The Express will open their season May 31st at Madison as they face the Mallards.

A Pair of Flames to Join the Express

University of Illinois-Chicago sophomore infielder/pitcher David Cales and sophomore catcher Brett Schaefer have committed to play for the Express this season, it was announced today by Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho.

Cales, a native of Chicago, IL, is in his first season with UIC. He has started in four games in the field and made three appearances as a pitcher this season for the Flames. He has scored three times and has three RBIs at the plate. Cales pitched three innings, striking out three and allowing one earned run.

In 2006, he played for the University of Missouri where he made 23 appearances as a pitcher and had six starts in the field for the Tigers. In his 23 appearances, Cales went 2-3 with a 2.83 ERA in 41 innings. Batters hit just .182 against him, the best on the team, and he also had 49 strikeouts. At the plate he hit one home run, scored eight runs and had eight RBIs.

Cales was a three-time All-Chicago Catholic League selection at Mount Carmel High School. As a senior he had a .490 batting average with eight home runs and 55 RBIs. He also had 11 saves that season.

Schaefer, a native of Orland Park, IL, is a redshirt sophomore for the Flames. He has started in four of the team's five games so far this season. He is second on the team with a .308 batting average and has the team's only home run thus far.

In 2006, he participated in 23 games, including nine starts. He scored three runs and had three RBIs, along with one stolen base in his first season. At Brother Rice High School, Schaefer led his team to the Catholic League Championship. He was named to the All-Catholic League Team and received all-area honors his junior and senior year. Schaefer was also excelled at soccer where he set the state record for most consecutive shutouts in a season.

The Flames next contest is Friday when they travel to face the University of Tennessee.

Eau Claire Area Youth Baseball Registration

EAU CLAIRE YOUTH BASEBALL REGISTRATION

Eau Claire Express Baseball is proud to partner with the Eau Claire Youth Baseball Leagues to offer week-long registration for the 2007 season. Please refer to the information listed below to assist you in registering your child(ren).

WHAT:
All Eau Claire Little Leagues - American, Lowes Creek and National - will be holding registration for the 2007 season at the Eau Claire Express Offices. This includes all T-Ball, Rookie, Coach Pitch, Minor and Major League divisions. If your child will be between the ages of 5 and 12 years old on April 30, 2007, you are eligible to sign your child(ren) up for these leagues.

Eau Claire Babe Ruth - Preps for 13 year olds, Junior Babe Ruth for 14 and 15 year olds - will also take place at this time.

WHERE:
Eau Claire Express Offices
108 E. Grand Avenue
Downtown, Eau Claire

WHEN:
Monday, March 5th through Friday, March 9th - 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 10th - 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

WHAT TO BRING:
Most leagues will require you to at least have a copy of your child's birth certificate - NOT Hospital or Baptismal Certificate - for registration. If you do not have an extra copy, we will be happy to make one for you. Please also bring cash or check to make payment. Sorry, NO credit cards will be accepted to pay registration fees.

WHAT ELSE:
Each child that is registered through the Eau Claire Express office will receive a FREE general admission ticket good for any 2007 regular season home game.

Our apparel shop will also be open for you during registration to purchase something for that baseball fan in your family.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
(715) 839-7788
info@eauclaireexpress.com

FURTHER INFORMATION:
www.lowescreeklittleleague.com
www.eteamz.com/EauClaireBabeRuth

Express Get Commitments from Two Aggies

University of California-Davis junior pitcher Eddie Gamboa and sophomore catcher Jacob Jefferies have both decided to play for Express this season, it was announced today by Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho.

Gamboa, a native of Merced, CA, has made three appearances thus far for the Aggies in 2007. He has struck out three in 5.2 innings pitched. Gamboa, who is starting out the season in the bullpen, will eventually make his way into the starting rotation later this season.

Gamboa did not play in 2006 after injuring his arm. In 2005, he led the Aggies with 22 appearances, including four starts on the mound. He went 2-2 with a team-high four saves. He struck out 41 batters in 61 innings pitched.

At Merced High School, Gamboa was a first-team All-Central California Conference selection his junior and senior year and was voted the league's Most Valuable Player during his senior campaign.

Jefferies, also a native of Merced, CA, has played in 13 games so far this season for UC-Davis and is tied with a team-high 14 hits. His .333 batting average is tied for third best on the squad and his seven RBIs are second best.

Jefferies participated in 20 games, including 16 starts in 2006 for the Aggies. He had a .236 batting average and had four multi-hit games. At Buhach Colony High School, Jefferies was a first team all-state selection and was the Valley Oak League Most Valuable Player as a senior. He was voted the Offensive Most Valuable Player in his junior season.

The Express now have 16 commitments (10 newcomers, six returning) for the season opener at Madison on May 31st.

A Pair of Southpaws Hop on the Express Train

University of Alabama-Birmingham junior left-handed pitcher Rodney Wodson and Georgia Tech freshman left-handed pitcher Elliott Ogawa become the latest members to join the Express for the 2007 season, it was announced today by Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho.

Wodson becomes the second member from UAB to join the Express as he unites with fellow teammate Jonathan Merritt. Wodson has made just one appearance this season for the Blazers and allowed one earned run in 1.2 innings pitched.

Wodson, a native of Australia, played the last two seasons at Wallace State-Hanceville Community College in Alabama. He was a member of two teams that finished third at the Junior College World Series in 2005 and 2006. In his freshman year, Wodson got victories in the Alabama Community College Conference Tournament and the Junior College World Series.

Ogawa, a native of Columbus, GA, is in his first season with Georgia Tech. He has also made just one appearance thus far for the Yellow Jackets. He struck out two and did not allow a run in his one inning of work.

Ogawa attended Columbus High School where he helped the team to the 2004 and 2005 state championship. He was named an all-area pitcher in 2005 and 2006. Ogawa has been described as a crafty left-hander because of the variety of off-speed pitches that he has in his repertoire. Ogawa becomes the first member of the Atlantic Coast Conference to play for the Express.

The Express open their season May 31st at Madison.

Two More Lobos Join the Express

University of New Mexico pitchers Shane Dyer and Bobby LaFromboise will join their teammate Ian Hollick this summer and play for the Express, it was announced today by Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho.

Dyer, a freshman at New Mexico, has made five appearances this season, including three starts on the mound. Dyer, who is a right-hander, has a record of 1-1 with a 5.54 ERA. He has struck out seven in 13 innings of work so far this season.

Dyer is a native of Eaton, CO and attended Eaton High School where he was a two-time 3A first team all-state selection. He was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 24th round in last year's MLB Draft. Dyer went a combined 27-3 in his last three years at Eaton High School with his team winning the state championship in his sophomore season.

LaFromboise is in his junior year and his first season with the Lobos after coming over from Rio Hondo Community College. The left-hander has made seven appearances, including six starts thus far for the Lobos and has a 3-1 record. He leads the team with 42 strikeouts and has a 3.48 ERA in 44 innings pitched. LaFromboise also has one complete game shutout this season coming against Texas State. He was named the Mountain West Conference Pitcher of the Week on February 19th after leading the Lobos to an upset win over then No. 7-ranked Nebraska.

At Rio Hondo, LaFromboise went 12-3 with 112 strikeouts in 2006. He was named to the 2006 Junior College Preseason All-American team in 2006 and was also drafted in the 24th round of the 2005 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox.

LaFromboise is a native of Downey, CA where he attended Warren High School. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the San Gabriel Valley League on two occasions and led his team to the playoffs his last three years.

New Mexico has three-game series against the University of Utah beginning on Friday.

Goodro Returns and Some More Flames Join the Express

University of Illinois-Chicago pitchers Adam Worthington and Andrew Davis will join teammates David Cales and Brett Schaefer on the Express this year. Also Butler Community College sophomore catcher Tyler Goodro has decided to return to Eau Claire for another summer it was announced today by Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho.

Worthington, a sophomore for the Flames, is a native of Gurnee, IL. Worthington has made six appearances so far this season for UIC and has a record of 0-1. He has struck out seven batters in six innings of work.

In his freshman season with UIC, Worthington made a Horizon League and school record 38 appearances. As a closer he finished with six saves, second most in the conference, and had a record of 3-1. He had a 2.62 ERA and struck out 36 in 48 innings. At one point in 2006, Worthington went 10 consecutive innings without giving up a run.

Worthington attended Warren High School where he was an all-area and all-conference selection his senior season. He batted team best .470 and was 6-1 with a 1.91 ERA in his senior campaign. He was also named the 2005 Preseason Player of the Year.

Davis, a junior, is in his first season with the Flames after coming over from Skagit Valley Community College in Washington. So far this season, Davis leads the Flames with 13 appearances and a record of 3-1. Davis has struck out 13 batters in 15.1 innings pitched

Davis, a native of Seattle, WA, struck out 56 batters in just 40 innings on the mound in 2006 for Skagit Valley. He was 4-0 with a 1.86 ERA and one save. He attended Stanwood High School where he was a three-year letterwinner.

Goodro returns to the Express for a second summer after joining the team the last quarter of the 2006 season. Goodro played in 15 games, including 14 starts for the Express last year. He finished with a .309 batting average with one home run and nine RBIs. He led the team with a .418 batting average. Goodro has been a key contributor for No. 7-ranked Butler Community College this season. He is batting .364 with a .441 on base percentage.

Goodro becomes the seventh returnee for the Express. The Express have signed 23 players so far for the 2007 season. One of those players, Jonathan Ratledge, will not be able to play for the Express this summer due to injury. The Express open their season May 31st at Madison.

Two New Commitments for 2008

Eau Claire, Wis. - February, 18, 2008 - Flagler College pitcher John Goryl and Cal Poly outfielder Ryan Lee become the sixth and seventh Express commitments for 2008, it was announced today by field manager Dale Varsho. The pair of juniors brings the total number of new Express players to five, joining a trio of Rutgers University freshmen who committed last week.

Goryl is 6-foot, 194-pound right-handed pitcher for the Saints. The Apopka, Fla. native made 15 appearances in 2007, including six starts and one complete game. He went 3-3 on the season and posted a 5.48 earned run average. Goryl struck out 29 batters in 47.2 innings of work.

Prior to joining the Flagler Saints, Goryl earned one letter at Daytona Beach Community College. His father, John Goryl, played six seasons of Major League Baseball for the Chicago Cubs and the Minnesota Twins from 1957 to 1964.

Lee is a 6-foot, 185-pound native of Los Altos, Calif. He has been a reserve outfielder for the Cal Poly Mustangs for the past two seasons. In 2007, Lee played in 37 games with eight starts. He batted .292 and was 2-for-2 in stolen bases. Lee appeared in 24 games, including three starts, as a freshman in 2006. He batted .273 with a triple and one run batted in. Lee has yet to commit an error in the outfield.

Lee was a two-year letterman as a left fielder at St. Francis High School. He had a .409 career batting average with four home runs and 52 RBIs. Lee earned first team All-Central Coast Section honors twice, leading the Lancers to a pair of West Catholic Athletic League titles and a two-year record of 57-7.

Goryl is the Express’ first commitment from Flagler College. Lee joins 2005-06 Express alumnus Thomas Eager as the second player selected from Cal Poly. The Express open their season at home on May 29 versus the Wisconsin Woodchucks.

Express get commitment from a pair of Cornhuskers

University of Nebraska pitcher Wes Simmons and catcher Dominic Piazza become the latest players to commit to the Express for the 2007 season, it was announced today by Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho.

Simmons, a red shirt freshman, is a left-handed pitcher from Owasso, OK. Simmons had to red shirt last reason because of an injury. He attended Tulsa Lincoln Christian High School where he was a two-time first team all-state selection and was the winning pitcher in three straight state title games. In his senior season, Simmons had a record of 9-1 with a 0.17 ERA. He struck out 105 batters in just 48 innings pitched. He also threw three no-hitters and a perfect game.

Piazza, a native of Scottsdale, AZ, is in his freshman season with the Cornhuskers. Piazza attended Notre Dame Prep School where he was second team all-state selection in Arizona. He led his team to a third place finish in the Arizona 4A State Tournament. In his senior season, Piazza hit .529 with seven home runs and 40 RBIs. He was drafted in the 49th round of the 2006 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Neither Piazza nor Simmons has yet to see any action thus far this season for Nebraska. The Cornhuskers start a three-game series with Oklahoma State today.

Express get commitments from a pair of Blue Jays

Eau Claire, Wis. - Creighton University right-handed pitchers Joe Bonfe and Casey Schmidt have committed to play for the Express this summer, it was announced today by Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho.

Bonfe, a native of Woodbury, MN, is a freshman with the Blue Jays. Bonfe attended Cretin-Derham Hall High School where he was an all-area, all-conference, and all-state selection his senior season. He also received all-tournament honors while leading his team to a state runner-up finish. On the hockey rink, he led his team to a state championship and was a second team all-state selection his senior year. Bonfe has yet to see any playing time for the Blue Jays this season.

Schmidt, a native of Arvada, CO, is also in his freshman season with Creighton. He is 1-1 in eight appearances this season. He has struck out 15 batters in 15.2 innings pitched.

Schmidt attended Ralston Valley High School where he was a first team all-conference selection his senior year. He holds his high school's records for strikeouts, lowest ERA in a season, and win/loss record.

The Express now have 27 commitments for the 2007 season opener against the Madison Mallards at the Duck Pond on May 31st.

Notable Express Performances (April 27-May 3)

On Saturday, Adam Worthington (Illinois-Chicago) pitched 4.1 innings in relief and struck out four in a 10-6 victory over Cleveland State to improve to 3-1 this season.

On Saturday, pitcher Eddie Gamboa (UC-Davis) went 2.1 innings without giving up a run to pick up his second save of the season in a 3-2 win over UC-Irvine.

On Saturday, Ian Hollick (New Mexico) hit his second home run of the year as part of a 19-2 win over Hawaii-Hilo. Then on Sunday Hollick hit his first triple of the season in a 12-2 win over Hawaii-Hilo.

Nick Fellman (MSU-Mankato) picked up his 13th and 14th save this week pitching a combined 2.1 innings and striking out four.

On Saturday, Tim Huber (Nebraska-Omaha) struck out eight in 6.1 innings to receive the win (5-1) in a 4-2 victory over North Dakota in the first game of a doubleheader.

In that same game Huber's teammate Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) went 3-for-4 with a RBI and two runs scored. On Sunday Frew went 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBIs, and four runs scored in a 22-14 win over North Dakota.

On Sunday, Andy Yushta (UW-Parkside) struck out the side to pick up his third save of the season in a 5-2 win over Drury.

On Saturday, Nick Wichser (UW-Milwaukee) went 4-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored in a 12-8 victory over Wright State. He also hit his first triple in that game.

Cales Earns Accolades From Horizon League, College Baseball Foundation

Chicago, Ill.- University of Illinois-Chicago sophomore infielder/pitcher David Cales was recognized for his stellar performance on the mound last week, as the Horizon League named Cales its Pitcher of the Week for the period ending April 1st while the College Baseball Foundation named Cales to its weekly National Honor Roll.

Cales went 2-0 with a save in three games against Youngstown State this past weekend, allowing just one hit in just under five innings against the Penguins.

The Horizon League Pitcher of the Week award was the second of the year for Cales. Cales' spot on the National Honor Roll was his first appearance on the College Baseball Foundation's weekly listing.

For the season Cales is 2-0 with five saves and a 0.66 earned run average.

Hallberg Named a Top-Ten Prospect

Former Express shortstop and current Yakima Bear rookie Mark Hallberg was ranked by Scout.com as the 8th overall prospect within the Arizona Diamondback organiztion. Hallberg was selected in the 9th round of the 2007 draft.

This past season, he was named to the Northwest League All Star team, as voted by the managers of all eight NWL teams. Only one player is selected from each position.

Hallberg finished fourth in the league with a batting average of .313. Hallberg also collected 44 runs and 32 RBIs. In 233 at-bats, he only struck out 21 times while walking 22. Of his 73 hits, Hallberg had 15 doubles, one triple and six home runs. His 17-game hitting streak this season was the longest of any member of the Bears.

The Yakima Bears are the Class A Short-Season affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

New NWL Store Debuts Online

MINNEAPOPLIS - Offering a wide array of official league apparel, the new Northwoods League Store debuted online this week with a full stock of quality t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies available for order immediately. NorthwoodsLeagueStore.com is powered by BallparkDigest.com.

August Publications and NWLfan.com are teaming up with the Northwoods League to offer logo apparel for 23 summer collegiate baseball teams (14 current franchises and nine former teams) from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan and North Dakota.

“We look forward to providing Northwoods League fans quality logo apparel at reasonable prices through the new online store,” said August Publications founder and CEO Kevin Reichard. “Our relationship with the League, the teams and its fans through our NWLfan.com website has been fun and gratifying. Working with the League to offer an appealing and comprehensive online apparel store is a natural step forward for us.”

The full line of clothing and apparel representing past and present Northwoods League teams is geared for all ages, from adult men, women and unisex, to youth, toddlers and infants.

"We are excited to begin our new online store in association with August Publications and their subsidiaries,” said Dick Radatz, Jr., President of the Northwoods League. “They have helped promote the League in many ways, and this will just continue and add to the wonderful relationship that we have.”

The Northwoods League is a Summer Collegiate Baseball Association (SCBA) sanctioned summer baseball league attracting many of the top college players from throughout North America.

Express Announce First Commitments for 2008

Eau Claire, Wis. - Jake Jefferies and Joe Bonfe have committed to return to the Eau Claire Express for the 2008 season, it was announced today by field manager Dale Varsho. Both players were significant contributors to the Eau Claire Express during the 2007 season that ended with Eau Claire's first Northwoods League Southern Division Championship.

Jefferies started in 38 games behind the plate for the Express in 2007. He led the team with a .350 batting average. Jefferies gathered 17 runs, 21 runs batted in and seven doubles on 50 hits in 143 at-bats. He only struck out 12 times.

Bonfe, a 6-foot-4-inch redshirt freshman at Creighton University, started in 35 games at first base for the Express last season. He collected 12 runs, 12 RBIs, five doubles and three home runs in 117 at-bats. Bonfe also appeared on the mound 10 times, including one start. He finished the season with a 2-1 record and had an earned run average of 5.68. In 25.1 innings of work, Bonfe fanned 28 batters.

Jefferies attended Buhach Colony High School in Merced, Calif. He was named league most valuable player and was an all-state first team selection his senior season. Jeffries is currently a junior at the University of California-Davis. In 2007, Jefferies batted .302 and collected 34 RBIs while starting in 48 games for the Aggies.

Bonfe attended Cretin-Derham Hall in Woodbury, Minn. As a senior, he was named team MVP. Bonfe also received all-area, all-conference and all-state honors on the team’s way to a second-place finish at the state tournament.

The Express open the season at home versus the Wisconsin Woodchucks on May 29 at 6:35 p.m.

Express Get Trio of Commitments from Rutgers

Eau Claire, Wis. - February 7, 2008

Express get a pair of in-state players

UW-Parkside sophomore left-handed pitcher Andy Yushta and UW-Milwaukee junior outfielder Nick Wichser have both committed to play this summer for the Express, it was announced today by Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho.

Yushta, a native of La Crosse, is 2-2 so far this season with a 2.67 ERA for the Rangers. He has struck out 32 batters in 33.2 innings pitched. Teams are hitting just .154 off of him. Yushta started 31 of the 42 games as a centerfielder for the Rangers in 2006. He was a perfect 7-for-7 in stolen base attempts last season.

Yushta attended Pittsville High School where he was a first team all-state and all-district selection. He was also a first team all-conference selection in football as a receiver and a punter his senior season.

Wichser, a native of Waukesha, has started all 25 games for the Panthers this season. He leads the team with 14 runs scored and has one home run and eight RBIs this year He had to take a medical red shirt last season for the Panthers, but he appeared in 42 games, including 41 starts in 2005. He hit .262 with four home runs and 21 RBIs. He also was 6-for-7 in steal attempts. In his freshman season Wichser drove in 13 RBIs in 29 games played.

This will be the second straight summer that Wichser will be playing summer ball in Eau Claire as he was named the MVP of the Eau Claire Cavaliers, of the Wisconsin State Baseball League, last summer. He led the team with a .331 average and 31 RBIs in 50 games.

Wichser attended Waukesha West High School where he was a three-sport standout. In baseball be received first team all-state accolades and was named conference player of the year in 2002 and 2003. He was also an honorable mention all-state quarterback.

The Express are only 43 days away from opening night in Madison on May 31st.

Jim Gantner to coach Woodchucks

Wausau, WI -The Wisconsin Woodchucks have signed former Milwaukee Brewers great Jim Gantner as Field Manager for the 2007 Northwoods League season.

Jim "Gumby" Gantner is a Wisconsin baseball icon after playing Little League, college, and professional baseball all in the state of Wisconsin. Gantner, 53, was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and he played college baseball for the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. The Milwaukee Brewers drafted him in the 12th round of the 1974 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. Gantner made his Major League debut on September 3, 1976.

During the Brewers 1982 World Series appearance, he hit .333 with four doubles and five runs scored. The second baseman is among the Brewers career leaders in numerous offensive categories including hits (1696), runs (726), doubles (262), and RBIs (568). He was named Brewers' MVP in 1984 after hitting .282 with 173 hits, 27 doubles, and 56 RBIs. Gantner played 1,801 games in 17 seasons with the Brewers and finished his career with a .274 batting average.

In 2005, Gantner became a member of the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame, which also features former Brewers Hank Aaron, Robin Yount, and Paul Molitor.

The Express will play host to the Woodchucks on June 29, July 2, August 3 and August 4.

Notable Express Performances (April 19-26)

On Friday, April 20th, Jonathan Merritt (UAB) went 2-for-4 with two runs scored in a 6-1 win over Southern Miss.

On Saturday, April 21st, Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) went 5-for-7 with five RBIs, including his first home run of the season in a doubleheader sweep over Eastern Arizona.

Mike LaLuna (New York Tech) had a big series against Maine over the weekend to lead NYIT to a split with the Black Bears. LaLuna was a combined 6-for-13 with five RBIs in the four game series. LaLuna also hit his first home run of the season and had two triples.

On Friday, April 20th, David Cales (UIC) picked up his Horizon League leading ninth save in a 6-3 win over Butler. Then on Tuesday, Cales led the Flames at the plate going 2-for-3 with two RBIs in a loss to Northern Illinois.

On Friday, April 20th, Nick Fellman (MSU-Mankato) picked up his first win on the season in relief against St. Cloud State. He also had three saves in the past week for a total of 11 this season.

On Saturday, April 21st, Tim Huber (Nebraska-Omaha) won his second start in a row, throwing six shutout innings, allowing just one hit and three walks while striking out eight in a 10-1 win over Augustana (IL). Huber also performed at the plate going a combined 4-for-4 with two doubles and four runs scored in a doubleheader sweep over Augustana on Monday.

On Tuesday, April 24th, Nick Wichser (UW-Milwaukee) was 3-for-5 and had a two-run home run (2) in a loss against Northwestern.

Express add more right-handed pitching

The Express added some more pitching depth today with the commitments of right-handed pitchers Jon Ganzen of Bellevue University and Ryan Escarcega of New Mexico, it was announced by Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho.

Ganzen, a native of Appleton, WI, is in his first season with the Bruins after transferring from UW-Oshkosh after his sophomore year. He had sit out the entire 2006 season due to injury. Ganzen has appeared in nine games this spring and has a record of 4-1 with one save. He has 3.18 ERA in 34 innings pitched.

At UW-Oshkosh, Ganzen was a perfect 6-0 in 2004. He struck out 45 and had a 2.52 ERA in his freshman season. He only appeared in eight games in his sophomore campaign. Ganzen played for the Wisconsin Woodchucks in 2004 and 2005. In 2004, he finished with a 3.06 ERA in 11 appearances. He allowed just seven hits in his appearances out of the bullpen. In 2005, he went 5-4 in nine starts.

Escarcega, a native of Albuquerque, NM, becomes the fourth Lobo to join the Express this summer. He has made 13 appearances, including six starts in his freshman season with New Mexico. He has struck out 28 in 33.1 innings pitched.

Escarcega attended West Mesa High School where he was named District 1-5A Player of the Year his senior season. He also received first team all-state, all-district, and all-metro accolades. He was 3-1 with a 2.68 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 2006.

The Express open their season on May 31st at Madison.

Eight NWL Umpiring Alumni Graduate with Honors

Rochester, Minn. - The Northwoods League announced today that eight of the League’s umpiring alumni have been selected among the top 50 in this year’s class of aspiring professional umpires. The eight are 2007 NWL umpires Garret Corl, Tyler Hensley, Ed Leopold, Brian McCoy, Ivan Mercado, Matt Mullins, and Chris Nguyen as well 2006 umpire Rob Calvert.

Umpires seeking a career as an umpire in Major League affiliated professional baseball must attend a month-long training in January at one of the two umpire schools in Florida, Harry Wendelstedt School for Umpires and Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring.

The top 25 graduates from each of the two umpire schools attend the 10-day PBUC (Professional Baseball Umpire Corps) Evaluation Course from March 8-18. These top 50 umpires are then ranked at the end of the Course and, depending upon the number of open jobs, are offered professional contracts in the affiliated Minor Leagues. There are 220 Minor League umpires striving to ascend the ranks to become one of 70 Major League umpires.

At the end of the 2007 season, 35 former Northwoods League umpires were in Minor League Baseball, accounting for 16% of all Minor League umpires, and were represented in all 15 Minor Leagues.

Besides the obvious goal of improving the players, the Northwoods League’s 68-game schedule and high-level of competition are a tremendous benefit to the umpires.

“The thing I picked up that really helped me at school was probably game speed,” 2007 NWL Umpire Brian McCoy explained. “I also learned how to interact with a partner for an entire summer and how to handle arguments with managers.”

The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The league will begin its 15th season of action on May 29, 2008.

Pair of infielders board the Express

San Diego State freshman Pat Colwell and soon to be Long Beach State freshman Devin Lohman have both committed to play for the Express this summer, it was announced today by Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho.

Colwell, a native of Lakewood CA, is walk-on for the Aztecs who impressed the coaches during the fall. He is batting .330 in 29 games for the Aztecs. He is 5-for-7 in stolen base attempts.

Colwell attended Mayfair High School where he earned first-team All-Suburban League and All-CIF Division III honors in his senior season. He was also named the team's MVP after hitting .439 with two home runs and 21 RBIs. He was named the team's best offensive player as a freshman and sophomore. Colwell played second, third, and shortstop in high school.

Lohman, a native of Santa Maria, CA, is a senior at Righetti High School. He has signed a letter of intent to play for Long Beach State. Lohman batted .289 this season for Righetti High School and had a .378 on base percentage. He batted .390 with 20 RBIs and 10 stolen bases his junior year.

Lohman has been playing for the St. Louis Cardinals and Cleveland Indians scout teams the past two years.

The Express season is 22 days away when they open up at Madison on May 31st.

Notable Express Performances (May 4th-10th)

On Saturday, Jonathan Merritt (UAB) hit his first career home run in the 11th inning to give the Blazers an 11-8 victory over Tulane. Merritt was 2-for-4 with four RBIs in the game. Merritt hit his second home run of the season on Tuesday in a 20-15 loss to Troy. Merritt had three RBIs in that contest.

On Saturday and Sunday, Mike LaLuna (New York Tech) went a combined 4-for-6 with two RBIs and four runs scored in victories over NJIT. On Wednesday, LaLuna was 2-for-4 with three RBIs in a 5-4 loss to Army.

On Saturday, David Cales (UIC) improved to 3-0 on the mound as he pitched two innings in relief in a 9-8 win over Youngstown State. The whole Express UIC contingent was involved in the Flames 7-6 victory over Michigan State on Wednesday. Andrew Davis made his first career start and pitched two scoreless innings. Adam Worthington improved to 4-1 after picking up the victory in relief. Finally, David Cales picked up his 10th save.

On Saturday, Eddie Gamboa (UC-Davis) picked up his second consecutive win in a 17-12 victory over Cal State Northridge to improve to 2-0.

In a three-game sweep over the weekend against Cal State Northridge, Jacob Jefferies (UC-Davis) went a combined 6-for-12 with three RBIs and five runs scored.

Yesterday, Ian Hollick (New Mexico) went 3-for-3 with a team-high three RBIs in a 9-4 victory over UNLV.

On Monday, Tyler Goodro (Butler CC) was named as an honorable mention to the Jayhawk-West All-Conference Team.

On Wednesday, Casey Schmidt (Creighton) pitched six innings and allowed just one run to improve to 3-1 with a 12-2 victory over North Dakota State.

Last Friday, Justin Uribe (UCLA) hit his second career home run, a two-run shot, in a 13-6 win over California. Uribe was 2-for-5 with three RBIs and one run scored.

Nick Fellman (MSU-Mankato) improved to 2-0 last Friday after pitching 3.2 scoreless innings in a 4-1 victory over Nebraska-Omaha.

On Saturday, Nick Wichser (UW-Milwaukee) went 3-for-5 with two home runs and four RBIs in an 11-3 victory over Cleveland State.

Jon Ganzen (Bellevue) picked up his second save of the season after pitching three innings and striking out seven in an 8-4 victory over Peru State. On Tuesday, Ganzen was named as an honorable mention to the All-Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference Team.

Montesano to return to the booth for second season

Scott Montesano will once again be the voice of the Express this summer as he returns to the radio booth for a second season.

Montesano, a native of Utica, NY, is a May 2004 graduate of Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY where he graduated with a degree in communications and psychology. While in college, he announced Division I baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse and water polo. He also founded an Internet broadcast site that covered the school's club hockey program.

Montesano recently completed his third season as the Fargo Moorhead Jets' Director of Broadcasting/Media Relations, handling many of the team's written materials along with providing the radio play-by-play of every game. In addition to his communication duties, Montesano coordinates the team's internship program and group sales activity. He also helps plan promotions and public appearances for the team.

Prior to working with the Express last season, he was the radio announcer for the Vermont Mountaineers of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) in 2005. Prior to that, he spent the summers of 2003 and 2004 as the Director of Communications for the Sanford Mainers, also of the NECBL. In addition, Montesano has worked as the sports editor for a weekly newspaper in Upstate New York and also served as a marketing coordinator for the Mid Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Scott Montesano can be heard for all 68 Express games this summer on Moose Country 106.7 FM.

Notable Express Performances (May 11th-17th)

On Saturday, David Cales (UIC) pitched two scoreless innings to pick up his 11th save of the spring in a 5-3 victory over Butler in the first game of a doubleheader.

In the second game on Saturday, Adam Worthington (UIC) picked up his second save of the season in a 4-2 win over Butler as the Flames clinched their sixth straight Horizon League regular season title.

Over the weekend, Jacob Jefferies (UC-Davis) went 9-for-15 with five doubles, five RBIs, and five runs scored in a three-game series against Cal-Poly.

On Saturday, Shane Dyer (New Mexico) pitched two innings in relief to earn his second win of the season in a 6-5 victory over UNLV.

Ian Hollick (New Mexico) is currently on a career-high 19-game hitting streak.

On Tuesday, Casey Schmidt (Creighton) improved to 4-1 after pitching five innings and allowing just two runs in a 9-2 victory over Nebraska.

On Saturday, Justin Uribe (UCLA) finished a home run away from the cycle as he went 3-for-4 with a career-high four RBIs and three runs scored in a 16-14 defeat to Arizona State.

After pitching a scoreless ninth on Saturday, Nick Fellman (MSU-Mankato) improved to 3-0 after the Mavericks won the game in the bottom of the ninth to claim the North Central Conference (NCC) Baseball Championship. Fellman was also named to the All-NCC Baseball Team for the second consecutive season.

On Saturday, Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) went 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored in a 5-2 victory over St. Cloud State. Frew was also named to the All-NCC Baseball Team for the second year in a row.

Yesterday, Tim Huber (Nebraska-Omaha) allowed just four hits and struck out eight in 7.1 innings to defeat MSU-Mankato in the opening game of the NCAA Division II Central Regional baseball tournament.

Also Yesterday, Jonathan Merritt (UAB) went 4-for-5 with two RBIs and a run scored in an 11-2 victory over East Carolina.

Former Express pitchers receive accolades

Former Express pitchers Jordan Zimmermann (UW-Stevens Point) and Jon Bjelland (MSU-Mankato) both earned postseason accolades as Zimmermann was named NCAA Division III Tournament Regional MVP and Bjelland was named the Daktronics Central Region Pitcher of the Year.

Zimmermann was named to the Wisconsin Rapids Regional All-Tournament Team and was the regional MVP of the NCAA Division III Baseball Tournament. It was the second straight year he earned such accolades. In the regional, he was 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA and had 21 strikeouts in 14.1 innings. Zimmermann and Mike Thrun combined on a three-hit shutout and Zimmermann had three hits at the plate as the Pointers clinched their second consecutive NCAA Division III Regional Championship. Zimmermann is 9-0 this season with 80 strikeouts.

Bjelland was named the Daktronics Central Region Pitcher of the Year. The left-handed Bjelland, was 21-1 for his three-year MSU career, finished 11-0 this year and had a 2.17 ERA. Bjelland had a 2.85 earned run average in 30 career appearances with the Mavericks and fanned 193 batters in 154 innings. Bjelland, who holds the school record with 11 wins, ranks third in Division II with 12.2 strikeouts per nine innings. Bjelland had 11 strikeouts against American International March 10th.

Binick named DI Independent Baseball Player of the Week

For the second time this season, former Express centerfielder Kraig Binick (New York Tech) has been named the Division I Baseball Independent Player of the Week for his performance from May 7 through May 13. Binick led NYIT to a 4-2 week, hitting .608 with four home runs, 10 runs scored, nine RBIs, five stolen bases, a 1.037 slugging percentage and a .552 on base percentage.

Binick had two multi homerun games on the week, including two home runs in the first inning of the Bears 17-4 win over NJIT. In that game Binick sent the second pitch of the game out of the park and then hit a two-run home run as the 10th batter in a nine run first inning. Binick became NYIT's all-time leader in career hits as he led off the bottom of the first inning with a solo home run in the Bears win over Delaware State in the first game of a doubleheader on Saturday. Binick added a two-run homerun in the fifth inning of that game as well.

Express to do "City Nights"

This season the Eau Claire Express will be doing a "City Nights" promotion at Carson Park for 12 home games.

Residents of these cities will receive a voucher for free popcorn at the ballpark. The dates and the cities are listed below.

Dates/Cities
June 11th: Altoona
June 24th: Augusta
July 1st: Bloomer
July 2nd: Cadott
July 8th: Chippewa Falls
July 9th: Eleva-Strum
July 16th: Fall Creek
July 22nd: Mondovi/Gilmanton
July 23rd: Osseo-Fairchild
July 29th: Elk Mound
July 30th: Colfax
August 5th: Menomonie

2008 Eau Claire Express Schedule

Eau Claire, Wis.

Merritt and Cales earn all-conference honors

Express players Jonathan Merritt (UAB) and David Cales (UIC) earned all-conference accolades for their performances this spring.

Merritt was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman Team along with teammate Shay Crawford, becoming the first Blazers to garner such accolades. Merritt has started in 52 games at shortstop, owns a .302 batting average this season and leads the team with a .364 average in Conference USA play. He has 31 RBIs and two home runs to go along with 13 stolen bases.

Cales received Horizon League Relief Pitcher of the Year honors and earned a spot on the All-Horizon League Second Team and the Horizon League All-Newcomer Team. Cales went 3-0 with a league-best 11 saves. He has a 0.90 ERA, striking out 25 batters while allowing just one walk, which was intentional. At the plate, Cales has four home runs and 19 RBIs.

Notable Express Performances (May 18-May 24)

Last night, David Cales (UIC) hit his fifth home run of the season and then came in to pick up his 12th save of the season in a 6-5 win over Cleveland State in the first game of the Horizon League Baseball Tournament.

On Saturday, Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) hit a two-run triple to lead the Mavericks past eighth-ranked Central Missouri 4-2. The Mavericks advanced to the NCAA Division II World Series in Montgomery, AL and will play their first game at 1 p.m. today against Kutztown.

On Wednesday, Pat Colwell (San Diego State) went 3-for-4 with three runs scored in a 12-1 victory over Utah in the Mountain West Conference Tournament.

On Sunday, Eddie Gamboa (UC-Davis) improved to 3-1 on the mound as he pitched 4.1 scoreless innings allowed five hits and had three strikeouts in an 8-6 win over UC-Santa Barbara.

Jacob Jefferies (UC-Davis) is currently on a season-best 12-game hitting streak.

On Saturday, Ian Hollick (New Mexico) went 2-for-3 with two RBIs in a 9-8 victory over TCU. His career-high 22-game hit streak ended last night.

On Saturday, Nick Wichser (UW-Milwaukee) went 2-for-4 with three RBIs in a 6-2 victory over Butler. Then on Wednesday, Wichser went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and three runs scored. Last night, Wichser went 3-for-6 hitting his fifth home run of the season and had three RBIs and one run scored. Wichser is currently has a 14-game hit streak.

Last Friday, Jon Ganzen (Bellevue) allowed one run in 5.1 innings and struck out seven to earn the win and send the Bruins to the NAIA Baseball World Series. The Bruins will face Cumberland at 5 p.m. today.

Chester Bay to perform opening night

The band Chester Bay will perform prior to the Express' home opener against Waterloo on Saturday, June 2nd at Carson Park.

The band's debut album "Chester Bay" was released on January 27, 2006. All of the band members attend UW-Eau Claire and have been together since January of 2005. Their music consists of rock, acoustic, and blues.

Chester Bay will be performing in front of Carson Park in the Hank Aaron Plaza from 5:30 until the opening pitch.

Cales named MVP of Horizon League Tournament

Pitcher/infielder David Cales (UIC) was named the 2007 Horizon League Tournament Most Valuable Player in leading the Flames to the tournament title this weekend.

Cales hit .615 (8-for-13) with three home runs, three doubles, five runs scored, seven RBIs and earned a clutch save in the Flames' tournament opener. He recorded the final three outs and hit a three-run home run in Saturday's championship game.

The Flames earned the league's automatic berth into the NCAA Regional Championships. They will learn their NCAA Regional destination this Monday when the 2007 NCAA Division I Baseball Championship 64-team field and first-round regional pairings will be revealed live on ESPN at 11:30 a.m. central time.

Bjelland Named to Two All-America Teams; Fellman Garners Honorable Mention Attention

Minnesota State lefthanded pitcher and former Express player Jon Bjelland has capped off a record-breaking senior season by being named to two All-America teams.

The Barron, Wis., native was named Daktronics NCAA Division II First Team and Rawlings/ABCA Division II Second Team.

Bjelland, who established a school single-season record for wins this year, went 11-0 with a 2.17 earned run average in his final season with the Mavericks. Bjelland completed his three-year MSU career with a 22-1 record and a 2.26 earned run average. Bjelland, who earlier had been named Daktronics Region Pitcher of the Year and was a North Central Conference First Team selection, ranks third in nation in strikeouts per nine innings (12.1), seventh in victories (11), 16th in total strikeouts (95) and 28th in earned run average (2.17). Bjelland's 95 strikeouts this year ranks third on the school's single-season list.

Junior closer Nick Fellman, who went 3-1 with an earned run average of 1.62 and 14 saves, garnered honorable mention recognition from Daktronics.

Bjelland signs with the Diamondbacks

Former Express pitcher and Barron, WI native Jon Bjelland (MSU-Mankato) signed a contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks over the weekend.

Bjelland signed as a free agent as he did not have to wait for the Major League Baseball Draft next week because he was a fifth-year senior at Mankato. He will leave Wednesday and take part in extended spring training.

At Mankato, Bjelland broke a school single-season record for wins this year as he went 11-0 with a 2.17 earned run average. Bjelland completed his three-year MSU career with a 22-1 record and a 2.26 earned run average. Bjelland, who earlier had been named Daktronics Region Pitcher of the Year and was a North Central Conference First Team selection, ranks third in nation in strikeouts per nine innings (12.1), seventh in victories (11), 16th in total strikeouts (95), and 28th in earned run average (2.17). Bjelland's 95 strikeouts this year ranks third on the school's single-season list.

After participating in mini-camp, Bjelland expects to join either the Diamondbacks' rookie squad in Missoula, Mont., or head to Yakima, Wash., which is home to one of the club's Single-A affiliates.

Madison Rallies to Down the Express in Extra Innings

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express Season Opener is tonight
Tonight the Express begin their third campaign in the Northwoods League as they face the Madison Mallards at Warner Park at 7 p.m.

You can tune into Moose Country 106.7 FM and listen as Scott Montesano brings you all the action. Be sure to stay tuned after every single Express game this season as Scott will give a detailed recap in the Post Game Show sponsored by the Ramada Inn.

Madison will also have a live webcasts of today and tomorrow's game. You can check that out at: Madison webcast.

Express home opener washed out
Eau Claire, Wis.

LaLuna earns all-tournament honors.
Orem, Utah -Junior Mike LaLuna (New York Tech) was named to the NCAA Division I Baseball Independent All-Tournament Team as NYIT finished with a 2-2 record in the tournament.

LaLuna batted .400 in the four games, recording six hits with four runs scored, a homerun, three RBI and a .600 slugging percentage.

Binick named 2007 NCAA Division I Independent Player of the Year
Orem, Utah-Former Express centerfielder Kraig Binick (New York Tech) was named the 2007 NCAA Division I Baseball Independent Player of the Year.

Binick lead NYIT in every single offensive category this season, recording a .406 batting average with 84 hits, 58 runs scored, 18 doubles, five triples, 34 RBIs and 32 stolen bases in 36 attempts. During the season, Binick ranked 13th nationally in batting average, 16th in stolen bases, 20th in runs scored, 25th in slugging percentage, 37th in triples per game, and 61st in doubles.

Binick became NYIT's all-time leader in career hits as he led off the bottom of the first inning with a solo home run in the Bears win over Delaware State in the first game of a double header on Saturday. Binick added a two run home run in the fifth inning of that game as well.

Express add two more before the season starts
Auburn University outfielder Russell Dixon and local product Mickey Fadness from UW-Oshkosh have both committed to play for the Express, it was announced today by Field Manager and Director of Operations Dale Varsho.

Dixon, a native of Houston, TX, did not play this season due to injury. In 2006, Dixon hit .313 with a team-high 19 doubles. He also had four home runs and had 31 RBIs. As a freshman in 2005, Dixon started 42 of the 53 games that he played in. He finished that season with 10 multi-hit games.

Dixon attended Second Baptist High School where he was a four-year all-district selection and was named the district's MVP as a junior. He was a first team all-state selection as a junior and senior and was named a First Team Collegiate Baseball Louisville Slugger All-American as a senior. He led his team to a state championship in his sophomore and senior season.

Mickey Fadness is a native of Eau Claire and attended Memorial High School. He was a First Team All-WIAC selection this past season for UW-Oshkosh as a catcher/second baseman. He was second on the team with a .371 batting average and tied for a team-high 14 doubles. As a freshman, Fadness was an honorable mention all-conference selection as he started all 42 games for the Titans and had 30 RBIs.

Mickey's brother Ty Fadness played for the Express in the inaugural 2005 season. Mickey and Ty played for the Eau Claire Cavaliers of Wisconsin State Baseball League last season and both earned Key Player Awards.

The Express open their third campaign tomorrow night at Madison beginning at 7 p.m.

Rodrigues signs with the Indians
Former Express pitcher Mark Rodrigues (Hawaii) signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Indians on Sunday.

Rodrigues becomes the second former Express pitcher to sign with a Major League team this week. Jon Bjelland (MSU-Mankato) signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday. Like Bjelland, Rodrigues was a fifth-year senior at the University of Hawaii, which means that he didn't have to wait for the Major League Draft next week.

Rodrigues was drafted in the 29th round by the Expos in 2001 out of Kauai High School, and again in 2002 by the A's when he was at Los Medanos College. Both times he elected to stay in school. He graduated from UH this spring.
Rodrigues was granted a sixth season of eligibility by the NCAA in 2007, and led the Rainbows in wins at 9-3 this year. He had a 3.75 ERA, while striking out 39 and walking just 10 in 98.1 innings. He improved in all meaningful statistics from 2006, his first season back from the injury. For the Express last season, Rodrigues made seven appearances and had 26 strikeouts.
After the draft, Rodrigues will report with the other Indians signees to Winter Haven, Fla., for a mini-camp, after which they will be assigned to various teams in the organization.

Express leave Madison without a win
Madison, Wis.

Express come away with a split against Waterloo
Eau Claire, Wis.

National Act Rally Time to perform at Wednesday's game
Rally will be performing Wednesday as part of Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce Night when the Express take on the Thunder Bay Border Cats at Carson Park.

Rally is one of the fastest growing promotional acts in minor league baseball. Rally performs up to five skits during any given game. He will also be involved with some of the on-field promotions during the game. After his skits, he will be wandering throughout the crowd the entire night.

Bring your family to Carson Park Wednesday night to see all of what Rally Time has to offer. Game time for Wednesday's game is 7:05 p.m.

For more information on Rally check out the web site below.

Uribe named to All-Regional Team
UCLA outfielder Justin Uribe was named to the 2007 Long Beach State All-Regional Team as he helped the Bruins advance to the Super Regionals.

Uribe has committed to play for the Express this summer. In the four-team regional over the weekend, Uribe went 6-for-11 with a RBI and three runs scored. In the regional final against Long Beach State, he went 2-for-4 with a run scored.

UCLA will now face Cal. State-Fullerton in a three-game series. Game date and time has not yet been determined.

Three-run first inning lifts the Loggers over the Express
La Crosse, Wis.

Little League Night to Return
The Eau Claire Express will have a second "Little League Night" this season when it hosts the Waterloo Bucks on Sunday, July 15th.

Once again any area Little Leaguers who attend that night's game wearing their little league jersey will get into the contest for free.

So mark your calendars for Sunday, July 15th for the second "Little League Night" of the season. Game time is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

New arrivals deliver for the Express
June 5, 2007

La Crosse, Wis.

Thunder Bay blanks the Express
June 6, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Zimmermann taken 67th overall in the Draft
June 7, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

LaLuna's home run propels the Express to a 5-3 win over Thunder Bay
June 7, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

11 former and current Express players drafted
June 8, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Casey Schmidt Named Freshman All-American
Tucson, Ariz. - Express pitcher Casey Schmidt (Creighton) has been named to the Louisville Slugger NCAA Division I Freshman All-American squad, as announced by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper on Wednesday.

With the honor, Schmidt becomes the first Bluejay to earn Freshman All-American honors since Tony Roth did it in 2002.

Schmidt, a native of Arvada, Colo., finished his season with a 6-1 record and 3.12 ERA in 16 appearances. The freshman right-hander posted 27 strikeouts and walked just 11 batters in 43.1 innings of work. Over the course of his last eight appearances, Schmidt posted a 5-0 record and 0.98 ERA in 27.2 innings of duty, as the Bluejays picked up two wins over Nebraska with him starting on the mound.

Getting big wins became nothing new to Schmidt this season, as he owned wins in five of CU's biggest games of the season. In just his fourth-career start, the freshman tossed five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking out five batters in a 3-1 Jays win at Kansas State. He would follow that performance up by pitching another gem in Lincoln against the Cornhuskers, as once again he allowed just three hits in 5.1 scoreless innings of work to help lead the Bluejays to a 2-1 victory.

Schmidt also started the rubber match between CU and the Cornhuskers at Rosenblatt Stadium, picking up the win in a 9-2 Bluejays victory. Schmidt's relief work then earned him the victory in CU's first Missouri Vallley Conference Tournament championship in a 10-9 win over Wichita State, where he shut down the Shocker bats' for two innings to allow his team to come-from-behind to win. His final appearance of the season also earned him a win in the NCAA Regionals against Albany, where once again he was used in relief.

In six non-conference appearances this season against Big 12 schools, Schmidt owned a 1.89 ERA with a 2-0 record in three starts, as he allowed just four runs in 19 innings with nine strikeouts.

Schmidt becomes the fourth Bluejay pitcher to earn a major postseason honor this season, as he was a part of a Jays pitching staff that finished the season with a combined 3.56 ERA and 411 strikeouts. The Bluejays finished their season 45-16, as they won their first MVC Tournament title and qualified for their eighth NCAA Regional appearance.

Wisconsin pulls away in the eighth to defeat the Express
June 8, 2007

Wausau, Wis.

Express come away with a split at Wisconsin
June 9, 2007

Wausau, Wis.

Fan Bus to go to Rochester on Saturday
Hey Express fans, want check out the team away from Carson Park without spending a penny on gas, then get aboard the fan bus on Saturday, June 16th when the Express travel to face the defending Northwoods League Champions Rochester Honkers.

The bus will leave from the Festival Foods parking lot at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. The cost will be $20 per person, which does not include game ticket. However, season ticket holders can use their passes for admittance into the contest. Please bring your own snacks for the bus ride as food will not be provided. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:05 at Mayo Field. The bus will return Saturday night following the game.

To RSVP call the Eau Claire Express office at (715) 839-7788 or go to the information booth during any Express home game. The first 45 people to signup will be guaranteed a spot.

If you have any questions be sure to contact the office of the Eau Claire Express.

Express win two in a row with a victory over Madison
June 11, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express to present Throw, Swing, & Sprint
What is Throw, Swing & Sprint?

It is the baseball version of punt, pass & kick. The MLB sponsored version is called pitch, hit & run. Our contest will be slightly different
Throw: You get three chances to see how far and straight you can throw a baseball. You keep your best distance and are awarded points.
Swing: You get three chances to see how far and straight you can hit a baseball off a batting tee. You keep your best distance and are awarded points.
Sprint: You are timed to see how quickly you can run from second base to home plate and receive points based on that time.

Who is the event for?

Boys & Girls between the ages of 7 & 14.

How do you win?

Points are added up and plaques will be given for the best throw, best swing, quickest sprint time as well as an overall winner for each age group. [7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14]
The awards will be handed out between innings of that night's Express game.

When & where will it be held?

Sunday, June 24 beginning at 12:00pm on the baseball and football stadiums at Carson Park.

How do you enter?

Fill out the registration form that can be picked up at the Express office or at Carson Park during Express games and turn it in at the
information desk or the office.

The Express Players will be on the field with the kids helping them warm up and assisting with the activities as well as signing
autographs.

The first 200 kids registered will receive a free t-shirt and all contestants will receive a free ticket to that night's game.

Sponsors include...
Sawdust City LLC
(www.sawdustcityllc.com)
Scheels
Prudential Benrud Realty
Cody Insurance
Cody Limousine

If you have any questions please contact Shawn or Amy Standiford @ 715-552-5838

The Mallards rally and pull away from the Express late
June 12, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Holt shuts down the Express
June 13, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express rally to take down the Loggers
June 14, 2007

La Crosse, Wis.

Rochester too much for the Express
June 15, 2007

Rochester, Minn.

Express pick up first win in Rochester in team history
June 16, 2007

Rochester, Minn.

Express defeat Battle Creek in first ever meeting
June 17, 2007

Battle Creek, Mich.

Express sweep the Bombers
Battle Creek, Mich.

Epilepsy Foundation of Western Wisconsin to be on hand for August 3rd Game
The Epilepsy Foundation of Western Wisconsin will be at Carson Park on Friday, August 3rd when the Eau Claire Express face the Wisconsin Woodchucks.

2.7 million Americans and 13,000 Western Wisconsin residents currently live with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation of Western Wisconsin (EFWW) serves individuals with epilepsy and their families in 22 Western Wisconsin counties through two main areas of service: Client Services and Community Education. Services provided include: health benefits counseling, patient education, information and referral, lending library, kid's camp, adult retreat, AWE-some support group, employment assistance, Seizure Recognition & First Aid trainings, and the WaveLength newsletter. The Foundation is dedicated to improving life opportunities for people with epilepsy and their families through advocacy, support & individual and community education. EFWW is a United Way Community Partner.

The Express take on the Woodchucks at 7:05 p.m. on Friday, August 3rd.

Waterloo slows down the Express
June 19, 2007

Waterloo, Iowa

Chester Bay to perform once again
The band Chester Bay will be back at Carson Park to perform before and after the Express game on Saturday, June 23rd and on Friday, August 3rd.

Chester Bay will perform from 6-7 on the Leinie Lodge of the fan deck before the Express take on St. Cloud on Saturday. They will also perform for two hours following the game.

On Friday, August 3rd, Chester Bay will perform from 6-7 on the Leinie Lodge prior to the Express facing the Waterloo Bucks and will perform two hours following the contest. Alcohol will be sold during the performances.

The band's debut album "Chester Bay" was released on January 27, 2006. All of the band members attend UW-Eau Claire and have been together since January of 2005. Their music consists of rock, acoustic, and blues.

So come out and check out Chester Bay on Saturday and also on Sunday, July 15th.

Express end road trip with shutout of Waterloo
June 20, 2007

Waterloo, Iowa

Express win a wild one in the bottom of the ninth
June 21, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Get to know your Express
Before every home game, Matt Selvig of WWIB/WOGO will interview an Express player in front of Carson Park by the Hank Aaron Plaza. Fans will have the opportunity to ask questions to their favorite Express player. Tonight's featured player will be Bryan Frew. Be sure to check out the Home Game Promotions page on the Eau Claire Express web site to see which player will be featured for that night's game.

Express explode for 11 runs to sweep Alexandria
June 22, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

St. Cloud nips the Express in extra innings
June 23, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Four-run second inning lifts the River Bats past the Express
June 24, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Meet and Greet the Express
The Eau Claire Express will be holding a meet and greet of coaches and staff on Friday, June 29th and of players on Saturday, July 14th at the Ramada Convention Center in downtown Eau Claire.

Both meet and greets will take place following the Express home games. They will be open to all Express fans and season ticket holders.

Express drop third straight with loss to Battle Creek
June 26, 2007

Battle Creek, Mich.

Battle Creek scores five in the eighth to rally past Express
June 27, 2007

Battle Creek, Mich.

Jim Gantner and the Woodchucks come to Eau Claire tomorrow
Former Milwaukee Brewer great and Wisconsin Woodchucks manager Jim Gantner will be at Carson Park tomorrow as the Eau Claire Express face the Wisconsin Woodchucks.

Jim "Gumby" Gantner is a Wisconsin baseball icon after playing Little League, college, and professional baseball all in the state of Wisconsin. Gantner, 53, was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and he played college baseball for the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. The Milwaukee Brewers drafted him in the 12th round of the 1974 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. Gantner made his Major League debut on September 3, 1976.

During the Brewers 1982 World Series appearance, he hit .333 with four doubles and five runs scored. The second baseman is among the Brewers career leaders in numerous offensive categories including hits (1696), runs (726), doubles (262), and RBIs (568). He was named Brewers' MVP in 1984 after hitting .282 with 173 hits, 27 doubles, and 56 RBIs. Gantner played 1,801 games in 17 seasons with the Brewers and finished his career with a .274 batting average.

In 2005, Gantner became a member of the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame, which also features former Brewers Hank Aaron, Robin Yount, and Paul Molitor.

If you can't make it to the game tomorrow, the Woodchucks will be in town on July 2nd, August 3rd, and August 4th.

Tomorrow night's game begins at 7:05 p.m.

Express Land Pair of Pitchers from Wayne State
Eau Claire, Wis.

Express Jersey Auction
The Eau Claire Express will be having a silent auction for the burnt orange jerseys starting on Friday and going through Monday's game. Following, Monday’s game will be a live auction. Host families of the players can purchase their player's jersey for $100 ahead of time. The host families will have until the opening gate tomorrow to decide if they want to purchase the jerseys.

Beginning at tomorrow's game, any jersey that hasn't been claimed will be auctioned off. The minimum bid is $50 and there will be $5 increments from there on. Once again, fans will have until the end of Monday's game to bid on a jersey. Then after the contest on Monday, the auction will go live.

All of the profits raised from the auction will go towards paying for new burnt orange jerseys for next season, and the remainder of the money will go to the Eau Claire Baseball Historical Committee for the Eau Claire Baseball Hall of Fame on the Hank Aaron Plaza.

Express win a thriller over the Woodchucks in 10 innings
June 28, 2007

Wausau, Wis.

Express fall to the Woodchucks
June 29, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Piazza's home run gives the Express the win
June 30, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Bullfrogs blank the Express
July 1, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Huber pitches a gem in Express win
July 2, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express to have a weekly radio show
Starting on Saturday, July 7th the Eau Claire Express will have a weekly 15-minute show called "The Inside Pitch" beginning at 10 a.m. on Sports Radio 1400 AM.

The voice of the Express, Scott Montesano, will host the show each week and will spotlight one of the Express players. So be sure to tune into Sports Radio 1400 AM at 10 a.m. each Saturday to get "The Inside Pitch" on the Express.

Former Minnesota Twins All-Star to appear at Express Game
July 3, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Delay doesn't slow down the Woodchucks
July 3, 2007

Wausau, Wis.

La Crosse errors lead to Express victory
July 4, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express slip past the Loggers
July 5, 2007

La Crosse, Wis.

Three Express players named to All-Star Team
July 6, 2007

Rochester, Minn.

Express begin second half with a road victory
Green Bay, Wis. - Granted, its only one day into the second half of the Northwoods League schedule, but anytime a team can claim first place its a good time. That is the case for the Eau Claire Express who opened the second half of their 2007 schedule with a 7-3 victory over the Green Bay Bullfrogs at Joannes Stadium on Friday night.

Coming off a two-game sweep of the La Crosse Loggers to conclude the first half at 17-17, the Express maintained the momentum with the win over the South Division's first half champions. The Express have now won three-games in a row, are over .500% for only the second time this season, and of course, hold a share of the South Division lead one game into the second half schedule.

Jacob Jefferies (UC Davis) went 2-for-4, with a double and three RBI, while Dominic Piazza (Nebraska), David Cales (Illinois-Chicago) and Bryce Nimmo (Nebraska) added two hits apiece. On the mound, Wes Simmons (Nebraska-Omaha) did the rest, allowing only two runs and striking out seven, over seven innings on the mound to earn the win. He had taken a no decision in the Express' eventual win over the Bullfrogs last Saturday at Carson Park.

Green Bay, which has lost a season high four straight, had three hits from Daniel Robertson in the losing effort and lost for only the fourth time at Joannes Stadium in this their inaugural season. The loss also came in front of a season-high crowd of 1,837 on a humid night.

After both teams failed on scoring opportunities in the first three innings, the Express broke through in the fourth inning. Cales led off with a double to left-center off Green Bay starter Lance Abbott. He moved to third on an infield groundout by Justin Uribe (UCLA) and then scored on a ground out by Jefferies to put the Express up 1-0.

Eau Claire expanded the lead in the fifth. Jonathan Merritt (Alabama-Birmingham) and Nimmo led off the inning with singles, and advanced to third and second respectively on a sac bunt by Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha). That set up Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) who executed a perfect drag bunt on a squeeze play, to score Merritt from third and reach safely himself as an added bonus.

Piazza followed with a double to centerfield that was just out of the reach of Green Bay outfielder Daniel Robertson. Nimmo scored on the double to make it 3-0.

In the seventh, the Express put the game away with four runs. Nimmo singled and Frew reached when his sac bunt attempt was misplayed by reliever Matt Vandenheuvel. However, the next two batters were retired and it looked as though the Express would get nothing. That was before Cales and Uribe hit back-to-back singles to make it 5-0, then Jefferies belted a two-run double to left capping the scoring at 7-0.

Simmons took full advantage of the run support on the mound, and though Green Bay threatened at various times in the first six innings, nothing substantial ever developed. Finally in the seventh, Green Bay would get to Simmons with two outs.

After striking out the first two batters in the inning, Simmons ran into trouble allowing consecutive singles to Robertson and Ryan Cavan, followed by a walk to Danny Meier. That set up Dillon Bell who delivered a two-run single to cut the lead to 7-2.

Green Bay's best chance to pull off the miraculous rally came in the eighth off reliever Joe Bonfe (Creighton). The first three batters reached base, but Bonfe settled down to induce a pop up into shallow left field. Robertson followed with a line drive to the left field corner which Uribe tracked down with a lunging grab, and while a run scored on the tag up, the catch prevented what could've been a bases clearing double.

That was the lone run Green Bay would get out the potentially huge inning, and thought eh Bullfrogs again loaded the bases in the ninth, weren't able to force anything across again.

The Express are now 14-13 against the South Division as they gear up for a second half run for the franchise's first postseason berth. The Express conclude their two-game set at Green Bay on Saturday night at 7:05pm. That game will be followed by a six-game home stand at Carson Park beginning Sunday, broken up for three-days by the All-Star Break.

Bullfrogs rally to defeat the Express in the ninth
July 7, 2007

Green Bay, Wis. ? After seeing a 4-1 lead evaporate the Eau Claire Express fell tonight to the Green Bay Bullfrogs when Dillon Bell hit a walk-off bases loaded single to give the Bullfrogs a 5-4 win at Joannes Park.

The loss snaps the Express? three-game winning streak. Eau Claire is now 1-1 in the second half and 18-18 overall. Green Bay ends a four-game losing skid with the victory and are also 1-1 in the second half and 24-11 overall.

The Express got on top of Green Bay early. Bryce Nimmo (Nebraska) was walked to leadoff the game. After stealing second, he advanced to third on a groundout. Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) then stepped in and hit a RBI single to left, scoring Nimmo. However, Eau Claire would strand the bases loaded in the first as the score remained 1-0 Express.

After the Express once again stranded the bases loaded in the fourth, the Bullfrogs tied the contest in the bottom of the fourth. With two outs, Kurt Yacko walked. He then stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch, and then scored on a passed ball.

Eau Claire regained the lead in the sixth, when with two outs Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) hit a double to left center that scored Nimmo and Joe Bonfe (Creighton) to give the Express a 3-1 advantage. The Express added another run in the seventh when David Cales (Illinois-Chicago) hit a single down the left field line that deflected off of third base, which allowed Calhoun to score.

With a 4-1 lead in the bottom of the eighth, the Express would walk and hit a Bullfrog batter to put runners at first and second. Adam Frost then hit a RBI single to center to make the score 4-2. Then after a passed ball moved runners to second and third, Yacko had a single to center that plated two runs to square the game at 4-4.

After the Express went down in order in the top of the ninth, back-to-back walks began the bottom of the ninth. A base hit by Daniel Robertson then loaded the bases with one out. After a Green Bay strikeout, Eau Claire was one out away from sending the game to extra innings. However, on a 1-2 pitch Dillon Bell knocked the ball into right field to give the Bullfrogs a 5-4 come from behind victory.

Andy Yushta (UW-Parkside) (0-2) received the loss for the Express. Jeff Lombard (1-0) got the win for Green Bay. Shane Dyer (New Mexico) struck out seven through eight innings to receive the no-decision.

Eau Claire returns home tomorrow to begin a six-game home stand. The Express will face the Madison Mallards for a two-game series before the All-Star break. Tomorrow?s first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

Express shoot down the Mallards 7-2
July 8, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis. ? Following a tough loss the previous night, the Eau Claire Express rebounded with a 7-2 victory over the Madison Mallards tonight at Carson Park.

The win improves Eau Claire to a 2-1 record in the second half and a 19-18 record overall. Madison drops to 1-2 in the second half and 17-20 overall. Only 825 people watched tonight?s game, which is the lowest in Express history.

The Express took the lead early and did not relinquish it. With one out in the bottom of the first, Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) singled. He then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) then ripped a double to left center that scored Frew to give the Express a 1-0 lead.

Dominic Piazza (Nebraska) led off the second inning with his second home run of the season, a shot into the Fan Deck to make the score 2-0 Eau Claire. Jordan Comadena put the Mallards on the board in the fifth with titanic solo home run over the left field wall to make the score 2-1. Madison had a chance to add more in the inning, but with runners at the corners, Russell Harben was called for batter?s interference, which ended the inning.

The Express got that run back and added another in the bottom of the fifth. With one out, Pat Colwell (San Diego State) reached on an infield single. After stealing second, Colwell would score on a Bryce Nimmo (Nebraska) single to left. After a Madison error that would have ended the inning, Calhoun hit a RBI single that drove in Nimmo to make the score 4-1.

Comadena led off the seventh inning with a ground-rule double to right. After a walk and a double steal, the Mallards had runners at second and third with one out. Eric Nielsen then hit a shallow fly to the second baseman, but the ball was deep enough to score Comadena from third to cut the Express lead to 4-2.

Eau Claire then broke it open in the bottom of the seventh. Jonathan Merritt (Alabama-Birmingham) led off with a single. With two outs, Calhoun walked to put runners at first and second. Justin Uribe (UCLA) then hit a groundball to the second baseman, but it was misplayed, which allowed Merritt to score from second. David Cales (Illinois-Chicago) followed that with a RBI single to left to plate Calhoun. Piazza then hit a groundball towards short, but the throw went wide, which allowed Uribe to score and give the Express a 7-2 lead. That would be the final score as the Express won 7-2.

Tim Huber (Nebraska-Omaha) (6-1) went eight innings and struck out nine to get the win. He allowed just three hits in the eight innings. Eryk McConnell (2-1) picks up his first loss of the season for Madison. Calhoun went 2-for-3 two RBIs to lead the Express at the plate.

The Express and the Mallards play their final game before the All-Star Break tomorrow. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Eau Claire Youth Baseball Registration
Eau Claire, Wis. - March 7, 2008 - The Eau Claire Express office is once again the registration site for the Eau Claire Area Youth Baseball programs. Registration will take place Monday, March 10, through Friday, March 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The registration is for the American, National and Lowes Creek Little Leagues and Prep and Junior Babe Ruth.

The Express will have all registration forms and available league information. All you need to bring is a copy of your child(ren)'s birth certificate(s) and cash or check. Sorry, we can not accept credit cards.

While at the Express office, don't forget to sign up your child(ren) for the Elite Coaches Baseball Camp or the newly formed Trax Kids Club.

For more information on registration, please visit our Youth Baseball Homepage, which is linked at the bottom of this article.

Express sweep the Mallards
July 9, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis. ? In the final game before the All-Star Break, the Eau Claire Express capped off a two-game sweep of the Madison Mallards with a 7-2 victory tonight at Carson Park.

Eau Claire improves to 3-1 in the second half and 20-18 overall. The Express have won five of their last six games. Madison finishes an eight-game road trip with a 3-5 record. The Mallards are 1-3 to start the second half and 17-21 overall.

Madison looked to get on top early off emergency starter Eddie Gamboa (UC-Irvine). The Mallards would have runners at the corners with nobody out in the top of the first. However, Gamboa battled back getting a weak line out to the shortstop and then inducing a double play to retire the side.

Bryce Nimmo (Nebraska) led off the bottom of the first for the Express with a base hit. After a sacrifice advanced him over to second, Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) singled to center to put runners at the corners. A walk loaded bases and after a strikeout, Madison walked a runner in to make the score 1-0.

The Express tacked on three more runs in the third. Jonathan Merritt (Alabama-Birmingham) singled to begin the inning. He then stole second and advanced to third on the overthrow by the catcher. Dominic Piazza (Nebraska) then singled to right to plate Merritt to make the score 2-0. After a wild pitch advanced Piazza to second, David Cales (Illinois-Chicago) ripped a double down the left field line to drive in Piazza to make the score 3-0. Cales scored the final run of the inning on a Mallards? error to give the Express a 4-0 advantage.

Madison got a run in the eighth on a Jordan Comadena single down the right field line that scored Mitch Saum. The tying run would get to the plate in the eighth, but reliever Kole Calhoun would get a strikeout and a force out to end the threat.

Eau Claire pulled away in the bottom of the eighth. With one out, Mike LaLuna (New York Tech) singled to right. LaLuna then stole second and with two outs scored on a Nimmo single to center to make the score 5-1. Merritt then singled to put runner at the corners. A wild pitch then scored Nimmo to give the Express a 6-1 lead. Calhoun then drove in Merritt to make the final score 7-1 Express.

Eddie Gamboa (1-1) in his first start of the season goes 7.1 innings, scatters six hits, and strikes out seven. Calhoun earns his eighth save of the season. Scott Heitshusen (3-3) picks up the loss for the Mallards. Merritt and Calhoun each had three hits to lead the Express at the plate.

The Express now enjoys three days off due to the Northwoods League All-Star Break. The All-Star Game takes place Wednesday Night at Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato, Minn. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. with the Home Run Derby preceding it. The Express begin a two-game home series against the Duluth Huskies on Friday. It will be ?Jimmy Buffett Night? at the ballpark so come dressed in your Hawaiian attire. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Mankato's Hanson Leads North to 3-2 Victory
Mankato, Minn. ? With the Mankato hosting its first ever Northwoods League All-Star Game and the MoonDogs setting a new attendance mark for Franklin Rogers Park, it was only fitting that MoonDog third baseman Nate Hanson ripped a two-out, two-run double down the left field line, scoring Matt Fanelli of St. Cloud and Brandon McCall of Thunder Bay, to take a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the 7th inning. The South would put one more run on the board in the ninth, courtesy of La Crosse slugger Evan Bigley, who smashed a home run off St. Cloud reliever Ryan Wrobel.

For the Express, Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) started the game in right field. He would go 0-for-3, but would come in to strikeout a batter in the sixth. Tim Huber (Nebraska-Omaha) induced a groundout and had a strikeout in the only two batters he faced. Wes Simmons (Nebraska) would end up taking the loss for the South after allowing two runs in the seventh inning. He did have one strikeout.

For the North, Hanson would be named the game?s Star of Stars after going 1-for-3 with the tie-breaking double. Xavier Scruggs of Brainerd also drove in St. Cloud outfielder Tim Wheeler, who stole two bases in the game, in the bottom of the second to give the North a 1-0 lead. The South responded with a run of their own in the top of the 3rd inning. Daniel Robertson of Green Bay drove in John Delaney of Battle Creek on an error by the shortstop to even the score.

Both the North and South had trouble producing hits off the All-Star pitching staffs. Bigley was the only player to recorded a multi-hit game on the evening, going 2-for-4 with a double and a home run.

Both sides saw quality pitching from their staffs. Thunder Bay pitcher Kris Ruepke (1-0) would get the win for the North. He went two-thirds of an inning without allowing a hit and striking out two. St. Cloud pitcher Ryan Wrobel would record a save for the North. The game featured dominant pitching, including 27 strikeouts for the two squads led by Zachary Von Tersch of Duluth and Justin Walker of La Crosse, who each pitched hitless innings and recorded strikeouts for all three of their outs.

Xavier Scruggs also won the Home Run Derby, which was held prior to the game. Scruggs hit seven home runs in the final round of the competition to take home the All-Star Bat.

Express Alumni Report
Nevin Ashley (Tampa Bay)-This season for Class-A Columbus, Ashley is batting .274 with six home runs and 35 RBIs.

Kraig Binick (Baltimore)-For Bluefield of the Rookie Level, Binick is batting an impressive .456 with five home runs and 19 RBIs. He is slugging .772 in 93 plate appearances.

Thomas Brewer (San Francisco)-For Short Season Class-A Salem-Keizer, Brewer is 4-2 with a 2.55 earned run average and 12 strikeouts.

David Dixon (Houston)-For Short Season Class-A Tri-City, Dixon is batting .333 in 65 plate appearances. He has two home runs and 12 RBIs.

Thomas Eager (St. Louis)-For Short Season Class-A Batavia, Eager is 0-2 with 15 strikeouts.

Nick Fellman (Atlanta)-For Danville of the Rookie Level, Fellman is 1-0 with 14 strikeouts in 9.2 innings pitched.

Evan Frey (Arizona)-For Short Season Class-A Yakima is batting .237 in 43 plate appearances.

Mark Hallberg (Arizona)-Also for Short Season Class-A Yakima, Hallberg has a .343 batting average with two home runs and 12 RBIs. He has a .543 slugging percentage in 70 at-bats.

Chris Jones (Boston)-This year for Class-A Greenville, Jones is 5-7 in 84 innings. He has a 5.36 ERA with 82 strikeouts.

Brian Joynt (San Diego)-For Short Season Class-A Eugene, Joynt is batting .171 in 45 plate appearances.

Mark Rodrigues (Cleveland)-For Short Season Class-A Mahoning Valley, Rodrigues does not have a decision in 9.2 innings on the mound. He has six strikeouts with a 2.79 ERA.

Ryan Tatusko (Texas)-For Short Season Class-A Spokane, Tatusko is 1-0 with a 2.94 earned run average. He has struck out 10 in 15.1 innings.

Jordan Zimmermann (Washington)-For Short Season Class-A Vermont, Zimmermann does not have a decision in two games. He has not allowed a run and has given up just two hits, while striking out seven.

Express hang on to defeat Duluth
July 13, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis. ? With the bench of the Duluth Huskies in the locker room for much of the game, the Eau Claire Express had to hang on and win tonight by a score of 8-5 at Carson Park.

The victory gives the Express their third straight victory and a 4-1 record in the second half. The Huskies drop their first game of the second half and fall to a record of 4-1.

After Duluth stranded a runner at third in the first, the Express caught a break in the bottom of the inning when with the bases loaded and two outs, Nick Wichser (UW-Milwaukee) hit a groundball towards short, but the ball was misplayed, which allowed Bryce Nimmo (Nebraska) to score and give the Express a 1-0 lead.

A Duluth error once again contributed to Express runs in the third. Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) led off the inning with a single. Dominic Piazza (Nebraska) followed that with a single of his own to put runners at first and second. Justin Uribe (UCLA) then laid down a bunt, but the throw trying to get Uribe would be wild, which allowed Calhoun to score. Wichser then singled up the middle to score Piazza to give Eau Claire a 3-0 lead. Jacob Jefferies (UC-Davis) had a single of his own to drive in Uribe to make the score 4-0. Jonathan Merritt (Alabama-Birmingham) followed that with a squeeze bunt to score Wichser and make the score 5-0 Eau Claire.

The top of the fourth inning is what most people will remember from this game. With one out Justin Ellrich would get hit by a pitch, but also swung at the pitch. Duluth came out to argue and before you know it, two players and coach were ejected and the entire Duluth bench was forced to go into the locker room for the remainder of the game. The only time they could come out was if they were warming up or actually playing in the game. The whole incident lasted for around 25 minutes.

That seemed to wake up the Huskies as they would get the bases loaded following the incident and Chris Schaeffer would draw a walk to make the score 5-1. Eau Claire answered in the bottom of the fourth. Bryan Frew (Nebraska-Omaha) led off with a double. Calhoun singled to put runners at the corners. After Calhoun stole second, Uribe walked, but on a ball four the ball got passed the catcher to allow Frew to score. Calhoun then scored on a throwing error on pickoff attempt to make the score 7-1.

The Huskies then would get two runs in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Ellrich and a ground-rule double by Tony Plagman to cut the Express lead to 7-3. Then with the bases loaded in the seventh, Chris Dove doubled to left scoring two runners, but Jonathan Merritt on the relay would get Plagman at the plate to end the inning. With the score 7-5 in the top of the eighth and runners at first and second, the Huskies made a base running mistake on a double steal, where the lead runner didn?t try to advance. The Express would get the runner in the rundown and retire the side.

Kole Calhoun provided some insurance in the eighth with his first home run of the season, a solo blast off the right center field scoreboard to give the Express an 8-5 advantage. Calhoun then struck out the side in the ninth to earn his ninth save of the season and give the Express an 8-5 victory.

Adam Worthington (Illinois-Chicago) (3-1) went seven innings and struck out six to get the win. Kyle Blair (1-1) picks up the loss for Duluth. Calhoun goes 3-for-4 with a home run and three runs scored to lead the Express at the plate.

It will be ?Turn Back the Clock Night? at Carson Park tomorrow night. The Express and the Huskies will pay tribute to the Northern League by wearing replica jerseys from the past, Eau Claire as the '52 Eau Claire Bears and Duluth as the '61 Duluth Dukes. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Express rally to sweep the Huskies in extra innings
July 14, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express tie franchise record with fifth straight win
July 15, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express win streak snapped at five
July 16, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express get back on track with win at Thunder Bay
July 17, 2007

Thunder Bay, ONT

Express railroad the Border Cats
July 18, 2007

Thunder Bay, ONT

Waterloo edges Express in pitchers dual
July 19, 2007

Waterloo, Iowa

Express end road trip on high note
July 20, 2007

Waterloo, Iowa

Express walk their way to thrilling comeback win
July 21, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express and Battle Creek rained out
July 22, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Another come from behind victory for the Express
July 23, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express and Battle Creek game rescheduled
July 24, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express keep the late-inning heroics going
July 24, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express set new franchise record for wins
July 25, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express fall to Green Bay in the early morning hours
July 26, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express on the losing end of another pitchers dual
July 27, 2007

St. Cloud, Minn.

Express force extra innings, but fall in 11 innings
July 28, 2007

St. Cloud, Minn.

Express pick up first doubleheader sweep in team history
July 29, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express complete the sweep of Battle Creek
July 30, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Duluth hangs on to defeat the Express 3-2
August 1, 2007

Duluth, Minn.

Duluth clips the Express again
August 2, 2007

Duluth, Minn.

Another dramatic come from behind win for the Express
August 3, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express hang on to sweep the Woodchucks
August 4, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Piazza’s walk-off grand slam carries the Express to another thrilling win
August 5, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Back-to-back walk-off wins for the Express
August 6, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express cruise to fifth straight win
August 7, 2007

Green Bay, Wis.

Express fall to second place
August 8, 2007

Green Bay, Wis.

Express squash the Beetles
August 9, 2007

Alexandria, Minn.

Express win a thriller over Alexandria
August 10, 2007

Alexandria, Minn.

Express Clinch South Division 2nd Half Title
Madison (WI) On arguably the franchise's biggest night, it was arguably the face of the franchise that provided its most memorable moment to date. Tim Huber (Omaha) worked out of early trouble, throwing 7 2/3 solid innings in leading the Eau Claire Express to a 4-2 win over the Madison Mallards before 7,946 fans at Warner Park on Saturday night.

The victory clinches the South Division second half championship for the Express (41-26 overall, 24-9) who will now face the Green Bay Bullfrogs in the South Division playoffs starting on Monday, after concludes a rollercoaster ride for the last month that saw four teams via for the top spot.

In fitting fashion, it would take yet another comeback for the Express to pull out the victory, scoring four unanswered runs to overtake Madison.

The Mallards -one of the hottest teams in the Northwoods League at the plate - got to starter Tim Huber in the first inning on two out hits by Evan LeBlanc and Bobby Hubbard and seemed poised to force a winner take all matchup during Sunday's regular season finale.

However, the Express rallied back versus Madison starter Jim Sajewich with a two-out RBI double in the third inning by Bryce Nimmo (Nebraska) and a leadoff homer by NWL co-MVP Jole Calhoun (Yavapai) in the fourth.

The game was likely decided in the bottom of the fourth, as Madison loaded the bases with no outs. While the Mallards were on the verge of tipping the scales in their fashion, it only served as a recipie for the Express to took full control of the momentum.

Huber bore down and strukcout Matt Behren. He then induced Ryan Tinkman to hit a grounder to third base Ian Hollick (New Mexico) who fired hom for the first out, where catcher Jacob Jefferies (UC-Davis) spun and relayed to first base to complete the inning ending double play.

Madison never had another great scoring chance off of either Huber, or Jon Ganzen (Bellevue) who releived him for the final four outs.

Eau Claire took the lead for good in the sixth, off Madison releiver Travis Sweet.

With two outs and runners at the corners, David Cales (Illinois-Chicago) lined a triple to right center to give the Express a 4-2 lead that they never relinquished.

It was also Cales who fielded the final out in the ninth, making the throw to first basemen Justin Uribe (UCLA) igniting a subdued celebration that included plenty of hugs, high fives and prolonged conversations on the field but nothing too extreme.

Notes: Jacob Jefferies extended his franchise record hitting streak to 15 games...Madison's Jordan Comadena is on a 48 game on base streak.

South Division Playoff Information
The Express will face the first half champion Green Bay Bullfrogs in the best-of-three South Division Finals starting on Monday at Carson Park. WIPFLi will sponsor the playoff contest.

Playoff tickets for Monday night's game will go on sale at 9am on Monday morning at the Express office. Tickets will also be sold at Carson Park beginning at noon. Ticket prices will remain the same as the regular season. However, there will be a $1.00 surcharge. Season Ticket Passes WILL NOT be accepted at the gate. Any season ticket holders interested in their reserved seats, must call the Express office by 6 p.m. on Monday and leave a message to ensure they have first right of refusal for their seat.

Game time is 7:05 p.m. and gates will open at 5:30.

Express conclude regular season with sweep of Madison
August 12, 2007

Madison, Wis.

Express drop game one of divisional series
August 13, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express stay alive to force game three
August 14, 2007

Green Bay, Wis.

Northwoods League Post-Season All Stars
Rochester, MN - The Northwoods League announced its 2007 Post-Season All-Star Team on Saturday. In addition to the 25 players that were named to the team, two were selected as Co-MVPs of the ‘07 season as voted by the league’s coaches and members of the media. The Green Bay Bullfrogs and Duluth Huskies led all teams with three players each named to the squad. All fourteen teams in the league had at least one player voted on to the all-star team. Four players gained the honor for a consecutive season.

Eau Claire Express OF/LHP Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) and Green Bay Bullfrogs OF Daniel Robertson (Concordia-Irvine) received the same amount of MVP votes so they’ll share the honor as Co-MVPs. Entering the final series of the season, Calhoun is hitting .269 with a league-high 19 doubles, four home runs and 28 RBI. Adding to his value, the contending Express use Calhoun as their closer where he’s been extremely successful going 3-0 with a 0.38 ERA and 14 saves in 19 appearances. Robertson anchors a Bullfrogs team that ran away with the first-half championship in the South Division. He’s set a new league record with 45 stolen bases this season to go along with his league-leading hit total (88) and high rankings in batting average (.332) and runs scored (52).

Below is a complete list of the 2007 Post-Season All-Stars and award winners:

Player Position NWL Team College
Tim Huber LHP Eau Claire Nebraska-Omaha
Kole Calhoun LHP Eau Claire Yavapai (AZ)
Andy Marks LHP Duluth Kansas
Kurt Yacko RHP Green Bay Chapman (CA)
Matt Fields RHP Thunder Bay Gonzaga (WA)
Matt Trausch LHP Wisconsin Oakland (MI)
Greg Martin RHP Rochester UNC Greensboro
Zach Von Tersch RHP Duluth Georgia Tech
Chad Dawson RHP Mankato Indiana State
Isaac Morales LHP St. Cloud Cal State-LA
Justin Walker LHP La Crosse Lamar (TX)
Dan Jennings LHP Waterloo Nebraska
Danny Benedetti C Thunder Bay Irvine Valley JC (CA)
Tony Sanchez C Battle Creek Boston College (MA)
Darin Ruf 1B Wisconsin Creighton (NE)
Joe Bonadonna 2B Duluth Illinois
Brandon Wikoff SS Madison Illinois
Nate Hanson 3B Mankato Minnesota
Danny Meier X-INF Green Bay Portland (OR)
Daniel Robertson OF Green Bay Concordia-Irvine (CA)
Josh Upchurch OF Alexandria Florida Gulf Coast
Andy Dirks OF Brainerd Wichita State (KS)
Eric Thames OF La Crosse Pepperdine (CA)
Drew Hoisington OF Rochester Toledo (OH)
Randy Molina DH Madison Stanford (CA)

Co-MVPs
Kole Calhoun Eau Claire Express Yavapai College (AZ)
Daniel Robertson Green Bay Bullfrogs Concordia University (CA)

St. Cloud defeats the Express to take 2007 Northwoods League Championship
August 17, 2007

Eau Claire, Wis.

Express advance to Northwoods League Championship
August 15, 2007

Green Bay, Wis.

NWL Championship Series ticket information
The Eau Claire Express advanced to the Northwoods League Championship Series by defeating Green Bay in three games. The Express will now face the St. Cloud River Bats for the Northwoods League title and will have home-field advantage. That means games two and three of the series will be played at Carson Park on Friday and Saturday.

Tickets for Friday's game (game two) will go on sale at noon Thursday at the Eau Claire Express Office. Ticket prices will be the same as the first playoff game. Season ticket holders will have all day Thursday to reserve their seats.

Game three tickets will not go on sale until the series is forced to a third game. There will be more information on that if necessary.

Game two will begin at 7:05 p.m. Friday night at Carson Park. RCU will sponsor the game. If the series goes to a third game then that will also begin at 7:05 p.m. at Carson Park on Saturday night.

Express Sign Three from Baylor
Eau Claire, Wis. - March 13, 2008 - The Eau Claire Express signed a trio from Baylor University, it was announced today by field manager Dale Varsho. The addition of sophomore Wade Mackey and freshmen Brooks Pinckard and Landis Ware bring the Express roster to 12 signed commitments for the 2008 season.

Mackey is a 6-foot-2-inch, 220-pound right-handed pitcher from Van, Texas. On the season, Mackey is 2-1 with a 5.40 earned run average. He has allowed eight earned runs on 15 hits in 13.1 innings of work.

Mackey appeared in 15 games with 11 starts as a freshman in 2007. He finished the season 9-2 and was third on the staff with a 3.18 ERA. Mackey earned four varsity letters and was a four-time all-district selection at Van High School.

Ware is a 5-foot-11-inch, 170-pound infielder from Chandler, Ariz. He has started in all 14 contests for the Bears this season and is currently batting .327. He has collected six runs and eight runs batted in on 17 hits, including one double and one home run.

Ware was a two-time all-district and all-state selection at Chandler High School. He hit .390 with two home runs and tied for a school record 18 doubles as a senior. Ware also pitched for the Wolves, going 7-2 with a 2.10 ERA and 43 strikeouts in his senior season.

Pinckard is a 6-foot-1-inch, 180-pound freshman from Buda, Texas. He has not seen any playing time this season, however he is expected to both pitch and play outfield for the Bears.

Pinckard batted .358 with a .544 on-base percentage as a senior at Hays High School. He was a two-time all-district selection as well as the starting shortstop for the 2007 Austin Area Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game.

The Baylor Bears are currently ranked 10th in the nation by Baseball America.

The Eau Claire Express open the season on May 29 versus the Wisconsin Woodchucks at Carson Park. The Express are currently seeking host families for the 2008 season. If you are interested in becoming a host family, please contact the Express office at (715) 839-7788 or visit us at 108 E. Grand Avenue.

St. Cloud takes game one of the championship series
August 16, 2007

St. Cloud, Minn.

Mark Hallberg Named to Northwest League All-Star Team
Yakima, WA - Former Express shortstop and current Yakima Bear rookie Mark Hallberg was named to the Northwest League All Star team, as voted by the managers of all eight NWL teams. Only one player is selected from each position.

Hallberg finished fourth in the league with a batting average of .313. Hallberg also collected 44 runs and 32 RBIs. In 233 at-bats, he only struck out 21 times while walking 22. Of his 73 hits, Hallberg had 15 doubles, one triple and six home runs. His 17-game hitting streak this season was the longest of any member of the Bears.

The Yakima Bears are the Class A Short-Season affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Nick Fellman Named to 2007 Appalachian League All-Star Team
DANVILLE, VA

Jordan Zimmermann Has Terrific First Season with the Vermont Lake Monsters
Former Eau Claire Express players continue to flourish in Minor League Baseball. Jordan Zimmermann of the Vermont Lake Monsters is one of them.

Zimmermann finished his first season for the Single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals with a 5-2 record and an ERA of only 2.38. His five wins was good for second on the team while his ERA was third best among pitchers who threw 30 or more innings. In 53 innings of work, Zimmermann fanned 71 batters while only issuing 18 walks. Cole Kimball had 72 strikeouts on the season in an additional 11.1 innings of work.

Zimmermann stills holds Express records for best season and career ERA (1.01) and most strikeouts in a season with 92.

Player Progress Report
The Eau Claire Express have two alumni in the South Atlantic League that have a few things in common. Both Chris Jones and Nevin Ashley came to the Eau Claire Express out of Indiana State University. Both played for the Express only briefly before signing contracts and moving up to the Minor Leagues. Though short-lived, both had pretty impressive performances for the Express before leaving.

Jones was drafted in the 29th round of the 2005 draft by the Boston Red Sox but was not offered a contract until after the Red Sox organization could see him in action. Jones, a right-handed pitcher, had injured his throwing arm and was busy rehabilitating when he was drafted. Jones saw action in early July 2005 for the Express, including a two-inning performance on July 11 where he struck out four batters and allowed no hits. Jones signed a contract shortly after that performance.

Jones is currently playing for the Greenville Drive and finished the 2007 season with 7-7 record including three saves and an ERA of 4.70. In 113 innings of work, Jones struck out 120 batters while giving up 122 hits and 35 walks. In 2006, Jones was a mid-season all-star selection for the Drive.

Ashley was drafted in the 2006 draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 6th round. Before signing with the Devil Rays, Ashley appeared in only three games for the Express. In his final game on June 5, 2006, he went 2-5, including one home run and two intentional walks.

After a very successful season with the Princeton Devil Rays in the Appalachian League in 2006, Ashley was moved up to the Columbus Catfish. For the season, he collected 76 runs and 60 RBIs on 120 hits, including 13 doubles, eight triples and 12 home runs. He also stole 20 bases and was walked 49 times.

Ashley earned South Atlantic League All-Star honors last season to go along with the three awards he won

Pat Colwell Named Silver Glove Recipient
Rochester, MN - The Northwoods League, in conjunction with Rawlings, has announced the recipients of the 2007 Silver Glove Award. The Silver Glove is awarded annually to the League's "Finest in the Field", recognizing the top fielders at each position.

Eau Claire Express outfielder Pat Colwell is the second Express player to receive the award. In 2006, Justin "Spud" McKenzie received the award for his fielding prowess at second base. Colwell, who did not commit an error all season, played all outfield positions as well as second base for the Eau Claire Express in 2007.

A total of ten players received the award this year due to a tie at the pitcher position. The Duluth Huskies, Mankato MoonDogs, and St. Cloud River Bats all have two players that earned the honor.

The winners are selected based on final official fielding statistics compiled by league statistician Sports Ticker, a Cheshire, Connecticut based sports statistical service company.

The 2007 Rawlings Silver Glove Award Winners are:

Catcher Eric Nielsen, Madison Mallards, Purdue University

First Base Tony Plagman, Duluth Huskies, Georgia Institute of Technology

Second Base Joe Bonadonna, Duluth Huskies, University of Illinois

Third Base Nate Hanson, Mankato MoonDogs, University of Minnesota

Shortstop Travis Hendrix, Waterloo Bucks, University of Northern Iowa

Outfielder Josh Upchurch, Alexandria Beetles, Florida Gulf Coast University

Outfielder DJ Belfonte, St. Cloud River Bats, University of Nebraska

Outfielder Pat Colwell, Eau Claire Express, San Diego State University

Pitcher (tie) Buddy Baumann, St. Cloud River Bats, Missouri State University

Pitcher (tie) Matt Mossey, Mankato MoonDogs, North Dakota State University

Player Report - New York-Penn League
With only three seasons of Eau Claire Express baseball complete, the team already has 13 representatives in Minor League Baseball. This week, we take a look at former Express players in the Class A New York-Penn League.

The Eau Claire Express currently have five former players in the New York-Penn League, most notably being pitcher Jordan Zimmermann and outfielder Kraig Binick.

Zimmermann finished his first season for the Vermont Lake Monsters with a 5-2 record and an ERA of only 2.38. His five wins were good for second on the team while his ERA was third best among pitchers who threw 30 or more innings. In 53 innings of work, Zimmermann fanned 71 batters while only issuing 18 walks.

Zimmermann was drafted in the 2nd round by the Washington Nationals. Zimmermann stills holds Express records for best season and career ERA (1.01) and most strikeouts in a season with 92.

Binick was drafted in the 27th round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2007. He began his minor league career with the Bluefield Orioles in the Appalachian League before coming to the Aberdeen Ironbirds. Binick batted .409 with five RBIs in his six games with the Ironbirds. For the summer, Binick appeared in 73 games. He batted .301 with 10 doubles, six triples, six home runs, 55 runs scored and 41 RBIs.
Binick still holds three Express single season records, including stolen bases (38) and hits (81). He also holds seven Express career records, including batting average (.292), hits (145), and stolen bases (64).

Other former Express players in the New York-Penn League are pitchers Thomas Eager and Mark Rodrigues and infielder Russell Dixon.

Thomas Eager was selected in the 5th round by the St. Louis Cardinals and currently plays for the Batavia Muckdogs. He appeared in 18 games, including nine starts. He finished the season with a 1-6 record and an ERA of 4.30. In 60.2 innings pitched, Eager fanned 52 batters.

Mark Rodrigues played for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, an affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. He finished the season with a 1-1 record and an ERA of 6.75.

Russell Dixon was drafted in the 7th round by the Houston Astros and currently plays with the Tri-City Valley Cats. Dixon appeared in 60 games this summer and batted .256. He gathered 26 runs and 40 RBIs on 57 hits, including 11 doubles and five home runs.

Player Progress Report
Eau Claire - Of the 13 former Express players currently in the minor leagues, four call the Northwest League home. These four players

Express Season Tickets on Sale Now!
The 2007 season was most memorable, as the Eau Claire Express accomplished many feats including: the first play-off appearance and division championship in franchise history, a franchise best record of 44-29, and a new attendance record of 72,529 fans. We are glad you could be a part of it and we hope to make many more memories in the future.

2008 Season Tickets are now on sale. You can order yours by calling us at 839-7788 or stopping by our office located at 108 E. Grand Avenue. Tickets are available in all areas and are priced as follows:

Reserved Box - $200.00
Reserved Grandstand - $150.00
Reserved Grandstand (Youth 6-12 and Seniors 60+) - $135.00
General Admission - $125.00
General Admission - (Youth 6-12 and Seniors 60+) - $110.00

Zimmermann Named Top Ten Prospect
Former Express pitcher and second round Washington Nationals draft pick Jordan Zimmermann continues to receive the post-season accolades. A report recently released by Baseball American lists Jordan Zimmermann as a top-ten prospect for the Nationals.

Zimmermann finished his first season for the Single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals with a 5-2 record and an ERA of only 2.38. His five wins was good for second on the team while his ERA was third best among pitchers who threw 30 or more innings. In 53 innings of work, Zimmermann fanned 71 batters while only issuing 18 walks. Cole Kimball had 72 strikeouts on the season in an additional 11.1 innings of work.

Zimmermann stills holds Express records for best season and career ERA (1.01) and most strikeouts in a season with 92.

Gantner Returning as Woodchucks Manager
Wausau, WI - Former Milwaukee Brewer Jim Gantner will be returning to manage the Wisconsin Woodchucks during the 2008 season. This will be his second season as field manager after his team finished with a 36-31 record in 2007.

“I really enjoyed my experience in central Wisconsin while coaching the Woodchucks this past summer,” stated Gantner. “Not only did I enjoy working with these young college players, but I also had the pleasure of meeting a lot of dedicated ‘Chucks fans. The opportunity to return as field manager was too good to pass up.”

Gantner led the Woodchucks to a third place finish in the second half of the 2007 season. On August 1st his squad was only one-half game out of first place with 12 games remaining, but solid play down the stretch by the Eau Claire Express ruined the ‘Chucks playoff hopes. Gantner’s presence also positively affected the Woodchucks ticket window. The team ranked fourth in the Northwoods League with 1,871 fans per game.

Express Sign Pair of Returners
Eau Claire, Wis. - March 20, 2008 - The Eau Claire Express resigned David Cales and Shane Dyer, it was announced today by field manager Dale Varsho. Both Cales and Dyer pitched for the Express last season, while Cales also saw substantial time playing all the infield positions.

Cales played in 49 contests for the Express in 2007. He batted .242 with 22 runs, 17 runs batted in and 24 walks. His 45 hits included 10 doubles, one triple and one home run. He also appeared on the mound 13 times. Cales went 3-2 with a 1.89 earned run average. One of his four saves came against the Green Bay Bullfrogs at Joannes Stadium to clinch the Northwoods League South Division Championship. He surrendered only four earned runs on 20 hits in 19 innings of work. Cales struck out 26 batters while only issuing five walks.

Dyer went 4-4 with a 3.35 ERA in his 11 starts for the Express last season. He gave up 30 earned runs on 73 hits in 80.2 innings of work. Opponents batted .243 and struck out 54 times against Dyer.

Dyer is a 6-foot-3-inch, 185-pound sophomore at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, Ariz. He has already appeared in seven contests for the Cougars and is currently 5-1 with a 3.03 ERA. In 35.2 innings of work he has surrendered 12 earned runs on 27 hits. Dyer has struck out 42 of the 153 batters he has faced.

The duo join previously signed Joe Bonfe and Jacob Jefferies as the announced returning players from the 2007 South Division Championship team. The Eau Claire Express open the season on May 29 versus the Wisconsin Woodchucks at Carson Park. The Express are currently seeking host families for the 2008 season. If you are interested in becoming a host family, please contact the Express office at (715) 839-7788 or visit us at 108 E. Grand Avenue.

Colwell Hits for the Cycle
San Diego State outfielder and 2007 Eau Claire Express utility man Pat Colwell hit for the cycle on Saturday to help the Aztecs to a 9-2 victory over Utah in the second game of their weekend series. He becomes the first SDSU player to hit for the cycle in 60-plus years of varsity baseball at the school.

After reaching base on a fielding error to open the game, Colwell went on to record a single in the third, home run in the fourth, double in the sixth and triple in the eighth. His cycle was even more remarkable as his four-bagger was an inside-the-park homer that occurred when Utah right fielder Tyler Relf had to dive for his sinking line drive that ended up rolling to the fence. Colwell ended the contest with four hits and scored all five times he reached base.

Colwell batted .235 with 16 runs and 15 runs batted in for the Express in 2007. He also stole 16 bases on 18 attempts. Colwell committed zero fielding errors, earning himself a Northwoods League Silver Glove Award.

Express Land Duo from Yavapai
Eau Claire, Wis.

Priday Selected Big 12 Player of th Week
Jacob Priday set a Big 12 Conference record with four home runs in Missouri's 31-12 win over Texas on Friday. He finished the three-game series against UT with a .583 batting average (7-for-12) with four home runs, a double and 11 runs batted in. His slugging percentage for the weekend was 1.667.

For his efforts, the University of Missouri senior has been named the Big 12 Conference Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday.

Priday played for the Express in 2005 and finished the season with eight home runs, good for first place in both Express single-season and career records. Kole Calhoun is in second place in both of those categories with his six home runs in 2007.

In Friday's series opener, Priday went 5-for-5 and set the single-game school record with four home runs, nine RBI and six runs scored. The four home runs are the most ever in the Big 12 Conference and are tied for third most in NCAA history.

He followed Friday's performance by going 2-for-4 on Saturday, with a double, two runs scored and a pair or RBI.

With the four homers, Priday moves within one of the Missouri school record with 44 for his career. The 11 RBIs on the weekend give him 220 for his career, which is just two shy of the Mizzou career mark.

For the season, Priday leads the team with a .347 average, 11 home runs and 45 RBI. His batting average is fourth best in the Big 12 and he his tied for the conference lead in homers.

Express Continue to Build Roster
Eau Claire, Wis.

Packers All-Pro Softball Team Coming to Town
Eau Claire, Wis.

Express Sign Pair of Freshmen
Eau Claire, Wis.

NWL Announces Recipients of Rawlings Big Stick Award
Rochester, MN - The Northwoods League is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2008 Rawlings Big Stick Award, formerly known as the Offensive Player of the Year. This award is given to the player at each position who had the best batting average.

To be eligible a player would’ve needed to have enough plate appearances to qualify for a batting title. In 2008 it took at least 184 plate appearances to be listed among the league leaders. Those players that saw time at more than one position qualify at the position they played most often.

It’s no surprise that the 2008 Northwoods League Batting Champion, Madison’s Rob Lyerly (Charlotte), earned the award for outfielders. Lyerly finished the season with a .342 batting average playing most of his games as the Mallards’ right fielder. Duluth’s Tim Jobe (Indian River CC) finished a close second in the batting race and takes home a Rawlings Big Stick as the top hitting first baseman in the NWL with a .338 average. St. Cloud’s Derek McCallum (Minnesota), the NWL’s third best hitter, picks up the Big Stick at second base hitting .328 for the River Bats. McCallum, Wisconsin outfielder Matt Gantner (High Point) and Eau Claire Express third baseman Joe Bonfe (Creighton) all earned their first Big Stick while playing their second summer in the Northwoods League.

Bonfe batted .326 and set an Express single-season record with 42 RBI’s. Bonfe also pitched some relief and saw considerable time at first base following David Cales departure to the Chicago Cubs organization.

To honor their achievement the eight award winners will receive an engraved bat from Rawlings.

The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The Northwoods League completed its 15th season of play in August.

Former Express right-hander Zimmermann named Nationals' Minor League Pitcher of the Year
Harrisburg, PA - The Washington Nationals recently announced their minor league awards for the 2008 season. Former Eau Claire Express RHP Jordan Zimmermann, who spent most of 2008 on City Island, was selected as the Pitcher of the Year.

Zimmermann, 22, was a second-round selection by the Nationals in the 2007 draft out of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. His 134 strikeouts and 2.89 ERA were tops among Nationals’ farmhands and his ten wins (to just three losses) were tied for most in the organization.

The right-hander opened the year at Advanced-A Potomac, where he went 3-1 with a save and a 1.65 ERA in five games. Zimmermann was promoted to Harrisburg in early May and went 7-2 with a 3.21 ERA in 20 starts. He also led the Senators' staff with 103 strikeouts. Entering this season, the Auburndale, Wisconsin native was rated the Nationals’ #7 prospect by Baseball America.

Zimmerman pitched with the Express during the 2006 season, going 4-2 with a 1.01 ERA in ten starts. During that season, the right-hander led the Express pitching staff with a single-season record of 92 strikeouts.

Notre Dame College names Weisheipl head coach
South Euclid, OH

Calhoun to return to the Express
Eau Claire, Wis.

Zimmermann Moving up to Double-A Harrisburg
Story courtesy of Dan Watson and the Harrisburg Senators website.

Right-handed pitcher Jordan Zimmermann, one of the top prospects in the Washington Nationals organization, is headed to Harrisburg. Zimmermann, a starting pitcher in his first full professional season, was promoted from Potomac today. He fills the spot vacated by pitcher Jim Ed Warden, who was transferred to Triple-A Columbus.

Zimmermann, 21, was the Nationals’ second-round draft pick last June. Selected out of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, an NCAA Division-III school, he has been dominant during his short professional career.

Last year at short-season Vermont, Zimmermann went 5-2 with a 2.38 ERA and struck out 71 in 53 innings pitched. He made the jump to Advanced-A Potomac this season and didn’t miss a beat, going 3-1 with a save and a 1.65 ERA. In 27.1 innings, Zimmermann struck out 31 and walked just eight.

Zimmermann was rated the 7th-best prospect in the Nationals’ organization by Baseball America prior to the season. He becomes the highest-rated prospect on the Senators’ roster.

Zimmermann pitched for the Express in 2006 and holds single-season records for innings pitched (80.1), strikeouts (92) and ERA for a starter (1.01).

Clear Channel to Continue Eau Claire Express Game Broadcasts
The Eau Claire Express are pleased to announce that they are once again partnering with Clear Channel Radio to bring all of the action over local airwaves and the internet in 2008. As has been the case since the team’s inaugural season in 2005, all 68 regular season and any postseason action will be carried live on Moose Country 106.7FM (WATQ). At 25,0000-watts, WATQ’s signal stretches as far north as Spooner and as far west as Glenwood City, making it one of the region’s strongest stations. Each broadcast will begin with a 20-minute pre-game show and conclude with a 15-minute post-game wrap-up, featuring game highlights and interviews.

New in 2008 will be the edition of a semi-weekly program dedicated to the Express airing on Saturday mornings on Sportsradio 1400AM (WBIZ). “Express Inside Pitch” will be broadcast live from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and will originate from a to-be-determined Burger King location in the Chippewa Valley. Each program will feature an interview with manager Dale Varsho, an Express player, and a rotation of local media members and local baseball officials. Fans will also be able to call-in with their questions during the hour-long show. The first “Express Inside Pitch” will air Saturday May 24th, with shows following on 6/21, 6/28, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25. Scott Montesano returns for his third season as the radio voice of the Express, and will also host “Express Inside Pitch”.

ORGANize to Save Lives
Right now there are nearly 100,000 men, women, and children across the country waiting for a healthy organ or tissue. Every day, 18 die waiting. Together, we can change that.

WPS Health Insurance, one of the state’s largest not-for-profit insurers, is leading a campaign to recruit one million new organ and tissue donors in Wisconsin through their ORGANize to Save Lives initiative. And you can help. Visit the WPS Web site (www.wpsic.com) to learn more about organ and tissue donation and view inspirational videos featuring actual transplant recipients and donor families.

Each new organ donor has the potential to save or enhance the lives of 50 other people. Help give the gift of life to your friends and neighbors in need. Get your dot today!

Express Add Five Returning Players
Eau Claire, Wis.

Former Express RHP LaLuna signed by Tigers
Durham, NC - The independent Can-Am League announced that the Sussex Skyhawks have sold the contract of former Eau Claire Express RHP Michael LaLuna to the Detroit Tigers.
LaLuna, 22, was signed by the Skyhawks out of New York Tech on June 17th. The Commack, NY resident went 2-1 with a 2.79 ERA in 26 appearances. He struck out 42 batters in 42 innings pitched and held opponents to a batting average of only .181. He enjoyed a great postseason in leading the Skyhawks to the 2008 Championship. LaLuna posted a record of 1-0 with a 1.17 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 7.2 innings pitched. These numbers led to the distinction of Independent League Player of the Year by Baseball America.

LaLuna played for the Express during the 2006 and 2007 seasons. During that time, he saw action in the infield while also seeing significant time on the mound.

In 2006, LaLuna batted .213 with one home run and 14 RBI’s in 197 official at-bats, third most on the team. On the mound, he compiled a 5.79 ERA with no record in 4.2 innings pitched.

During the 2007 season, LaLuna placed third for the Express with three home runs, while batting .181 with 13 RBI’s. LaLuna was the starting pitcher for Game 1 of the Northwoods League Championship Series for the Express and compiled a 2-4 record with a 3.10 ERA for the season in 40.2 innings pitched.

In his senior season with New York Tech, LaLuna was 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA and one save. He fanned 16 hitters in 18 innings pitched and was named to the 2008 Division I Independent Baseball All-Tournament Team.

Express Add Five More Players to Roster
Eau Claire, Wis.

Express Sign Pair of Players to 10-day Contracts
Eau Claire, Wis.

First Weekend Show, Airs This Weekend
The first “Express Inside Pitch” will air live on Saturday, May 24 at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Golf Road Burger King. The show will include interviews with manager Dale Varsho, General Manager Brett Schroedel, former Express pitcher Jordan Zimmerman, and the Express’ beat reporter from the Leader Telegram Joe Ziemer. Fans will also be able to call-in with their questions during the hour-long show. Look out for other shows following on 6/21, 6/28, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25. Each show will originate from a to-be-determined Burger King location in the Chippewa Valley.

Northwoods League Announces Post-Season All-Star Team
The Northwoods League announced its 2008 Postseason All-Star Team on Monday. In addition to the 25 players that were selected to the honorary team, Mankato catcher Carlos Ramirez was named as the Most Valuable Player as voted by the League’s coaches and members of the media. Alexandria, Mankato, Rochester, and St. Cloud, all from the North Division, led all teams with three players selected. Alexandria outfielder Josh UpChurch was named as a postseason all-star for his second consecutive season.

Mankato MoonDogs catcher Carlos Ramirez (Chandler-Gilbert CC) brought home the NWL’s top honor as League MVP. Ramirez dominated the offensive leader board in the first half of the season and is still a presence in most significant categories. Heading into the final day of the regular season he leads the League in home runs (10), slugging percentage (.560), and extra-base hits (29). He also places in batting average (.315), runs batted in (44), doubles (19), and on-base percentage (.433). Ramirez received 41 percent of the MVP votes edging St. Cloud River Bats second baseman Derek McCallum (Minnesota) who finished second in the balloting with 24 percent. Duluth Huskies first baseman Tim Jobe (Indian River CC) received seven percent of the votes to finish third.

Alexandria Beetles outfielder Josh UpChurch is the only two-time postseason all-star on this year’s list. He’s currently tied for second in the League in stolen bases with 26 and is hitting .281 for the third place Beetles.

Relief pitchers Dan Zehr (Northeastern) and Xavier Esquivel (Loyola Marymount) were the leading vote getters for the 12 hurlers named to the team. Both pitchers have a dominating ERA and were selected on 73 percent of the ballots. Zehr has pitched out of the bullpen for the Thunder Bay Border Cats for the entire season and still managed to qualify as the ERA champion. Zehr holds a Northwoods League-best 1.15 ERA in 23 games where he’s thrown 55 innings. He’s 4-0 with two saves and a 46 to 8 strikeout to walk ratio. Esquivel is the closer for the St. Cloud River Bats and has allowed just one earned run all season. In addition to his 0.33 ERA, Esquivel is 2-0 with 12 saves and a 32 to 11 strikeout to walk ratio in 27.2 innings.

Mankato’s Jason Nell (Iowa Lakes CC) is the 2008 Manager of the Year after leading the MoonDogs to their first playoff berth in team history. It’s his third season at the helm in Mankato. Wisconsin’s Brandon Steele (Tusculum) was selected as Coach of the Year with his Woodchucks earning a playoff spot in the South Division. It’s his second year on Jim Gantner’s staff in Wausau.

Northwoods League Launches New Website
(ROCHESTER, MN) The Northwoods League is excited to announce the launching of NorthwoodsLeague.tv, a new website designed to give NWL fans free access to watch every game and see exclusive video footage, both of which are unprecedented in Summer Collegiate Baseball.

New in 2008, each and every Northwoods League game will be broadcast live on the web with amazing streaming video. The NWL and CyaNet Sports have partnered on this project to allow fans from around the world to see Northwoods League games by doing nothing more than logging on to the web. There is no cost to view the games and all games, nearly 500 by season’s end, will be archived and available to watch at any time. In most cases, the home team’s radio broadcaster will provide the commentary.

In addition to the game broadcasts, fans will be able to learn more about the League and its players by viewing exclusive video content added throughout the summer to NorthwoodsLeague.tv. Expect interviews with players and other team personnel, as well as ballpark tours and a taste of the fan experience that makes the Northwoods League what it is today.

“Last year we introduced the NWL to television with three game broadcasts and a weekly show on ESPNU,” said NWL Director of Operations Curt Carstensen. “We were really pleased with that experiment, but after reevaluating everything, we saw NorthwoodsLeague.tv as having greater potential and unlimited availability. Technology is moving in this direction and we’re thrilled to be moving with it.”

Some of the most interesting video might be the interviews with some of the very successful Northwoods League alumni.

“In the last couple months we’ve talked to about dozen former NWL players that have gone on to the Major Leagues and their response has been tremendous,” said Carstensen. “They’ve been happy to help us out and they’ve had nothing but good things to say about their Northwoods League experience.”

There are many more website enhancements to go along with the launch of NorthwoodsLeague.tv. “The Hot Corner” is the NWL Blog which will be a fan’s best tool to track everything Northwoods League. Expect daily updates beginning with the start of the season. “The Daily Recap” returns for its second summer. Listen to audio highlights and game summaries of the previous day’s games each day throughout the season.

In order to incorporate some of the changes brought on by the .TV site, NorthwoodsLeague.com has a new look as well. Besides the home page modifications, fans will notice the additions of team statistics, a league leader board, and an enhanced game schedule. This daily schedule will allow fans to easily navigate from one game broadcast to another.

The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The NWL will begin its 15th season of play this Thursday, May 29th.

Jefferies Named Big West Co-Player Of The Year
DAVIS, Calif. - UC Davis junior catcher Jake Jefferies was named Easton Big West Conference Co-Player of the Year, the conference announced Tuesday. Jefferies, who helped lead the Aggies to the NCAA Division I regional in their inaugural D-I season, headlined a group of eight Aggies who earned postseason conference distinction.

"It's a great honor for our program to have a player of the year in only our first year of eligibility," said Aggie head coach Rex Peters. "It shows the growth of the program and how hard Jake has worked this season. We're also proud of the fact that we placed a total of eight players on the all-conference teams."

Jefferies, who shared player of the year honors with Shane Peterson of Long Beach State, also earned first-team distinction as a catcher. Jefferies has put together one of the finest seasons in UC Davis history as the junior jumped into the top five on the single season lists with his 93 hits, 54 RBI's, 20 doubles and a .396 batting average. He also ranked in the top five in the NCAA statistics all season in toughest to strikeout, as he fanned only nine times in 235 at bats. Jefferies was also honored earlier in the month as a co-recipient of the Colby E. "Babe" Slater Award, which goes to the most outstanding UC Davis male student-athlete. In addition, Jefferies has also been named the winner of the Johnny Bench and Golden Spikes awards.

Jefferies played for the Express in 2007. He hit .350 with one home run and 21 RBI's. He had 17 runs on 50 hits and eight walks. He also only struck out 12 times in 143 official at bats.

Jefferies also ranks 133rd in Baseball America’s top draft prospects as of May 23.

Express Home Opener Suspended
The Express home opener was suspended after a 38 minute rain delay. Rain was coming down most of the night, but really opened up just before 9, and never let up forcing the game to be called in the middle of the fourth inning with the Wisconsin Woodchucks leading 2-0.

As far as scoring went, the Woodchucks Bobby Pritchett scored from second base on a wild pitch from Shane Dyer (South Mountain Community College) in the second inning. They then scored again in the third on a one out fielding error by Express third baseman D.J. Anderson (Rutgers) allowing Woodchuck runner, Jeff Cowen, to score from third base. The only Express hit came in the third on an infield single by Brooks Pinckard (Baylor). The game is tentatively scheduled to resume on June tenth as part of a double header, when the Woodchucks come back into town. The game will be picked up with the Express coming to bat in the bottom of the fourth inning.

Also if you were at the game and had a reserved seat and did not redeem it, you can do so at the Express ticket window or at the main office at 108 East Grand Avenue in downtown Eau Claire. Look for the Express to get their first game in on Friday, May 30 in Wausau versus the Woodchucks at 6:35.

Express Lose in Season Opener
The Express home opener was suspended due to rain on Thursday, so they traveled to Wausau to open the season versus the Wisconsin Woodchucks Friday night. Unfortunately it didn't go as planned, as they lost to the Woodchucks 3-1.

The Woodchucks first scored in the third inning after Express pitcher, Chris Odegaard (Minnesota Mankato), walked three straight Woodchuck batters to load the bases with two outs. Then Carson Vitale got on with an infield single, driving in Jeff Cowen from third base. Bobby Pritchett then singled to left field to drive in Kyle Bubak. The Woodchucks would later add another run in the fifth after Odegaard's wild pitch allowed Kyle Bubak to score from third.

The Express pitching staff actually had a pretty good game allowing only five hits, but just didn't get the run support. Chris Odegaard threw six innings and struck out ten batters, including striking out six batters in a row from the end of the first inning into the third. Odegaard was replaced in the seventh inning by Willie Beard (Rutgers) who finished out the game. Beard struck out five batters, all of them in his first two innings of work, and didn't allow a run.

Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) got his bid to repeat as Northwoods League MVP off to a good start by hitting a home run to right field to lead off the sixth inning. But that was about all the Express could manage at the plate, as they only had three hits in the game. The home run was Calhoun's first of the season and the seventh of his Express career. The home run brings him within one of the Express record of eight, held by Jake Priday. The other two hits for the Express were by Ronnie Olson (Winona), and Erik Knutson (Yavapai).

The Express play again Saturday, May 31 in Alexandria at 6:05.

Express Get First Win of the Season
After dropping their season opener to the Woodchucks Friday night, the Express looked to rebound in Alexandria against the Beetles. And they did just that, as they beat the Beetles 6-5 in a seesaw battle that included four ties and five lead changes.

The Beetles took a quick 2-0 lead in the first after back to back ground out RBI's by Tim Dellwo and Tyler Moyneur. But the Express came right back in the second. A lead off double by Dominic Piazza (Yavapai) and a single by David Cales (St. Xavier) put runners on the corners. Piazza scored on a wild pitch from third. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) put the Express on top with single that drove in a pair with the bases loaded. But the Beetles answered right back in their half of the second after an RBI single that drove in the runner from second base to tie the game at three.

The Express regained the lead in the fifth. After a lead off double by Pinckard, a walk by Robbie Knight (Creighton), and a Ronnie Olson (Winona) bunt single loaded the bases. Pinckard was thrown out at home trying to score on a groud ball, but Erik Knutson (Yavapai) drove in the go ahead run with a single. But the Beetles once again came back in the bottom half taking the lead on a home run by Keith Castillo off starter Joe Bonfe (Creighton), and an unearned run which was later pushed across, making the score 5-4.

The Express tied the game up in the eighth after Knutson walked, then promptly stole second and third. He then scored after a sharply hit ball by Cales that was ruled an error. Cales would later end up on third and would score on a wild pitch from Beetles pitcher, Tim Roberson, that would put the Express on top.

Cales moved from first base to the mound to close the game, and he did just that as he picked up his first save of the season and the fourth of his Express career. J.D. Goryl (Flagler) picked up the win in relief for the Express.

The Express play again Sunday night against the Beetles at 6:05 in Alexandria.

Express Drop Second Game in Alexandria
After picking up their first win of the season Saturday night, the Express looked to pick up the two game sweep of Alexandria. But Alexandria had other ideas as they defeated the Express 2-1.

The Beetles got off to a quick start again as they scored in the second inning. Keith Castillo got walked, then Tyler Moyneur got by virtue of an error by Express second baseman Ronnie Olson (Winona). Castillo then scored on another fielding error by David Cales (St. Xavier) to give them the early 1-0 lead. The Beetles then scored again in the third after a Tim Dellwo base hit brought home Josh Upchurch who singled and then moved to second on another error by the Express.

The Express didn't really do much at the plate as they only managed to get one hit, which was by David Cales. The only Express run was scored in the fifth. Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) walked, then Robbie Knight (Creighton) hit one back to the pitcher, Greg Smith, who threw the ball into center field to put runners on the first and third. Ronnie Olson then hit a sacrifice fly to deep center that scored Hopkins.

Also despite having one hit, the Express still had a chance to win the game in the ninth. Erik Knutson (Yavapai) walked, then stole second and moved to third on a passed ball with one out. But David Cales struck out, and D.J. Anderson flied out to end the game with the tying run at third.

The Express pitching staff was a bright spot in the game as Ryan Hines went six innings, allowing only one earned run, and scattering seven hits. Ross Hellenbrand finished out the game for the Express throwing two innings, allowing only one hit and no runs.

The Express will play again Monday, June 2 at Carson Park in Eau Claire where it is Cesspool Cleaner Night, and the first 250 people through the gates get a free can cooler.

Express Lose in Extra Innings
June, 2 2008 - Drew Kendrick (New Mexico) made his first start since high school, and went six innings, allowed only two runs, and struck out five. But the Express still couldn't pull out the victory as they dropped to 1-3 on the early season.

The Bombers struck early as they scored twice in the first inning. Connor Bernatz walked and moved to third on a base hit by Evan Sharpley. Parker Berberet then tried to squeeze home Bernatz, but was unsuccessful as Bernatz was tagged out at home. Ricky McGraw then came up and doubled to deep center field scoring Sharpley and Berberet giving the Bombers the early 2-0 lead.

The Express managed to push across a run in the sixth inning, as Kole Calhoun (Yavapai), and Dominic Piazza (Yavapai) had back to back base hits with one out. Erik Knutson (Yavapai) then grounded into a fielder's choice in which Calhoun was out at third. Joe Bonfe (Creighton) came up and laced a single through the left side that scored Piazza from second, but was tagged out trying to take second base.

The Express couldn't get anything going from there until the ninth. Piazza led off the inning with a double down the right field line. Piazza was then pinch run for by Robert Kilcrease (Texas Tech). Knutson then laid down the sacrifice bunt moving Kilcrease to third for Joe Bonfe. Bonfe came through for the Express as he hit a sacrifice fly to right field that scored Kilcrease. But that was all the Express could manage, and they had to go to extra innings to settle the game.

Nobody could score for the first couple of innings, but it was the Bombers who were the ones to score in the twelfth. Berberet singled with one out, then quickly stole second. Then McGraw moved him over to third on a ground out to the second baseman. A.J. Shindler then drove him in on his first at bat of the game, after he came in for Sean Loggins as a defensive replacement at third. The Bombers then closed out the game in the bottom half to take the game.

The three Express pitchers, Kendrick, David Cales (St. Xavier), and John Kessick (Wayne State) combined for 13 strikeouts in the twelve inning affair. Another bright spot for the Express was Braden Degamo as he threw out 3 runners trying to steal, and also picked off a runner at first, all before the end of the eighth inning.

The Express play again Tuesday, June 3 against the Battle Creek Bombers at Carson Park in Eau Claire. The sponsor for the game is Taco John's and Hardee's which will be handing out coupons at the gate.

EC Firefighters Sponsor Express Game
EAU CLAIRE

Express Beat Bombers 4-0
June 3, 2008 - Robbie Kilcrease (Texas Tech) threw seven strong innings of shutout ball in his Express pitching debut. Kilcrease scattered six hits, struck out six batters, and walked only two as the Express won 4-0 against the visiting Battle Creek Bombers.

The Express first scored in the fifth inning. Ronnie Olson (Winona) led off the inning with a base hit to left field, and was then moved over to second on a sacrifice bunt by first baseman Joe Bonfe (Creighton). Olson then took third on a balk by Bombers pitcher Jesse Hernandez. D.J. Anderson (Rutgers) drove in Olson on a ground ball to the first baseman who elected to take the out at first instead of going home with the throw.

In the seventh the Express pushed across another run as Erik Knutson (Yavapai) led off the inning with a base hit to left. After a botched pick off attempt by Hernandez, Knutson was in scoring position at second base. Ronnie Olson grounded out to the second baseman, but it moved Knutson to third. Joe Bonfe came through for the Express again as he hit a line drive over the third baseman scoring Knutson. The RBI was Bonfe's third of the series.

The Express scored two more times in the eighth. Robbie Knight (Creighton) got on with a lead off walk. After a strikeout, Kyle Holloway laced a double down the left field line scoring Knight from first. The hit was Holloway's third of the game as he led the Express in hitting for the night. Holloway later scored from second on a base hit by Erik Knutson.

The win moves the Express to 2-3 on the season. They play again Wednsday night at Carson Park in Eau Claire at 6:35. The game will be sponsored by Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and any kids participating in the program get free admission to the game.

Express Cruise to 12-7 Win
June 4, 2008 - It was hard to name a key player for the Express, in their 12-7 win over the Waterloo Bucks, as the team compiled 17 hits. The win evens the Express record at 3-3.

The Express scored first as Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) led off with a base hit. He was then moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Robbie Knight (Creighton). Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) then came up and singled up the middle to score Pinckard from second base. Kyle Holloway (Lynn) was hit by a pitch, and David Cales (St. Xavier) walked to load the bases for Joe Bonfe (Creighton). He came through again for the Express with his fourth RBI of the homestand as he hit a sacrifice fly to right field that scored Calhoun to give the Express the early 2-0 lead.

The Bucks came back quickly in their half of the second. Nich Morreale led off with a double down the right field line off starter Shane Dyer (SMCC). He then moved to third on a bunt single by Mike Rogers. After a strikeout Morreale scored on a groundout to the second baseman, and Rogers advanced to second. Roger later scored on a base hit up the middle by Bryan Resnick.

The Express scored two more times in the third. Robbie Knight led off the inning with a base hit up the middle, and quickly scored on a double into the left center gap by Kole Calhoun. After back to back walks by Holloway and Cales the bases were loaded again. Joe Bonfe lined out the third baseman, but Ronnie Olson was able to get Calhoun home on a fielder's choice.

The Express broke the game open in the fourth inning as Braden Degamo (Yavapai) led off the inning with a home run to left center. From there they never looked back. Degamo finished the game 3 for 4 with two RBI's and two runs scored.

A few other key player for the Express were Brooks Pinckard, Kole Calhoun, and David Cales. Pinckard finished 3 for 5 with two RBI's and a run scored. Calhoun was 3 for 3, but reached base all five time he was up, with two RBI's and scored twice. Cales finished the game 2 for 3 with three RBI's and a run scored.

The Express play again Thursday, June 5 versus the Waterloo Bucks at 6:35 at Carson Park in Eau Claire. The game will be sponsored by the Eau Claire Fire Department, who will be at the park early to give the fans a chance to see some of the recently purchase trucks and engines.

Two Express Players Drafted on First Day
June 6, 2008

Express Dominate in Battle Creek
June 6, 2008 - The Express could do no wrong as they compiled 23 runs on 17 hits in Battle Creek Friday night. The Express won 23-1, and evened their record at 4-4 on the season.

The Battle Creek Bombers were surprisingly the first ones to score in this contest. Garret Smith reached on an error, then Evan Sharpley doubled, but Smith was tagged out going to third. Parker Berberet then singled to center to score Sharpley from second.

The Express didn't waste much time after that as they scored five runs in the second. Braden Degamo (Yavapai) drove in David Cales (St. Xavier) on a double, and Ronnie Olson (Winona) drove in Erik Knutson (Yavapai) and Cales on a single later in the inning. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) and Robbie Knight (Creighton) also picked up RBI's in the inning.

The Express scored another five runs in the third to really break the game open. Braden Degamo drove in another RBI on a fielder's choice, and Pinckard singled to drive in Knutson from third. Robbie Knight walked to drive in another run, and Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) doubled to drive in the last two runs of the inning. From there the Express cruised, scoring 13 more runs in the next six innings.

A few catalysts for the Express were Brooks Pinckard, Erik Knutson, and Ronnie Olson. Pinckard was 3 for 6 with four RBI's and two runs scored. Knutson went 5 for 6 with three RBI's and scored four times. Ronnie Olson was 2 for 3 with three RBI's and two runs scored. Also Landis Ware (Baylor) scored three times in his debut for the Express.

Not to be outdone by all of the offense stars, Ryan Hines (Nebraska-Omaha) threw a complete game, which was the first for the Express since July 19 of the 2007 season by Adam Worthington. Hines gave up five hits, and walked only one batter. Hines actually never allowed a hit after the fouth inning. He also struck out nine batters, and ended up striking out five of the last six batters he faced.

The Express set team records for most at bats, runs scored, and also highest combined score in a game. They also had four innings in which the entire lineup came up to bat, not to mention that every single player in the lineup, including pinch hitter Kyle Holloway (Lynn), scored at least one run.

The Express play again June 6 in Battle Creek at 6:05.

Express Lose in Ninth Inning
June 5, 2008 - Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) did everything for the Express. He went 2 for 4, drove in three runs, scored once, stole two bases, and even threw a guy out at home from left field. Despite all of that the Express couldn't pull out the victory as they fell to the Waterloo Bucks 7-5.

The Express jumped on the board early again as they scored twice in the first inning. Pinckard led off with a base hit, and Erik Knutson (Yavapai) was hit by a pitch putting runners on first and second. Pinckard stole third, and Knutson followed suit on the next pitch taking second. Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) grounded out to the pitcher, but it scored Pinckad, and moved Knutson to third. Kyle Holloway (Lynn) then came up and singled into left field scoring Knutson.

The Bucks came back in the second. After the lead off hitter struck out, two Bucks walked, and another singled to load the bases. Express starter, Chris Odegaard, then struck out Carter Sackett, but walked Bobby Abreu to put the Bucks on the board.

The Express scored once more in the second. Ronnie Olson (Winona) led off with a single and then advanced to second on a wild pitch. After a Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) ground out that advanced Olson to third, Brooks Pinckard grounded out the second baseman that scored Olson.

The Express pushed across another run in the fourth. David Cales (St. Xavier) walked, and Ronnie Olson reached on an error by the left fielder. Then the skys opened up and the game was delayed. After 32 minutes of waiting the game resumed. Hopkins grounded out to the second baseman but advanced both Cales and Olson. Then came a puzzling play by the Bucks first baseman. Brooks Pinckard hit a ground ball to him, but instead of stepping on first to end the inning, he threw home and was late as Cales beat the Throw.

The Bucks couldn't do anything with Odegaard all night. Then Willie Beard (Rutgers) came in to relieve him in the seventh. The Bucks wasted no time as the first two batters reached base, and Joey Register hit a blast to left field to tie the game at four.

The Express pushed across a run in the eighth inning to give them the lead going into the ninth. The Express brought in John Kessick (Wayne State) to save the game, but he struggled with his command as he gave up three walks, and three runs to get the blown save and lose.

The Express play again June 6, in Battle Creek, Michigan at 6:05.

Express Blanked by Bombers
June 6, 2008 - After scoring 23 runs Friday night, the Express looked to pick up the two game sweep of the Battle Creek Bombers. But the Bombers had other ideas as they shutout the Express 6-0.

The Bombers jumped on the Express early as they put up four runs in the first. Dusty Harvard led off with a single, and advanced to second on an error by Brooks Pinckard (Baylor). He then scored on a double by A.J. Shindler. Braxton Miller then drove in Shindler on a single, and then scored on a triple by Lemone. Lemone scored quickly on a single by Connor Bernatz.

The Bombers picked up another run in fifth inning, and one more in the sixth. Lemone grounded out to first to drive in Ricky McGraw in the fifth, and Evan Sharpley singled to drive in David Luna in the sixth.

The Express weren't able to come through with a hit at the right time, as they stranded nine baserunners in the game. A couple players who led the team were Robbie Knight (Creighton) and Erik Knutson (Yavapai). Knight was 2 for 3 with a walk, and Knutson ended the night 2 for 4.

John Kessick (Wayne State) got the loss for the Express. He gave up five runs, all earned, on eight hits in five innings. He also struck out eight Bombers on the night. The loss drops him to 0-3 on the season. Ross Hellenbrand (Winona) and Brooks Pinckard also threw. Hellenbrand went two innings giving up four hits and one run, and Pinckard threw a perfect eighth striking out two.

The Express have off Sunday, but play again Monday at Wausau versus the Wisconsin Woodchucks. Game time is scheduled for 6:35.

Suspended Game to Resume Tuesday, June 10
June 9, 2008 - The May 29 rainout game is now schuduled to resume play on Tuesday, June 10 at 6:35 p.m., with the other game to follow after about a 20 minute intermission. The first game will be a full nine innings, and the second game will be a seven inning game.

The Express play again Monday, June 9 in Wausau versus the Wisconsin Woodchucks at 6:35.

Express Fall to Woodchucks
June 9, 2008 - After dropping the last game in Battle Creek the Express traveled to Wausau to take on the Woodchucks Monday night. But they fell 5-3, dropping their record to 4-6.

The Express got on the board early as they scored a run the first. They had runners on the corners after a Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) single, and an error that allowed Robbie Knight (Creighton) to reach base. That brought up Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) and he brought in Pinckard on a sacrifice fly to left field.

The Express scored again in the fifth to make the score 2-0. Landis Ware (Baylor) got on by a fielder's choice, and advanced to second on an error by the shortstop. After a Braden Degamo walk (Yavapai), D.J. Anderson (Rutgers) drove him in on a single.

The Woodchucks got on the board in the sixth and then took the lead in the seventh. Kyle Bubak walked and Kyle Wilson doubled to put runners on second and third. Brent Weaver then singled driving in the pair. The Woodchucks took the lead in the seventh on a Chris Wade fielder's choice.

The Express were able to tie the game at 3 in the eighth. Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) walked and then scored on a Brooks Pinckard triple.

But the Woodchucks didn't let up as they scored twice in the eighth. Jeff Cowan hit a bases loaded single up the middle off Express reliever Willie Beard (Rutgers) to give the Woodchucks the lead.

The Express had a chance in the ninth with the bases loaded, but Russ Hopkins flew out to end the game. The loss drops the Express to 4-6 on the season. The Woodchucks win is their fourth in a row, and it improves them to 8-2.

The Express play again Tuesday, June 10 at 6:35 in Eau Claire at Carson Park. They will finish the rained out game from May 29 first, and after about a 20 minute break, will play a seven inning game. Both games are against the red hot Wisconsin Woodchucks.

Express Swept in Twinbill
June 10, 2008 - The Express were unable to gain ground on the Woodchucks in the NWL South Division with a double-header Tuesday night, falling 6-2 in game one and 4-3 in game two. The first game was a continuation of the May 29 contest that was suspended due to weather.

The first game was picked up in the bottom of the fourth with the Woodchucks leading 2-0 and Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) up to bat. Calhoun and Kyle Holloway (Lynn) walked to put runners at first and second. Piazza laid down a sacrifice bunt to muve teh runners up and David Cales (St. Xavier) followed with a base hit up the hole to drive in Calhoun.

The Express were able to tie the game at two in the seventh inning. Robbie Knight (Creighton) doubled to left center and advanced to third on a wild pitch by Woodchucks pitcher Brad Riddle. Calhoun later walked to put runners on the corners. Riddle tried to pick off Calhoun but threw the ball away, allowing Knight to score on the play.

The Woodchucks scored three times in the eighth on a single, a double, and a sacrifice fly to right field. The Woochucks never looked back, as they added another run in the ninth and took the first game 6-2.

The second game was a seven-inning affair. Nobody scored for the first three-and-a-half innings, but the Express broke through in the fourth. Back-to-back singles by Knight and Calhoun and a throwing error by the pitcher which allowed Cales to reach base loaded the bases. Knight scored when Holloway came to bat and grounded into a double play.

The Woodchucks started the come back when they got on the scoreaboard in the fifth. Kyle Bubak reached on an error. Kyle Wilson singled and then advanced to second on the throw to third in which Bubak was tagged out. Wilson would score on Brent Weaver's single to left field.

The Express scored two more in the bottom half of the fifth. Joe Bonfe (Creighton) singled and then stole second base. Landis Ware (Baylor) then flew out to right, but Bonfe tagged up and took third. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) then singled, driving in Bonfe. Pinckard stole second and then scored on Robbie Knight's double to left center to make the score 3-1.

The Woodchucks were able to put three runs on the board in the sixth on a pair of base hits and a wild pitch. The Woodchucks closed out the game from there and took the second one 4-3.

The Express play again Wednsday night in La Crosse versus the Loggers at 7:05.

Box Score Game #1

Box Score Game #2

Shuttle Service Available Thursday Night
June 11, 2008 - Thursday night the Express play the La Crosse Loggers at 6:05 at Carson Park. Thursday night is also the start of Sawdust City Days at Carson Park. There will be a shuttle service on Thursday starting at 4:00, where a shuttle will run from Menomonie Street across from the Dairy Queen. A second shuttle will start at 5:00 from the Haas fine arts parking lot. Thursday night's game is sponsored by the Leader Telegram and Bothun Automotive, and five lucky fans will be entered into a contest to win a car from Bothun Automotive. So show up and cheer on the Express versus the rival Loggers, and maybe have the chance to win a brand new Dodge Caravan.

Express Drop Fifth Straight in La Crosse
June 11, 2008 - The Eau Claire Express looked to break out of their four game losing streak versus the La Crosse Loggers Wednsday night. But they couldn't do it, as they lost 11-6, extending the losing streak to five.

The Loggers struck in the first inning by putting up four runs. Polk walked and stole second, then moved to third on a single by Toole. Polked scored and Poole moved to second on an error by David Cales (St. Xavier). After a strikeout Melton doubled and drove in Toole, and advanced to third on a single by Gaynor. Gaynor stole second nad Melton scored on the throw down. Then Gaynor scored on a Tinoco single.

The Express got on the board in the second, putting up a pair of runs. Kyle Holloway (Lynn) and Dominic Piazza (Yavapai) singled to put runners at first and second. David Cales grounded out moving the runners up a base. After a Pat Colwell (San Diego State) groundout, Joe Bonfe (Creighton) doubled to drive in Holloway and Piazza.

The Loggers answered back in the bottom half with a pair of their own. J.D. Reichenbach (Elon) walked the bases full, and then Gaynor singled in both Vaughn and Rundgren to make the score 6-2.

The Express managed to get three runs across in the fourth to bring themselves within a run. Dominic Piazza reached on an error by the left fielder, then Cales flew out to center, but Piazza advanced to third on a throwing error. Bonfe then singled him home for his third RBI of the game. That brought up Landis Ware (Baylor) who homered to drive in two.

The Loggers added a pair in the sixth, and three more in the eighth as they pulled away from the Express. The Express managed to push across a run in the ninth, but it was too little, too late.

J.D. Reichenbach got the lost for the Express in his debut as he gave up six earned runs on seven hits in five innings of work. He also struck out seven Loggers. Willie Beard came in for him in the sixth. He gave up five earned runs on six hits in three innings of work. Another note from the game is that Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) extended his hitting streak to nine with a base hit in the third.

The Express play again Thursday, June 12 at Carson Park in Eau Claire. It will be Sawdust City Days Night at the game, and it will be sponsored by the Leader Telegram and Bothun Automotive.

Express End Losing Streak
June 12, 2008 - The Express ended their five game losing streak Thursday night, as they defeated the La Crosse Loggers 4-2. The Express were led by the bat of Kyle Holloway (Lynn) who went 2 for 4, including a home run, with two RBI's, and a run scored.

The Express got on the board early, as they scored a run in the first. Robbie Knight (Creighton) reached on a throwing error by the shortstop, and moved to second on a groundout by Landis Ware (Baylor). After a lineout to the pitcher by Kole Calhoun (Yavapai), Kyle Holloway singled through the right side to score Knight from second.

The Express pushed across another run in the third. After two quick outs by Ware and Calhoun that brought Holloway. He didn't disapoint, as he unloaded on a pitch from Loggers pitcher Aaron Dott. The ball never got very high off the ground, but it cleared the left field fence.

The Loggers finally got on the board in the sixth inning. Steve Tinoco doubled down the right field line with one out. He was later brought in on a single by Randy Rundgren.

But the Express answered right back in the bottom half of the sixth with two more. Calhoun walked to lead off the inning, and then stole second. He then advanced to third on a fly ball to deep center field by Holloway. Joe Bonfe (Creighton) reached on a fielder's choice as the Loggers went home with the throw to get Calhoun, but he was too smart for them, and he stayed put at third. David Cales (St. Xavier) then flew out to center, but it scored Calhoun from third. After Dominic Piazza (Yavapai) was hit by a pitch, Bonfe came around to score on a fielder's choice hit by D.J. Anderson.

The Loggers managed to push across another run in the seventh, but that was all they got. The Loggers struggled to come up with many runs during the night as Chris Odegaard (Mankato State) kept them off balance all night. Odegaard went 6.2 innings and only gave up two runs, both off them earned. He also struck out six Loggers during the game. Cales finished off the game earning himself the three inning save. He didn't give up a run and struck out one batter.

The Express play again Friday night in Thunder Bay at 6:05.

Express Win Second Consecutive
June 13, 2008 - The Express had a balanced attack against the Thunder Bay Border Cats. Nobody had more than two hits and one RBI, but they compiled 12 hits and defeated the Border Cats 7-6.

The Express scored first in the third inning by putting up five runs. Landis Ware (Baylor) doubled and was then quickly replaced by Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) who also doubled, driving in Ware. Calhoun then moved to third on a wild pitch. After a Kyle Holloway (Lynn) walk, Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) singled driving in Calhoun. David Cales (St. Xavier) then singled driving in Holloway and moving Lee to third. Joe Bonfe (Creighton) laid down a prefect squeeze bunt, scoring Lee from third. After a groundout, Russ Hopkins doubled driving Cales, finally finishing the scoring for the inning.

The Express scored again in the fourth to push their lead to 6-0. After back to back singles by Ware and Calhoun, that brought up Holloway. He grounded out to second, but it scored Ware from second.

The Border Cats then began to whittle away at the Express lead as they scored three runs in the fifth. Alex Kubal doubled to score the first run in the inning. Mike O'Neill then grounded out to first to score the second run. Then Derek Wiley singled, driving in Kubal.

The Express added a final run in the seventh, which proved to be the winning run. The bases were loaded after two walk and a single. Robbie Knight (Creighton) was then hit by a pitch which forced home Cales.

The Border Cats made a comback in the ninth inning. Connor Lind doubled to drive in the first run of the inning. O'Neill later came up and hit a two run double with two outs. That was enough for manager Dale Varsho as he then went to Calhoun for the last out. Calhoun walked the first batter, but got the second one swinging to pick up the save.

For Calhoun, it was his first appearence of the season, and he also picked of his 15th career save with the Express. Adam Worthington (UIC) picked up the win in his season debut going five innings, allowing three earned runs, and stiking out four Border Cats. John Kessick (Wayne State) also pitched in the game as he went 3.2 innings, allowing 3 earned runs, and striking out seven.

The win improves the Express to 6-9 on the season. They play again Saturday, June 14 in Thunder Bay at 6:05.

Express Drop Finale in Thunder Bay
June 14, 2008 - The Express couldn't get their first sweep this season, as they dropped the second game in Thunder Bay 6-5. The loss drops the Express to 6-10 on the season.

The Express jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. With two outs Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) singled. He then moved to third on an error by the left fielder on a ball hit by Kyle Holloway (Lynn). Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) then drove in Calhoun on a single, and David Cales (St. Xavier) drove in Hollway on another single.

The Border Cats got on the board in the third by putting up three runs. Mike O'Neill scored on an error by Joe Bonfe (Creighton). After a hit batter, Josh Ashenbrenner drove in a pair on a single.

The Express scored once more in the fourth. Lee walked to lead off the inning and then stole second base. After two outs he then stole third. Pat Colwell (San Diego State) then singled, driving in Lee.

The Border Cats stayed hot as they added three more runs in the bottom of the fourth. Connor Lind tripled and scored on a fielder's choice by Alex Kubal. The O'Neill tripled to drive in Kubal. Tim Palincsar later drove in O'Neill on a sacrifice fly to center field to make the score 6-3.

The Express added a pair in the fifth. Robbie Knight (Creighton) walked and Calhoun singled. Holloway reached on a fielder's choice, but Knight was out at third. Both Calhoun and Holloway moved up a base on an error by the pitcher. Lee grounded out to the second baseman, but it scored Calhoun. Cales then singled driving in Holloway. But that was all the Express managed for the rest of the night.

The Express couldn't get any timely hits as they left nine runners on base, five of them in scoring position. Ryan Hines (Nebraska-Omaha) got the loss as he gave up six runs, three of them earned, in three innings of work. Drew Kendrick (New Mexico) replaced Hines, and he finished out the game throwing five scoreless innings, and allowed only one hit. He also struck out four Border Cats.

The Express play again Sunday, June 15 against the La Crosse Loggers at 5:05.

Express Win Wild One
June 15, 2008 - David Cales was simply amazing for the Express as he led them to a 16-12 victory over the La Crosse Loggers. He was 4-5 at the plate, with six runs batted in, and two runs scored. He was also great on the mound as he pitched two innings, didn't allow a run or hit, walked only one batter, and struck out four. With the win the Express improve to 7-10 on the season.

The Express struck first, scoring four times in the first inning. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) led off with a double, then Pat Colwell (San Diego State) singled. Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) then doubled to drive in Pinckard. Colwell scored on an error by the second baseman with two outs, and Cales doubled to right center to score a pair.

The Express added two more in the third inning. Calhoun led off with a walk, and Kyle Holloway (Lynn) double to put runners on second and third. After a couple of outs, Cales came through again as he singled to drive in two more.

The Express really broke open the game in the in fourth by scoring seven runs. Landis Ware (Baylor), and Pinckard scored on a wild pitches. Holloway singled, and Dominic Piazza (Yavapai) doubled, as each drove in a run. Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) hit a sacrifice fly to knock in Holloway. Cales and Pinckard each singled to also drive in runs making the score 13-0. Cales also added a home run in the sixth.

After the seven run inning the Loggers began their comeback. In the bottom of the fourth they plated a pair. They then had an eight run inning of their own in the sixth. The highlight of that eight run inning was a grand slam by Derek Melton. They also added a pair of runs in the seventh inning making the score 14-12.

The Express were able to push across two more insurance runs in the ninth. Calhoun picked up his second RBI on a fielder's choice. The RBI gave him the Express career record for RBI's. Pat Colwell also scored in the inning, as he scored on a throwing error by the catcher trying to nab the stealing Calhoun. Another note from the inning was that Pinckard picked up his fifth hit of the game, the second time it has been done in Express history.

The Express play again at home against the Loggers at 6:35.

Express Drop Close One
June 16, 2008 - The Express nearly came back to win in the ninth inning Monday night, but they came up a run short as they lost 9-8 against the La Crosse Loggers. The loss drops the Express to 7-11 on the season.

The Express struck first as they scored a run the first inning. Robbie Knight (Creighton) and Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) each singled with one out to put runners on first and second. Kyle Holloway reached on a fielder's choice and scored Knight from second.

After the Loggers picked up a run in the third, the Express scored four times in the bottom half. Calhoun doubled down the right field line to score Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) and move Knight to third. After back to back strikeouts Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) singled to right center to score Knight and Calhoun. He then scored on a single by Joe Bonfe (Creighton) who was tagged out trying to take second. The Express were able to also add a run in the fifth on a Calhoun single that drove in Knight.

The Loggers then got hot in the fourth and fifth innings as they picked up four and three runs respectively. The key play in the fourth inning was a Randy Rundgren single that drove in a pair. All the runs that inning were unearned as the Express had two errors in the inning. The key play in the fifth was a strikeout with runners on second and third. The ball got by Holloway and it scored two runs. They also added a run in the sixth on a double by Cory Vaughn that scored Justin Toole from first. That made the score 9-6 in favor of the Loggers.

The Express made a push in the ninth inning. Lee singled through the right side, then stole second. Bonfe walked, then he and Lee each moved up a base on a wild pitch. After a strikeout, Pat Colwell (San Diego State) reached on an error which scored both Lee and Bonfe. Pinckard then flew out, and Knight grounded out to short to end the game.

D.J. Mauldin (Cal Poly) got the start for the Express. He went four innings, allowed five runs, one of them earned, and struck out three. John Kessick (Wayne State) came on in relief and was ultimately the one who got the loss as he went 1.2 innings, and gave up four runs, two of them earned. J.D. Reichenbach (Elon) finished out the game as he went 3.1 innings and didn't allow a run or a hit.

The Express play again Tuesday, June 17 in Madison against the Mallard at 7:05.

Express Lose in Madison
June 17, 2008 - The Mallards jumped out to an early lead, but the Express clawed their way back into the game. Unfortunately it was too little to late, as the Mallards won 4-3. The loss drops the Express to 7-12 on the season.

The game was scoreless until the bottom of the fourth when the Mallards scored four times. Drew Martin walked and moved to third on a single to right by Rob Lyerly with one out. Eric Nielson laid down a sacrifice squeeze bunt that scored Martin and moved Lyerly to second. Josh Groves then drew a walk to put runners on first and second with two outs bringing up Luke Stewart. He unloaded on the pitch, from Express starter Robbie Kilcrease (Texas Tech), sending it over the right field wall for a three run home run.

The Express then began their comeback as they scored twice in the fifth. Joe Bonfe (Creighton) reached on an error by the Mallards third baseman, then moved to second on a single by Pat Colwell (San Diego State). With one out Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) doubled to score Bonfe and advance Colwell to third. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) then hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Bonfe.

The Express would later push a run across another run in the seventh inning when Landis Ware (Baylor) would cross the plate. But that was all they could manage for the rest of the night.

Kilcrease went the distance for the Express as he threw eight innings, gave up four runs, and only three hits. Kilcrease actually didn't allow a hit after the fourth inning. The complete game is also the first one for the Express this season.

The Express only managed six hits in the game, two of them by Hopkins. Hopkins finished the night 2-3 with an RBI. The other hits not mentioned were by Kole Calhoun (Yavapai), Dominic Piazza (Yavapai), and Ware.

The Express play again Wednsday, June 18 at 7:05 in Madison against the Mallards.

TV-18 to Give Away Noah's Ark Passes
June 18, 2008 - Tuesday, June 24 is TV-18 night at Carson Park. Before the game the first 50 people through the gates will receive a pair of Noah's Ark passes compliments of TV-18. Also the first 500 people will receive a mini stress baseball also from TV-18. The T-Shirt toss will be done twice during the game, and that is where fans get the chance at a free Express South Division champions t-shirt. The game will start at 6:35, and the Express will be playing the Mankato MoonDogs.

Fish Fry on Friday Night Home Games
June 18, 2008 - The Express will be having a fish fry, on Friday, June 20, and will continue to do this for every Friday night Express home game. Fans will be able to purchase two pieces of fish, fries, and tartar sauce for $5.00. The Express will be playing the Wisconsin Woodchucks at 6:35 that night. Friday night will also be DigiCOPY night at the ballpark and the first 500 fans through the gates will receive a free team photo of the 2008 Express, compliments of DigiCOPY.

Junior Achievement/ Group Health Cooperative Night
June 18, 2008 - Friday, June 27 is Junior Achievement/ Group Health Cooperative Night at Carson Park. Also, before the game Group Health Cooperative will be giving away beach balls.

Junior Achievement inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy. Members of the business community, educators and volunteers all work together to inspire young people to dream big and reach their potential. JA’s hands-on, experiential programs teach the key concepts of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy to young people all over the world. Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Inc

Express Drown Mallards at
June 18, 2008 - The Express looked to bounce back after a loss from Tuesday night. They did just that as they beat the Madison Mallards 4-2 Wednsday night to improve to 8-12.

The Mallards got on the board early as the scored in the bottom half of the first. Brandon Wikoff hit the ball on the ground toward the shortstop and was able to beat the throw to first. He then advanced to second on a passed ball, and moved to third on a flyout to center. Rob Lyerly then blooped a ball over the shortstops head to score Wikoff.

The Express got on the board in the third inning. Landis Ware (Baylor) led off the inning with a stand-up triple to right center. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) then drove him in on a groundout to second.

The Mallards took the lead in the bottom half as they scored another run. The Mallards had the bases loaded with no outs after a base hit and two walks. After a strikeout, Eric Nielsen flew out to right field and scored Aaron Bray from third.

The Express were able to tie the game at two in the sixth. Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) doubled to right center to lead off the inning. He then moved to third on an errant pick-off attempt by the catcher. Kyle Holloway (Lynn) then drove him in on a sacrifice fly to right field.

The Express took the lead in the seventh. The Mallards new pitcher Brandon Johnson allowed three batters to reach with one out. Holloway came through as he knocked in Robbie Knight (Creighton) on a base hit.

The Express added an insurance run in the ninth as Calhoun drove in Pinckard. Calhoun then closed out the game in the ninth not allowing a hit and striking out two.

The Express got a stellar outing from starter Chris Odegaard (Mankato State). He went six strong innings, allowing two runs, one of them earned. He allowed only three hits and struck out eight Mallards. David Cales was equally spectacular in relief, as he went two innings and allowed only one hit and struck out four.

The Express play again on Thursday, June 19 in Wausau versus the Wisconsin Woodchucks. The game is slated to start at 6:35.

Express Cut Down By Woodchucks
June 19, 2008 - The Express went into Wausau to try to cool off the red hot Woodchucks. Unfortunately the Woodchucks stayed hot as they defeated the Express 9-3. The loss drops the Express to 8-13 on the season.

The Woodchucks struck early as they scored a run in the first. Chris Wade walked to lead off the inning and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. He then moved to third on a ground out to the shortstop. Brent Weaver then doubled to drive in Wade for the first run of the game.

The Express got that run back in the third. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) singled with one out, then stole second after a fly out by Robbie Knight (Creighton). Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) then singled, driving in Pinckard to tie the game at one.

The Woodchucks took the lead again in the fourth as they scored twice. Eric Dayton singled and Weaver reached first on an error by the Express shortstop Pinckard. Kaskow then laid down a bunt trying to give himself up, but reached first on an error by Express starter Ryan Hines (Nebraska-Omaha). The error allowed Dayton to score and moved Weaver to third. Weaver later scored on a single by Chris Slater.

The Woodchucks added three more runs in the seventh. Kaskow walked to drive in Kyle Bubak. Troy Frazier then singled to drive in a pair. The Woodchucks would also put up another three run inning in the eighth.

The Express were able to score a run in the eighth and the ninth. Joe Bonfe (Creighton) homered to score the only run in the eighth. The home run is his first of the season. Dominic Piazza (Yavapai) was able to drive in the run in the ninth on a ground out to the pitcher to score Ryan Lee (Cal Poly). But it was too little, too late as the Express couldn't complete the comeback.

The Express pitching staff was bitten by errors in the game. The Woodchucks may have scored nine runs, but only one of them was earned, as the Express had six errors in the field. Hines threw five and a third inning, allowed three runs, only of them earned. He gave up eight hits and struck out five Woodchucks.

The Express play again Friday, June 20 at Carson Park in Eau Claire. The game time is slated for 6:35. Also the game is sponsored by DigiCOPY, and fans will receive a free team photo of the 2008 Express. Also don't forget about the Friday fish fry, as you can purchase two pieces of fish, fries, and tartar sauce all for $5.00 at the concession stand.

Thank You Express Fans For a Successful 2008 Season
Eau Claire, WI

Express Inside Pitch to Air Again Saturday, June 21
June 20, 2008 - The second “Express Inside Pitch” will air live on Saturday, June 21 at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Golf Road Burger King, and will air on Sports Radio 1400 WBIZ. The show will include interviews with manager Dale Varsho, and Express players Landis Ware and Brooks Pinckard. Fans will also be able to call-in, or stop by with their questions during the hour-long show. Look out for other shows following on, 6/28, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25. Each show will originate from the Golf Road Burger King.

Sunday Family Four Packs Available
June 20, 2008 - On Sundays fans can now purchase the Sunday Family Four Pack. Fans will receive four general admission tickets, four hot dogs, four 16 ounce sodas, and four boxes of popcorn for only $30. It is available exclusively on Sundays, and you can purchase them at the ticket window only. The first Sunday game is June 22 at 6:05 versus the Alexandria Beetles. Don't forget to bring your Festival Foods receipts to the ballpark on Sundays as well, because you could win your money back in Festival Food's Sunday Madness.

Express Cool Off Woodchucks
June 20, 2008 - The Woodchucks came into Friday night's game having won nine of their last ten. But that didn't phase the Express as they defeated the Woodchucks by a score of 7-5 to improve to 9-13.

The Woodchucks scored a run in each of the first three innings off Express starter Wade Mackey (Baylor). Brent Weaver hit a sacrifice fly to center to drive in the only run in the first. In the second Bobby Prichett doubled to lead off the inning. After a strikeout, the skys opened up and there was a 29 minute rain delay. After the delay Prichett moved to third on a passed ball and scored on a ground out to second base. In the third Jeff Cowan homered to left center to make the game 3-0 in favor of the Woodchucks.

The Express got on the board in the fourth by putting up four runs. Kyle Holloway (Lynn) singled and advanced to second as David Cales reached first on a throwing error by the third baseman. Joe Bonfe (Creighton) then singled to drive in Holloway and move Cales to third. Braden Degamo (Yavapai) reached first after he was hit by a pitch, and Cales would score on a wild pitch shortly after. Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) would single after that to drive in Braden Degamo (Yavapai) and Bonfe.

The Woodchuck tied the game up at four in the fifth. The bases would be loaded after a pair of walks and a base hit. Geoff Klein would then hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Chris Slater.

The Express took the lead back in the sixth with a run. Bonfe walked and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Pat Colwell (San Diego State). Degamo would then single up the middle and Bonfe would be sent home from second. The ball beat Bonfe there, but a hard slide jarred the ball loose and the run would count.

The Express added a couple of insurance runs in the seventh. Robbie Knight (Creighton) singled to lead off the inning and would later come around to score on a passed ball. Holloway would then single and be pinch run for by Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) who would score on a fielding error by the Woodchucks right fielder.

Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) came on in the ninth to close out the game. He walked his first batter then struck out the next two. An error would keep the inning alive, and the Woodchucks would later score a run. But Calhoun stayed calm and finished out the game earning his third save of the season.

The Express play again Saturday, June 21 at Carson Park versus the Alexandria Beetles. The game time is slated for 6:35. The game will be sponsored by American Family Insurance, and it will be youth baseball night. There will be free admission to all youth wearing their game jersey.

Express Win in Walk-Off Fashion
June 22, 2008 - The Express looked to pick up their first sweep of the season as well as get their first official winning streak Sunday night. They did just that as they won in walk-off fasion in the tenth inning to improve to 11-13.

Nobody scored for the first four innings, but it was the Beetles who struck first putting up two runs in the fifth inning. Tyler Moyneur was hit by a pitch and Tim Roberson singled on a bunt to to put runners on first and second. Brian Harrison would then give himself up on a sacrifice bunt to move the runners up a base. Dan DeGeorge would reach on a fielder's choice as Moyneur was gunned down at home trying to score. Roberson would later score on a passed ball, and DeGeorge would move to second. DeGeorge would move to third on a passed ball and would then score on a single by Eddie Murray.

The Express got the runs back in the bottom half with two runs of their own. Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) would walk and then steal second. Joe Bonfe (Creighton) then singled through the left side to score Lee. Bonfe then scored on a double to left center by Russ Hopkins (Rutgers).

The Beetles took the lead again in the eighth. Josh Upchurch singled up the middle and then stole second. Bryan Holaday then reached on a throwing error by the new Express pitcher Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) but would be out trying to take second. Upchurch would score amongst the chaos. After a single by Keith Castillo the skys would open up yet again. After a 57 minute delay the game would resume, but Willie Beard (Rutgers) would be on the mound replacing O'Sullivan. He would finish out the inning without any problems.

The Express got the run back again in the bottom half of the inning. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) would get on with a bunt single. He then would score on a crazy play. He stole second, took third on passed ball, and scored on bad throw by the catcher trying to nab him at third.

The game would end up going to extras to finish, and the Express were the ones to come out on top in the tenth. Hopkins would walk with one out and move to second on a sacrifice bunt by Landis Ware (Baylor). Pinckard would then beat out a chopper up the first base line to put runners on first and third. Then the craziest play of them all would score Hopkins from third. Castillo's throw back to the pitcher, after a pitch, was a bad one and it got away, allowing Hopkins to score.

The Express have off Monday, but play again Tuesday, June 24 at Carson Park versus the Mankato MoonDogs. It will be TV-18 night and the first 50 people will receive a pair of Noah's Ark passes, and the first 500 will receive a stress relief baseball, both courtesy of TV-18.

Express Squash Beetles
June 21, 2008 - The Beetles came into Carson Park having won three in a row, but the Express got the best of them as they won their second straight game by a score of 8-5. The win improves the Express record to 10-13 on the season.

The Beetles jumped out to the early lead as they scored four times in the second. Keith Castillo scored on an error by the Express first baseman, and Dan Degeorge singled up the middle to score the second run. Tim Roberson grounded into a double play, but it was enough for Eddie Murray to score from third. Bryan Holaday then doubled to left center to score Tyler Moyneur.

The Express answered back with a run in the bottom half of the inning. Joe Bonfe (Creighton) singled with two outs. Dominic Piazza (Yavapai) then doubled to deep right center to score Bonfe from first.

The Express were able to tie the game up at four in the fourth by scoring three runs. Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) doubled to lead off the inning, and Kyle Holloway (Lynn) was hit by a pitch to put runners at first and second. David Cales (St. Xavier) laid down a bunt and the pitcher went to third, but the third baseman dropped it to load the bases. Piazza grounded out to the first baseman to score Calhoun, and Pat Colwell (San Diego State) singled to right to score Holloway and Cales.

The Beetles were able to take the lead back in the fifth with a run. Holaday led off the inning with home run to left center, and that was it for the Beetles offense the rest of the night.

The Express took the lead with a four run inning of their own in the seventh. The bases were loaded after a single and a pair of walks. Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) walked to force in a run and tie the game. Landis Ware (Baylor) would later scored on a wild pitch to give the Express the lead. Kyle Holloway then hit the ball sharply to third and it took a nasty hop as it got by the third baseman allowing two runs to score.

Calhoun would come on in the ninth from right field to close out the game. He did just that and earned his fourth save of the season and 18th of his Express career. That save now puts him within one save of the Express career record held by Nick Fellman. Drew Kendrick (New Mexico) earned the win for the Express in relief as he threw two and two third innings, allowed no runs and one hit. The win now evens his record at 1-1.

The Express play again Sunday, June 22 at Carson Park in a second game against the Beetles. The game time is scheduled for 6:05. Don't forget to bring you Festival Foods receipts to the game for Sunday Madness as you could win your money back.

Express Stunned by MoonDogs
June 24, 2008 - Brendan Lafferty was unbelievable for the Mankato MoonDogs Tuesday night, as the MoonDogs defeated the Express by a score of 8-1. He went six innings, allowed only one hit, no runs, and stuck out 12 batters, including striking out five in row at one point. The loss drops the Express to 11-14 on the season.

The MoonDogs got off to a quick start as they scored a run in the first. Michael Rockett led off the game. He promptly unloaded on the first pitch he saw from Express starter Robbie Kilcrease (Texas Tech) and sent it over the wall and onto the football field out in left field.

The MoonDogs scored again in the third by putting up a pair of runs. After a walk, Carlos Ramirez doubled to drive in a run, but he was out trying to reach third. After a walk and a pair of singles, CJ Belanger hit an infield single to drive in the third run of the game.

The MoonDogs broke open the game in the sixth by scoring three more times. Cass Via scored on a passed ball to score the first run of the inning. Willie Beard (Rutgers) then came in to relieve Kilcrease. That didn't bother Ramirez as he he hit a two run homer to the deepest part of center to make the score 6-0 in favor of the MoonDogs. They would later add two more runs.

The lone Express run came in the seventh. The MoonDogs made a pitching change and put in Zach Calhoon. Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) walked, but then was out at second as Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) reached on a fielder's choice. Pinckard then advanced to second on a ground out to the shortstop by Kyle Holloway (Lynn). Joe Bonfe then hit a sharp ball the third baseman misplayed and the ball got into the outfield allowing Pinckard to score from second. But that was all the scoring the Express could muster for the night.

Robbie Kilcrease got the loss for the Express. He went five and two thirds innings, allowed ten hits, five earned runs, and struck out nine batters. The Express were only able to manage two hits on the night. Joe Bonfe's hit came in the fifth on an infield single, and Ryan O'Sullivan(San Diego State) singled to left in the ninth.

The Express play the MoonDogs again Wednsday, June 25 at 6:35. It will be YMCA night at the ballpark, and there will be free admission to all members of the YMCA.

Express Tame MoonDogs
June 25, 2008 - The Express looked to split the two game series with the North Division's first place Mankato MoonDogs. They did that, and came back again to win 7-5. The win improves the Express to 12-14 on the season.

The MoonDogs struck first in the second inning with a pair of runs. The bases were loaded for Cass Via after an error and a pair of walks. Via hit a chopper toward short, but it hit Kyle Knudson who was at second. The play was ruled dead and Via was awarded first, but the run did not score. That didn't matter much as Michael Rockett singled to left to score two.

The MoonDogs added another run in the fifth. Rockett singled then stole second and advanced to third on a bad throw by catcher Braden Degamo (Yavapai). Cory Harrilchak later singled to drive in Rockett to make the score 3-0 in favor of the MoonDogs.

The Express couldn't score until the seventh, but it was lucky seven for them as they scored seven in the inning. The bases were loaded after an error and back to back hits. Degamo then singled to right to drive in Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State). Landis Ware (Baylor) then doubled to right center to score three and to give the Express the lead. The bases would be loaded again after a walk, a sacrifice bunt, and an intentional walk. Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) then hit a ball to center that got over the center fielder and scored three more to make the score 7-3 in favor of the Express.

In the ninth the MoonDogs tried to mount a comeback. The scored twice on a bases loaded walk by Rockett, and an RBI fielder's choice by Bobby Munoz. But it was too little too late for the MoonDogs as Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) was able to close out the game for the Express.

The Express got a great pitching performance out of starter Chris Odegaard (Mankato State) who earned the win. He went seven innings, allowed four hits, three runs, none of them earned, and struck out six. Brooks Pinckard earned his first save as he came on in the ninth with the bases loaded and one out. He was able to get the Express out of the jam with minimal damage.

The Express play again Thursday, June 26 at Carson Park versus the Green Bay Bullfrogs. It will be OakLeaf Surgical Hospital and Chippewa Valley Orthopedic Sports Medicine Night at the ballpark and the first 550 people through the gates will receive of pack Express trading cards. The game time is slated for 6:35.

Express Lose in Extras to Bullfrogs
June 26, 2008 - The Express came into the night looking to pick up their fifth win of the homestand against the Green Bay Bullfrogs. The Bullfrogs unfortunately took the game in the 13th inning by a score of 4-2. The loss drops the Express to 12-15 on the season.

The Express were the ones to score first as they pushed across a run in the fifth. After a pop up to the catcher and foul out to first, that brought up Robbie Knight (Creighton) with two outs. He came through for the Express as he hit a home run to left. It is his first of the season, and he is the seventh different player to hit a home run for the Express this season.

The Bullfrogs took the lead in the top half of the sixth by scoring a pair of runs. After a walk and a double there were runners on second and third for Jon Karcich. He hit a sacrifice fly to right which advanced the runner to third and scored Dwight Tanaka. After a strikeout, Jaime Hayes singled to right scoring Josh Prince.

The Express answered right back in the bottom half of the inning with a run of their own to tie the game at two. Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) was hit by a pitch, and Kyle Holloway (Lynn) singled to put runners at first and third for Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State). The Express were going to try a squeeze, but the Bullfrogs caught Calhoun stealing to make it two outs. That didn't matter much to O'Sullivan as he doubled over the center fielder's head to score Holloway from first.

Nobody scored for a while after that. The Express had a chance to win it in the ninth with bases loaded and one out, but that they couldn't capitalize as they hit into a fielder's choice and a pop out.

The Bullfrogs were the one to break through in the 13th as they scored another pair. Cameron Satterwhite doubled to score the first run, and later scored on a fielder's choice. Chad Blauer then closed out the game for the Bullfrogs in the bottom half.

The Express got a good outing from starter Ryan Hines (Nebraska-Omaha). He went six innings, allowed two runs, both earned, four hits, and struck out six but couldn't get the run support. Calhoun got the loss as he went two innings, allowed three hits, and two earned runs.

The Express play again Friday, June 27 against the Green Bay Bullfrogs at Carson Park. It will be Group Health Cooperative and Junior Achievement night at the ball park and they will be giving away beach balls. Game time is slated for 6:35, and there will also be the Friday night fish fry at the ball park as well.

Bullfrogs and Express Game Suspended
June 27, 2008 - The Friday night game of the Green Bay Bullfrogs versus the Eau Claire Express was suspended in the third inning. In the bottom half of the inning the skys opened up and forced the game to be delayed. The rain stopped after about 20 minutes but there was so much water in the outfield that the umpires ruled the field to be unplayable. The game was stopped with the score 5-3 in favor of the Express.

The Bullfrogs jumped on the Express early as they scored a run in the first and a pair in the second. But the Express mounted another comeback. Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) homered in the second to drive in two. Landis Ware (Baylor) then tripled and scored on a passed ball to tie the game. They then scored a pair in the third as Kyle Holloway (Lynn) scored on an error and Hopkins drove in another run on a fielder's choice to give the Express the 5-3 lead before the rain started.

As of right now the game is scheduled to be made up on either August tenth or eleventh when the Bullfrogs are back in Eau Claire. Also if you were at the game and had a reserved seat and did not redeem it, you can do so at the Express ticket window or at the main office at 108 East Grand Avenue in downtown Eau Claire. Fans should be aware that they may not be able to get the exact same seat they had during the game.

The Express play again Saturday June 28 at Carson Park versus the Thunder Bay Border Cats. It will be Culver's Night at the ballpark. At the game the Express will be honoring the Eleva-Strum football, basketball, and golf undefeated state championship teams. The championship trophies will also be on display at the stadium. Also there will be certificates for FREE sundaes served in miniature Express helmets given to the first 500 youth in attendance. The game time is slated for 6:35.

Express to Play Twinbill Starting at 5:00
June 28, 2008 - The Saturday night game of the Thunder Bay Border Cats versus the Eau Claire Express was suspended in the top of the fifth inning. The skys opened up yet again and forced the game to be delayed. The rain eventually stopped, but the field was again ruled unplayable as there was standing water on the infield. The game was called with the score 1-0 in favor of the Express.

The Express run came in the second inning. Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) doubled down the left field line to lead off the inning. Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) then laid down the sacrifice bunt that advanced O'Sullivan to third. He would then score on a wild pitch from Border Cats starter Danny Rosenbaum.

The game is scheduled to be made up Sunday, June 29 as part of a double header, which will start a 5:00. The first game will continue from where it was suspended and will go the full nine innings, and the second game will be seven innings. Also if you were at the game and had a reserved seat and did not redeem it, you can do so at the Express ticket window or at the main office at 108 East Grand Avenue in downtown Eau Claire. Fans should be aware that they may not be able to get the exact same seat they had during the game. Fans that purchase a fan deck ticket for the first game will also get admission to the second game.

Express Split Twinbill
June 29, 2008 - After getting rained out for the second straight day, the Express had to play a double header Sunday. The Express ended up winning the first game, which was a continuation of Saturday's game, but they were shut out in the night cap.

The first game was a continuation of the Saturday night game that was rained out. The Express started with a 1-0 lead in the top of the fifth with runners on first and second. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) came into pitch for starter J.D. Reichenbach (Elon), and promptly got Josh Ashenbrenner to ground into a double play. He then got Chris Curley to ground out to finish the inning.

The Express added another run in the seventh. Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) walked and stole second to lead off the inning. After a fly out, he stole third. With the infield drawn in Joe Bonfe (Creighton) singled through the right side to score O'Sullivan.

The Border Cats were able to tie the game at two with a pair in the eighth. With the bases loaded Kole Calhoun was brought in to try to stop the Border Cats. But to his first batter there was a passed ball that scored Curley. After a strikeout, Ryan Terry singled through the left side to tie the game.

The Express answered back in the bottom half to take the lead once again. With one out, Landis Ware (Baylor) popped up in the infield, but the Border Cats let it drop, and Ware was able to advance to second. After a fly out, Pat Colwell (San Diego State) singled to to left center to score Ware. Calhoun then shut the door in the ninth, and earned the win.

In the second game it was all Border Cats. They scored right away in first inning. Mike O'Neill doubled, then moved to third on a single. He then scored on an error by Bonfe at first as he couldn't hold onto the D.J. Mauldin (Cal Poly) pickoff attempt.

The Border Cats added a pair in the third. The bases were loaded for Jon Kelton after three singles. He was able to come through for them as he singled up the middle to make the score 3-0.

The Border Cats would later add another pair of runs in the fourth. Those weren't needed for the Border Cats starter Nate Woods as he spun a gem. He finshed the game throwing a comple game, four hit shutout for the Border Cats.

Mauldin would through a complete game for the Express, but would end up with the loss. The loss drops him to 0-1 on the season. The four hits were by Bonfe, Ware, O'Sullivan, and Kyle Holloway (Lynn). After the double header the Express record now stands at 13-16.

The Express play again Monday, June 30 in La Crosse against the Loggers. The game time is slated to start at 7:05.

Box Score Game #1

Box Score Game #2

Express Chop Down Loggers
June 30, 2008 - After splitting a double header on Sunday, the Express traveled to La Crosse to face the La Crosse Loggers. In a record tying night for Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) the Express defeated the Loggers 8-6 to improve to 14-16.

The Express struck first in the second inning. Kyle Holloway (Lynn) fouled out to right field to lead off the inning. That brought up Joe Bonfe (Creighton). He promptly unloaded on a pitch from Loggers starter Chris Sale and sent it over the left center wall to make the score 1-0 in favor of the Express.

The Express added three more in the third. Landis Ware (Baylor) walked and Robbie Knight (Creighton) was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. Calhoun then stepped up and homered to right field to score three. The home run is his second of the season and the eighth of his Express career. The home run also tied him with Jacob Priday for first all time in Express history for home runs.

The Loggers were able to push a run across in the bottom half to make the score 4-1. Randy Rundgren reached and advanced to second on an error. He later scored after two more consecutive errors.

The Express opened up the game in the game in the seventh by scoring four runs. Pat Colwell (San Diego State) scored on a Calhoun single, but Calhoun was out trying to reach second. After a single and a hit by pitch Braden Degamo (Yavapai) double down the left field line to plate a pair. He then moved to third on a wild pitch and then scored when the throw down to third got away giving the Express the 8-1 lead.

The Loggers tried to make a comeback in the bottom half. Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) came into pitch for Robbie Kilcrease (Texas Tech). He walked the first two batters he saw, and then gave up a home run to Chris Elder. Derek Melton walked, and then advanced to second on an error and third on a ground out. Justin Toole then singled driving him in. Toole stole second, then later scored on a single by Brent Hottman. But that was all they managed for the rest of the game.

Calhoun closed out the ball game in the ninth. The save was his fifth of the year and the 19th of his Express career. That too tied the record for most saves in Express history with Nick Fellman. Robbie Kilcrease got the win for the Express as he went six innings allowing no earned runs, seven hits, and striking out four batters.

The Express play again on Tuesday, July 1 at 6:35 against the La Crosse Loggers, at Carson Park. It will be State Farm Insurance Night at the ballpark and the first 400 fans through the gates will receive a free hat.

Express Get Sweep of Loggers
July 1, 2008 - The Express traveled back to Eau Claire looking to pick up the sweep of the La Crosse Loggers. They did just that as they shut them out 3-0 to improve to 15-16 on the season.

The Express struck in the fourth inning with their first run. Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. After a fly out, he advanced to second on a wild pitch. Kyle Holloway (Lynn) then singled through the left side and advanced Calhoun to third. After another fly out, Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) singled to right to score Calhoun from third.

The Express added to their lead with a pair in the eighth. Erik Knutson (Yavapai) and Calhoun each singled to put runners on first and second. Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) then laid down the sacrifice bunt to advance the runners to second and third. After a strikeout, Joe Bonfe (Creighton) stepped up to the plate. He came through for the Express once again as he doubled to right center to plate a pair of insurance runs.

The Express hardly needed those extra runs, as Calhoun closed out the game again for the Express. He picked up his sixth save of the season on his third straight day of work. The save was also his 20th of his Express career and it is now a new franchise record. The previous record was held by Nick Fellman.

Calhoun wasn't the only Express player to have a good night. Chris Odegaard (Mankato State) was spectacular on the mound. He went seven and two thirds innings, allowed no runs, five hits, three walks, and struck out seven. The win improves him to 4-1 on the season. Odegaard is currently one of the top ten pitchers in the Northwoods League and is also in top five in the league in strikeouts.

The Express play again Wednesday, July 2 in Green Bay against the Bullfrogs. Game time is slated for 7:05.

July 4th Information
July 2, 2008 - The Express will be playing on July 4 for the fourth consecutive year. This year the game will be sponsored by MainStreet Capital Management, and they will be giving away 25 $20 gas cards to Kwik trip during the game. The gas cards will be given out every half inning. The Express will also still be having their Friday fish fry during the game as well. And of course following the game there will be a fireworks show.

The game time is scheduled for 6:05 and the gates will be opening at 4:30. The fan deck will be opening at 5:00, and fans who have fan deck tickets are urged to be there early as there is a limited number of fans allowed on the deck, and it will be first-come, first-serve.

If you have not gotten a ticket and would like to do so, you can purchase tickets at the Express ticket window game day. If you would like to get them a little earlier you can also purchase them at the main office at 108 East Grand Avenue in downtown Eau Claire.

For more information check back tomorrow on July 3.

Express and Bullfrogs Rained Out
July 2, 2008 - After sweeping the Loggers, the Express traveled to Green Bay looking to finish the first half on a high note. But they will have to wait a day to do so. The game was cancelled due to rain before it started. The two teams will play two seven inning games on Thursday July 3. The first game is scheduled to start at 6:05, with the second one to follow after a short intermission.

Express Swept in Twinbill by Bullfrogs
July 3, 2008 - The Express and the Bullfrogs played two seven inning games Thursday night, as their game Wednesday night was rained out. Unfortunately the Express couldn't get much going with the bats as they were swept 5-2, and 4-0.

In the first game the Bullfrogs struck early as they scored a pair in the first. Josh Prince singled after a lead off strikeout, and later stole second. After a ground out to short, Nick O'Shea hit a two run homer to left to give the Bullfrogs the lead.

The Express were able to push acorss a run in the fourth. The Express had the bases loaded after three consecutive singles to lead off the inning. After a strikeout, Joe Bonfe (Creighton) grounded out to to second, but it was enough to score Robbie Knight (Creighton) from third.

The Bullfrogs added three more in the fifth inning. After two singles to lead off the inning, Austin Holt singled to drive in the first run. After a groundout, Josh Prince doubled to score a pair. He was later out trying to swipe third.

The Express added another run in the sixth. Knight singled and moved to second on a walk by Erik Knutson (Yavapai). Knight then stole third, and the catcher's throw got away allowing Knight to score for the second time.

That was all the Express could manage for the rest of the game. Ryan Hines (Nebraska-Omaha) went the distace, but earned the loss as he gave up seven hits, five earned runs, and struck out three.

In the second game it was all about the Bullfrogs Jamison Dunn as they shut out the Express 4-0. He went six innings, allowed no runs, only two hits, one walk, and struck out five. The lone Express hits in the game came by a Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) single in the third and a Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) double in the fourth.

Kyle Mackey (Baylor) got the loss for the Express. He went four and a third innings, allowed seven hits, four runs, two earned, and struck out two. Ryan Otto (Edmonds CC) finished out the game and didn't allow a hit or a run.

The Express play again July 4 back home at Carson Park versus the St. Cloud River Bats. It will be MainStreet Capital Management night at the ballpark, and the game will be followed by fireworks.

Express Shut Out by River Bats
July 4, 2008 - After getting swept in Green Bay Thursday night the Express came home to a crowd of 5,462 for the fourth of July. Unfortunately the Express couldn't get the win as they were shutout for the second consecutive game as the St. Cloud River Bats won 4-0.

The River Bats struck early as they scored a run in the first. With two outs, Derek McCallum walked and Kevin Johnson singled to put runners on first and second. Brian Hernandez then singled up the middle to score McCallum.

The River Bats added to their lead with a pair in the fifth. Mark Canha led off the inning with a triple to right center. He then scored on a single to left by the designated hitter Dan Betteridge. Betteridge then stole second and scored on a single to right field by McCallum. The River Bats would also add a run in the eighth on a single to center.

Ryan Sheldon kept the Express off balance all night as he earned his fifth win of the season. He went eight innings, allowed no runs, scattered six hits, walked only one, and struck out eight. He mixed well all night as his fastball topped out at 83 miles per hour with his curveball dipping under 70.

J.D. Reichenbach (Elon) got the loss for the Express. He went four and two thirds innings, allowed three earned runs, eight hits, and three walks. A bright spot for the Express was the relief of Drew Kendrick (New Mexico). He threw three and a third innings, allowed only one earned run, and two hits. He didn't walk a single batter and he also struck out four, including the first three he faced.

The Express play again Saturday, July 5 at Carson Park versus the River Bats again. The game time is slated for 6:35 and it will be Famous Dave's Night at the ballpark. They will be giving meal coupons to all in attendance.

River Bats Come Back In Ninth To Win
July 5, 2008 - After dropping the first game of the second half the Express came into Saturday night's game with a split on their mind. They had the chance to do so, but gave up three runs to the River Bats in the ninth inning and lost 6-4.

The Express struck first by scoring three runs in the first. Robbie Knight (Creighton) singled with a bunt up the third base line, and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) then reached on a fielding error by the River Bats third baseman, but Knight had to stay put at second as the ball didn't get far. Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) walked after that to load the bases. Cameron Wheeless (McLennon CC) then popped up on a full count in the infield, but the pitcher and first baseman let it drop. With the runners moving on the pitch all three were able to cross the plate to give the Express the early 3-0 lead.

The Express added to their lead with a run in the third. Landis Ware (Baylor) got on with an infield single, and then moved to second after Calhoun worked a walk. Joe Bonfe (Creighton) then grounded out to short, but moved the runners up a base. Lee then flew out to center, and it was deep enough to score Ware from third.

The River Bats started to mount their comeback with a run in the fourth. Matt Fanelli reached on a fielding error by Bonfe at first, then beat the throw to second on a ground ball to short. That put runners on first and second for Niko Gallego. He singled to drive in Fanelli.

The River Bats drew closer in the seventh by scoring a pair. The River Bats had runners on first and second with no outs after back to back singles. Kevin Johnson flew out to center, but Dan Betteridge tagged up and moved to third. He then scored on a wild pitch that would also advance Derek McCallum to second. He would then score on a single by Preston Hale.

In the ninth inning the Express brought in Calhoun to close the door, but the River Bats got the best of him as they scored three. There were runners on second and third after two singles and a sacrifice bunt. Hale then flew out to left, but it was enough to score McCallum from third. Fanelli singled to plate another run, and Adam Weisenburger doubled to right center to give the River Bats the 6-4 lead.

That was all the River Bats would need as Xavier Esquivel closed out the game. The Express had a chance to score with runners on second and third with only one out, but Ware popped up and Calhoun grounded out.

Calhoun earned the loss for the Express as he went one inning, and allowed three earned runs on four hits. D.J. Mauldin (Cal Poly) gave the Express a much needed quality start as he went seven innings, gave up three runs, two earned, scattered nine hits, and struck out eight.

The Express play again Monday night in Brainerd against the Blue Thunder. Game time is scheduled for 6:35.

Twins Night
July 7, 2008 - Wednesday, July 9 is Twins Night sponsored by Woods and Water Realty at Carson Park. The Express will be playing the La Crosse Loggers that night with the game time scheduled for 6:35. This year's featured player is Tony Oliva and he will be signing autographs on the third base side before the game. He will also be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. The Twins will be giving away a players poster as well as a schedule poster before the game. TC Bear and the Twins organ player, Sue Nelson, will be on hand for the game as well.

Express Steamrolled Late by Blue Thunder
July 8, 2008 - After beating the Brainerd Blue Thunder Monday night, the Express looked to sweep them. But the Blue Thunder got a rally going late as they beat the Express 9-8.

The Express struck first as they scored a run in the second. With two outs Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) singled to left. He then moved to third as Landis Ware (Baylor) reached on an error by the Blue Thunder shortstop. Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) then singled through the left side to score O'Sullivan.

The Blue Thunder answered in the bottom half as they plated a pair. Curtis Restko singled up the middle to score Jared McDonald. Nick DeBiasse, who reached on a fielder's choice, would later score on an error by Express catcher Dominic Piazza (Yavapai).

The Express took the lead back by putting up three runs in the third. Robbie Knight (Creighton) walked, and then later scored on a double by Joe Bonfe (Creighton). Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) reached on an error by the shortstop and Joe Bonfe scored on the play. Lee would then steal second, and move to third on an error by the catcher. Piazza would then drive him in on a groundout to second.

The Express added to their lead with another three run outburst in the sixth. With the bases loaded, Knight hit a sacrifice fly to center to score Ware. Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) then doubled to right center to score Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) and Hopkins.

In the seventh inning the Express replaced starter Chris Odegaard (Mankato-State) with Drew Leary (Southern Nevada JC). The outing was not a good one for Leary as he only went a third of an inning giving up six hits and six runs, five of which were earned. The Express would bring in Ryan Otto (Edmonds CC) to finish out the game and he would not allow a run or hit.

The Express would add a run in the eighth on a Joe Bonfe single that scored Knight. But that was all they could manage as they lost 9-8. The loss drops the Express to 1-3 in the second half. The win for the Blue Thunder snaps their five game losing streak and improves them to 1-4.

The Express play again Wednesday, July 9 back home at Carson Park. It will be Twins Night sponsored by Woods and Water Realty. Show up early and get an autograph from Twins legend Tony Oliva, and see TC Bear the Twins mascot. The game time is scheduled for 6:35.

Loggers Stump Express
July 9, 2008 - The Express looked to get back on track after a loss to Brainerd Tuesday night. But the Loggers got the best of them as they came back to win 8-4.

The Express struck first as they scored three times in the first inning. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) led off the inning with a bunt single toward second base, and then stole second shortly after. Landis Ware (Baylor) reached on another infield single in the third base hole. After a strikeout, Joe Bonfe (Creighton) came up and hit a bomb to deep left field onto the football field to give the Express the early 3-0 lead.

The Loggers answered right back with a pair in the second. With one out Gunner Glad walked. That brought up Steve Tinoco who deposited the Ryan Hines (Nebraska-Omaha) pitch onto the football field in left to make the score 3-2.

The Loggers would then take the lead in the third inning. With two outs Cory Vaughn hit a homer to left center to tie the game. Wade Gaynor singled and Glad walked once again to put runners on first and second for Tinoco. He came through in a big way again as he homered to left center for his second of the game.

The Express would draw closer with a run in the bottom half of the third. Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) was hit by a pitch and Bonfe singled through the left side to put runners on first and second. Kyle Holloway (Lynn) then hit a grounder to short in which Bonfe was out, but the throw to first was offline which allowed Calhoun to score from third.

That was all the Express could manage for the rest of the game. The Loggers would go on to add a run in the fifth on an error, and another run in the seventh on a Glad single up the middle that scored Derek Helenihi.

Hines would get the loss for the Express. He went just three innings, and allowed six earned runs on six hits. A bright spot was the relief of Drew Kendrick (New Mexico) once again. He went four innings, allowed just one hit, and no earned runs.

The Express play again Thursday, July 10 in La Crosse against the Loggers. The game time is scheduled for 7:05.

Express Knock Down Loggers
July 10, 2008 - Having dropped their last two games the Express traveled to La Crosse for the second game of their series. The Express broke the streak as they beat the Loggers 6-2 to improve to 2-4 in the second half.

The Express struck early as they scored three runs in the first inning. The bases were loaded with no outs after a Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) bunt single, a Robbie Knight (Creighton) walk, and a Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) single to right center. After a Joe Bonfe (Creighton) strikeout, Pinckard stole home with Knight and Calhoun each moving up a base. Kyle Holloway (Lynn) then singled to drive in Knight, and Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) grounded out to third scoring Calhoun in the process to make the score 3-0.

The Express added to their lead with a run in the third inning. With one out Calhoun struck out, however the Loggers catcher dropped it allowing Calhoun to reach second base. Bonfe would then walk, and Holloway singled to right field to load the bases once again. Lee would then hit a sacrifice fly to right to score Calhoun from third.

The Express added another run in the seventh inning. Landis Ware (Baylor) walked, but would later be out on a fielder's choice that allowed Pinckard to reach first base. Pinckard would then steal second shortly after, and advance to third on a groundout to the pitcher by Knight. Pinckard then scored on a wild pitch to make the score 5-0 in favor of the Express.

The Loggers finally scored with a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Chris Elder walked and Steve Tinoco singled to left field with one out to put runners on first and second. After a B.J. Guinn strikeout, Justin Toole doubled to score both Elder and Tinoco.

The Express would go on to add a run in the eighth on a Braden Degamo (Yavapai) single that scored Lee. It wouldn't be needed as the Loggers couldn't manage to score another run.

Wade Mackey (Baylor) got the win for the Express as he went seven innings, allowed two runs on six hits, and struck out six. The win improves Mackey to 2-1 on the season. Ryan Otto finished out the game for the Express as he allowed no runs and just one hit.

The Express play again Friday, July 11 back home at Carson Park against the Brainerd Blue Thunder. It will be RCU "Turn Back the Clock Night" at the ballpark as the Express will pay tribute to Eau Claire baseball history by wearing replica 1952 Eau Claire Bear jerseys. The game time is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Express Tame Blue Thunder
July 11, 2008 - It was RCU "Turn Back the Clock Night" at the ballpark as the Express wore 1952 replica Eau Claire Bear jerseys to honor Eau Claire baseball history. They did the jerseys justice as they defeated the Brainerd Blue Thunder 8-2 Friday night.

The Express struck first as they plated a pair of runs in the first inning. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) tripled down the right field line to lead off the inning. Robbie Knight (Creighton) then doubled to left center scoring Pinckard. Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) grounded out to second advancing Knight to third, who would later score on a Joe Bonfe (Creighton) single to center.

The Express added to their lead with three runs in the fourth inning. Kyle Holloway (Lynn) doubled to center field to lead off the inning. After a ground out to third by Ryan Lee (Cal Poly), Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) singled to right center scoring Holloway from second. Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) then came up and homered to left field to make the score 5-0 in favor of the Express.

The Blue Thunder got on the board with a run in the sixth inning. There were runners on first and second with no outs after back-to-back singles by Mitch Caster and Trey Lucas. Nick DeBiasse reached on a fielder's choice, but Caster was out at third on the play. After a fly out to center by Michael Gedman, Codi Harshman singled to left center scoring Lucas. The Blue Thunder would go on to add one more run in the eighth on a DeBiasse home run to left center.

The Express tacked on three more runs in the bottom of the eighth to put the game virtually out of reach. The bases were loaded for Calhoun after two walks and a fielding error by the Blue Thunder pitcher. Calhoun hit a ground ball to the second baseman in which Knight was out at second, but the throw to first from the shortstop for the double play sailed high allowing Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) to score behind Hopkins. Calhoun would also advance to third on the play. Bonfe then singled through the left side scoring Calhoun.

J.D. Reichenbach (Elon) earned his first win with the Express as he went six innings, allowed just one run on seven hits, and struck out four. Patrick Lenton (Mankato-State) earned a save as he finished out the game throwing one and a third innings. He allowed no runs, one hit, and struck out three.

The Express play again Saturday, July 12 at Carson Park against the Blue Thunder again. It will be United Steel Workers Night at the ball park and they will be giving away cups and balls. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m.

Express Sweep Blue Thunder
July 12, 2008 - The Express wore the throwback jerseys once again as they looked for the sweep of the Brainerd Blue Thunder. They got the sweep as they defeated the Blue Thunder 5-3 to improve to 4-4 in the second half.

The Express struck early again as they scored a run in the first inning. After back-to-back walks by Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) and Robbie Knight (Creighton), Kole Calhoun flew out to center. However, Pinckard tagged up and advanced to third base. Joe Bonfe (Creighton) would then ground into a fielder's choice in which Knight would be out at second, but Pinckard would score on the play.

The Blue Thunder tied the game up as they got on the board with a run in the second inning. There were runners on second and third for Kyle Sisney after a single to right field by Nick DeBiasse and an error that allowed Curtis Restko to reach. Sisney then grounded out to second scoring DeBiasse from third.

The Express took the lead again by plating a pair of runs in the third inning. Bonfe walked with one out, and Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) reached on a fielding error by the Blue Thunder shortstop. Dominic Piazza (Yavapai) then grounded out to the first baseman, but Bonfe and Lee each advanced a base. After a walk by Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) to load the bases, Braden Degamo (Yavapai) singled to score Bonfe and Lee.

The Blue Thunder closed the gap with a run in the top half of the fifth inning. Devon Ramirez led off with a walk, the stole second base. He then scored on a throwing error by Express pitcher D.J. Mauldin (Cal Poly) as Jared McDonald laid down a bunt.

The Express took their two run lead back with a run of their own in the bottom half of the fifth inning. Bonfe led off with a walk and stole second base as well. He then advanced to third on a single down the right field line by Lee. Piazza then grounded out to the first baseman, but it was enough for Bonfe to score.

Each team would go on to add a run in the seventh. McDonald homered down the right field line for Brainerd, and Lee scored on an error by the shortstop on a ball hit by Degamo. That was it for both teams as neither team could plate another run.

D.J. Mauldin gave the Express a great start as he earned his first win of the season. He went seven innings, allowed six hits, three runs, two of which were earned, and struck out seven. Kole Calhoun closed out the game for the Express as he earned his seventh save of the season. He threw a perfect inning as he struck out all three batters he faced.

The Express don't play again until Wednesday, July 16 in Waterloo against the Bucks. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Express Drop the Bucks
July 16, 2008 - With the all star break over the Express traveled to Waterloo to take on the Bucks. The Express took the first game of their two game series by a score of 4-1 to improve to 5-4 in the second half. The loss drops the Bucks to 3-6.

The Express struck first as they plated a pair of runs in the first inning. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) and Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) each walked to lead off the game. After a Kole Calhoun (Yavapai) strikeout, they stole second and third. Joe Bonfe (Creighton) continued his hot streak as he then doubled down the left field line driving in the pair to give the Express the early 2-0 lead.

The Express added to their lead with another run in the fourth inning. Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) walked with one out, then stole second. Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) then singled driving in O'Sullivan to make the score 3-0.

The Bucks got on the board with a run in the bottom half of the fourth inning. With one out Ryan Goins singled to right field. The Bucks then walked three straight times forcing in Goins from third for the only Bucks run of the game.

The Express would go on to add an insurance run in the ninth inning. Braden Degamo (Yavapai) reached first and advanced to second on an error by the Bucks shortstop. Landis Ware (Baylor) then singled to center field to score Degamo.

Robbie Kilcrease (Texas Tech) worked a gem for the Express as he earned the win to improve to 4-2 on the season. He went seven innings and allowed just one run on three hits. He walked five Bucks and struck out eight. Ryan Otto (Edmonds CC) threw a scoreless eighth inning striking out three, and Calhoun closed the door in the ninth picking up his eighth save of the season.

Cam Nobles may have gotten the loss, but he pitched very well for the Bucks. He went six innings and allowed three runs on five hits. He walked three batters and struck out thirteen Express batters. Chris Pack finished out the game for the Bucks going three innings and allowed one unearned run and three hits.

The Express play again Thursday, July 17 in Waterloo against the Bucks again. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Express and Bucks Rained Out
July 17, 2008 - With the Express having won four in a row they looked for their second straight sweep in Waterloo against the Bucks. But they will have to wait as the second game of the series was rained out. The game will be made up on Monday, July 28 as part of a double header when the Express travel back to Waterloo. The two teams will play two seven inning ball games with the first starting at 6:05 and the second will follow after a short break.

The Express play again on Friday, July 18 back home at Carson Park against the Waterloo Bucks.

Express Win Fifth Straight
July 18, 2008 - The Express came into Friday night's game having won four in a row. They extended that streak as they defeated the Waterloo Bucks by a score of 9-3. The win improves the Express to 6-4 in the second half and the loss drops the Bucks to 3-7.

The Express got on the board first as they scored a run in the first. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) led off with a bunt single and Robbie Knight (Creighton) walked to put runners on first and second. Kyle Holloway (Lynn) then gave himself up as he bunted to advance the runners a base. Joe Bonfe (Creighton) continued his hot ways as he picked up another RBI by grounding out to third and scoring Pinckard.

The Express added to their lead with a pair of runs in the third inning. Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) led off the inning with an infield single and then advanced to third on a wild pitch and a ground out by Pinckard. Knight then singled to right center to score Fadness. Knight then moved around to third on a pickoff attempt that got away from the first baseman. Bonfe came through again as he then doubled down the left field line to score Knight.

The Bucks tied the game in the sixth inning as they scored three times. The bases were loaded after a double to right center by Steve Irvine and back-to-back walks by James and Zach Jones. Bryan Resnick then singled driving in Irvine and James Jones while advancing Zach Jones to third. Mike Giller singled to then drive in Zach Jones.

The Express answered right back in the bottom half of the sixth inning as they had a three run outburst of their own. With two out Cameron Wheeless (McLennan CC) walked and Landis Ware (Baylor) singled through the left side to put runners on first and second. Nolan Fadness then doubled down the left field line scoring Wheeless. Pinckard then reached on an infield single scoring Ware. The throw to get Pinckard at first was offline and allowed Fadness to score from second unearned.

The Express would go on to add a pair of runs in the seventh inning as Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) doubled down the left field line to score Bonfe and Holloway. They also added one more in the eighth inning on a throwing error to first that allowed Fadness to score once again.

Chris Odegaard (Minnesota-Mankato) picked up his fifth win of the season for the Express. He went seven innings and allowed three earned runs on eight hits. He would also strike out five batters.

The Express play again Saturday, July 19 at Carson Park against the Waterloo Bucks once again. Game time is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Express and Bucks Rained Out Again
July 19, 2008 - The Express came into Saturday night's game looking to set a franchise record for consecutive games won. But they will have to wait a night as their game against the Bucks was rained out. The skys opened up around 5:30 and never let up. The field was unplayable, so they called it. The Express and Bucks will make up the game on July 29 as part of a doubleheader in Waterloo, and they will be playing two seven inning games.

If you were at the game and had a reserved seat and did not redeem it, you can do so at the Express ticket window or at the main office at 108 East Grand Avenue in downtown Eau Claire. Fans should be aware that they may not be able to get the exact same seat they had during the game.

The Express play again on Sunday, July 20 in Green Bay against the Bullfrogs. The game time is scheduled for 5:05 p.m.

Bullfrogs Swallow Up Express
July 20, 2008 - The Express traveled to Green Bay to see if they could set a new franchise record for consecutive wins at six. But it didn't go to plan as the Bullfrogs were paced by a nine run fifth inning that downed the Express as they lost 9-7. The loss drops the Express to 6-5 and improves the Bullfrogs to 7-6.

The Express got on the board early as they scored a pair of runs in the second inning. Joe Bonfe (Creighton) led off with a single to left field. That brought up Kyle Holloway (Lynn) who unloaded on a pitch from Bullfrogs pitcher Tim Jolly sending it over the wall in left field to make the score 2-0 in favor of the Express.

The Express were able to add two more runs in the fourth inning. Bonfe singled to center and Holloway walked to put runners on first and second. Dominic Piazza (Yavapai) then laid down a sacrifice bunt advancing them a base. Holloway then advanced to third and Bonfe scored on a wild pitch. After a Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) strikeout, Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) walked to lead the bases. Nolan Fadness then singled to right field scoring Holloway.

The Express added to their lead with a run in the fifth inning. Robbie Knight (Creighton) doubled down the left field line then moved to third on a ground out to first by Kole Calhoun (Yavapai). Joe Bonfe then hit a sacrifice fly to center scoring Knight to give the Express a 5-0 lead.

The Bullfrogs finally got on the board with a nine run outburst in the bottom half of the fifth inning. With the bases loaded Austin Holt singled to center to score a pair of runs. He would also get up again in the inning and single down the right field line for another RBI. With the bases loaded again Drew Kendrick (New Mexico) would replace starter Evan Ellison (Lynn). He wouldn't fare much better as he would give up three runs in only a third of an inning, and be replaced in the inning by Patrick Lenton (Minnesota-Mankato). He would ultimately end up with the loss. Another key hit in the inning was by Cameron Satterwhite as he would double to left field to score another pair of runs.

The Express didn't give up as they would score a run in the eighth and ninth innings, but they came up a couple runs short. O'Sullivan singled through the left side to score Braden Degamo (Yavapai) would pinch hit for Holloway in the eighth inning. In the ninth Bonfe singled up the middle to score Calhoun. That RBI for Bonfe was his 32nd of the year and set a new franchise record for RBI's in a single season. That record was previously held by Mark Hallberg.

The Express play again Monday, July 21 in Green Bay against the Bullfrogs again. The game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Express Swept by Bullfrogs
July 21, 2008 - Having lost the first game of the series, the Express looked to get back on track. But the Bullfrogs had other ideas, as they defeated the Express by a score of 4-2. The loss drops the Express to 6-6 in the second half while the win for the Bullfrogs improves them to 8-6.

The game was delayed by rain for about two hours and did not get started until around 9:00 p.m. The Bullfrogs were the ones to get on the board first as they scored a run in the third inning. Josh Prince walked with one out, then stole second base. After a pop out by Brian Pearl, Cameron Satterwhite singled up the middle scoring Prince.

The Express tied the game back up with a run of their own in the fifth inning. Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) singled through the left side and moved to second on a ground out by Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State). Braden Degamo (Yavapai) then singled to right field, but the right fielder misplayed the ball allowing Lee to score unearned.

The Express took the lead as they scored a run in the seventh inning. Kyle Holloway (Lynn) singled and then moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Lee. O'Sullivan then singled through the left side advancing Holloway to third. After O'Sullivan was out at second trying to steal, Degamo came through as he singled up the middle scoring Holloway.

The Bullfrogs came right back in the bottom half of the seventh as they tied the game up with their own run. Rocky Gale doubled down the left field line then moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Austin Holt. Ryan Cavan then singled down the left field line scoring Gale.

The Bullfrogs took the lead in the eighth inning as they plated a pair of runs. The bases were loaded for pinch hitter Nick O'Shea with one out after a pair of walks and a single. O'Shea gave the Bullfrogs the lead as he singled through the left side scoring Pearl. The Bullfrogs added an insurance run on a sacrifice fly by Gale that scored Satterwhite.

The loss went to Ryan Otto (Edmonds CC) in relief. He went two and two thirds inning giving up three earned runs on three hits. Drew Leary (Southern Nevada JC) started the game and went four and two thirds innings giving up one earned run on four hits.

The Express play again Tuesday, July 22 back home at Carson Park against the Madison Mallards. It will be Prestige Auto night at the ballpark and the game time is 6:35 p.m.

Corbin Named NWL Executive of the Year
Rochester, MN- The Northwoods League announced that Dan Corbin, General Manager of the Waterloo Bucks, has been named 2008 NWL Executive of the Year. The award, which was decided by a vote of team officials at the League's annual fall meetings last week in Alexandria, MN, is given annually to the League's outstanding executive.

Corbin has been with the Bucks for seven seasons including the past three as GM. This summer he and the Bucks staff persevered through one of the most difficult challenges to ever a face a Northwoods League franchise. The Bucks were homeless for over a month when Waterloo’s Riverfront Stadium was flooded and left heavily damaged due to the devastating floods of Iowa’s Cedar River in mid-June.

“I’m personally pleased for Dan, in that, his peers recognized his professionalism in a very adverse situation in 2008,” said Northwoods League President Dick Radatz, Jr. “He is certainly worthy of this award having been a good operator for many years.”

The Bucks were scheduled to play 16 home games, nearly half of their 34-game home schedule, in the 33 days they weren’t able to play at Riverfront Stadium. Of the 16 displaced scheduled contests, two were cancelled, eight were played at the opposing team’s venue, and six were held at a Waterloo area high school field. The Bucks returned to Riverfront on July 11th and played in front of 4,541 fans, the fourth largest crowd in the club’s 14-year history. In their remaining 12 home games the Bucks entertained crowds of over 2,000 five different times.

"I am sincerely flattered to receive this award from the Northwoods League after a season that no one will soon forget," said Corbin. "This honor reflects the hard work of the entire Waterloo Bucks organization including Assistant General Manager Charlie Boeckenheuer. Everybody affiliated with Bucks Baseball had a part in this and I'm proud to accept it on behalf of the team."

The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The Northwoods League completed its 15th season of play in August.

Express Shoot Down Mallards
July 22, 2008 - Having been swept in Green Bay by the Bullfrogs the Express looked to get back on track with a win back home against the Madison Mallards. They did just that as they defeated the Mallards by a score of 8-2. The win improves the Express to 7-6 in the second half while the loss drops the Mallards to 7-9.

The Express were the ones to get on the board first as they scored a run in the third inning. Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) singled toward shortstop, but would later be out at second as Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) reached on a fielder's choice. The Mallards pitcher, Kyle Heim, tried to pick off Pinckard, but the throw to first was offline and went into the outfield. Pinckard would come all the way around and score as the Mallards couldn't get to the ball quick enough.

The Express widened their lead as they scored three times in the fifth inning. Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) and Fadness each singled to lead off the inning for the Express. Brooks Pinckard would then come up, and on the first pitch he put the ball over the wall in right field and onto the fan deck. The home run is the first for Pinckard this season.

The Express stretched their lead to five with another run in the sixth inning. With one out Landis Ware (Baylor) doubled down the left field line and advanced to third as the left fielder's throw to second got away. Ware would then score on a wild pitch from Mallards reliever Brant Combs.

The Mallards got on the board with a pair of runs in the eighth inning. Brandon Wikoff was with by a pitch to lead off the inning, then scored on a triple to right center by Aaron Bray. Rob Lyerly would then ground out to short, but it was enough to score Bray from third.

The Express would go on to add three insurance runs in the bottom half of the eighth. Hopkins singled up the middle to score Braden Degamo (Yavapai) for the first run. Later Robbie Knight (Creighton) would walk with the bases loaded to score another run. After a Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) strikeout, Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) was hit by a pitch to score the last run.

D.J. Mauldin (Cal Poly) was dealing for the Express as he picked up his second win of the season. He went seven innings, allowed no runs, and only gave up two hits. Willie Beard (Rutgers) would replace Mauldin in the eighth inning. He threw the final two innings and gave up two runs on one hit.

The Express play again Wednesday, July 23 at Carson Park against the Mallards again. It will be Thrivent Financial Night at the ballpark and the first 700 fans will receive a free tote bag. The game time is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Express Pick Up Sweep Of Mallards
July 23, 2008 - The Express beat the Mallards in the first game of their series Tuesday night, and looked to pick up the sweep on Wednesday night. They scored six times in the eighth inning to come back and beat the Mallards 7-5. The win improves the Express to 8-6 in the second half and draws them within a half game of the South Division lead.

The Mallards were the ones to strike first as they scored a run in the first inning. With two outs Rob Lyerly singled to center field and Luke Stewart walked to put runners on first and second. Trent Soares then singled up the middle scoring Lyerly.

The Express tied up the game with a run in the second inning. Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) walked and then stole second base. He then advanced to third on a ground out to third by Dominic Piazza (Yavapai). Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) then came through as he singled through the left side scoring Lee.

The Mallards took the lead back as they scored four runs in the third inning. The bases were loaded after three straight walks issued by Express starter J.D. Reichenbach (Elon). Soares then singled to right field scoring Gosselin. The Express then brought in Jeremy Rubens (UW-Oshkosh). He would then give up a base hit to Joe Bonadonna scoring Lyerly. After Rubens struck out Aaron Bray, he then gave up a double down the right field line scoring Stewart and Soares.

The Express had only one hit going into the eighth inning, but that changed quickly as they scored six times to take the lead. The bases were loaded after a pair of walks and an O'Sullivan single. Piazza would then score on a wild pitch with the other two each moving up a base. Eau Claire native, Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh), then came through with a single to center scoring Cameron Wheeless (McLennan CC) and O'Sullivan. After a Brooks Pinckard (Baylor)single, Robbie Knight (Creighton) would reach first on a fielder's choice with Pinckard out at second and Fadness advancing to third. With two strikes on him, Kyle Holloway (Lynn) doubled down the right field line scoring both Fadness and Knight and giving the Express the lead. They would also add an insurance run as Lee singled up the middle scoring Holloway.

Drew Kendrick (New Mexico) closed out the game for the Express as he pitched a perfect ninth inning earning his first save. Patrick Lenton (Minnesota-Mankato) earned the win as he went three innings and gave up no runs, two hits, and struck out five.

The Express play again Thursday, July 24 at Carson Park against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. The game time is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Video Streaming Unavailable
Eau Claire, Wis. - July 24, 2008 - Due to local technical dificulties with Charter Media, the Eau Claire Express contest versus the Wisconsin Woodchucks will be unavailble to view at www.northwoodsleague.com. The streaming audio is still available from our website in the left column from the home page.

Express Walk-Off With Win Vs. Woodchucks
July 24, 2008 - After sweeping the Mallards the Express turned their sights to the Wisconsin Woodchucks and first place in the South Division. The Express picked up the win as they scored a pair of runs in the ninth inning to pick up the walk-off victory. The win improves the Express to 9-6 in the second half and propels them into first place.

The Woodchucks were the ones to score first as they scored a pair of runs in the first inning. There were runners on first and second after back-to-back walks to lead off the inning by Jeff Cowan and Chris Wade. Brent Weaver then doubled to left center scoring Cowan. Wade would later score on a fielder's choice by Jonathan Kaskow.

The Express tied the game back up with a pair of runs of their own in the second inning. With two outs Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) walked, and Braden Degamo (Yavapai) singled and advanced to second with O'Sullivan moving to third on an error by the center fielder. Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) then doubled off the wall in left field scoring O'Sullivan and Degamo.

The Woodchucks took the lead back with another pair of runs in the third inning. Troy Frazier led off the inning with a walk, then stole second and advanced to third as the throw down went into center field. After a walk by Kaskow, Terrance Jackson drove in Frazier on a sacrifice fly to left field. After a ground out and walk, Carson Vitale singled to left scoring Kaskow. The Woodchucks would also add two more runs in the fourth inning to give them the 6-2 lead.

The Express drew closer with two runs in the bottom half of the fourth inning. Dominic Piazza (Yavapai) singled and O'Sullivan walked to put runners on first and second. After a wild pitch that allowed the runners to each move up a base, Hopkins singled scoring Piazza from third. After a pitching change, Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) plated O'Sullivan with a sacrifice fly to right. The Express also added a run in the seventh inning as Fadness scored from third as the catcher's throw back to the pitcher got away. The run drew the Express to within one run of the Woodchucks.

After Drew Kendrick (New Mexico) pitched a perfect ninth inning, the Express scored twice in the bottom half for the win. With one out Fadness and Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) each walked. Robbie Knight (Creighton) then singled up the middle scoring Fadness to tie the game at six. With the infield drawn in, Kyle Holloway (Lynn) singled up the middle scoring Pinckard from second to give the Express the win. The hit by Holloway was the second straight night that he gave the Express the win.

Kendrick may have picked up the win, but it was Ryan Otto (Edmonds CC) that kept the Express in contention. He came on in the third inning and went five and a third innings allowing only two runs on seven hits. He replaced Robbie Kilcrease (Texas Tech) who struggled with his command as he walked eight batters in two and two thirds innings.

The Express play again Friday, July 25 in Wausau versus the Woodchucks again. The game time is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Express Fall To Woodchucks In Ninth
July 25, 2008 - With the win Thursday night the Express moved into first place in the South Division. They looked to add to their lead with another win Friday night, but it didn't go as planned as the Woodchucks scored a run in the ninth inning to win 5-4. The loss drops the Express to 9-7 in the second half, and the win for the Woodchucks improves them to 10-7.

The Express got on the board first as they plated a pair of runs in the first inning. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) walked to lead off the inning, then scored on a Robbie Knight (Creighton) double. Knight then advanced to third on a ground out to second by Kyle Holloway (Lynn), and scored on a Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) single.

The Woodchucks came right back as they scored a pair of runs themselves in the bottom of the first inning. Jeff Cowan led off with a walk, then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Brent Weaver then doubled scoring Cowan. Weaver would then advance to third on a passed ball and score on a single by Matt Gantner.

The Express took the lead back as they scored two more runs in the third inning. Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning, then advanced to second on an error by Woodchucks pitcher Bobby Prichett. After a fly out by Pinckard, Fadness advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a Knight single. Knight would then advance to third on a double by Holloway and score on a ground out to first by Lee.

The Woodchucks tied the game up once again as they scored a run in the fourth and fifth innings. Cowan grounded out to third scoring Kyle Bubak for the first run. Their run in the fifth came on a Troy Frazier home run with two outs making the score 4-4.

Nobody would score until the ninth inning with the Woodchucks pushing across the winning run this time. With one out Chris Wade doubled and Weaver walked to put runners on first and second. Wade then stole third, and scored on a Gantner single.

The loss went to reliever Willie Beard (Rutgers) who fell to 2-2 on the season. Beard came on in the seventh inning and went the final two and a third innings. He gave up one run on three hits and struck out one. Chris Odegaard started the game for the Express. He went six innings, and allowed four runs on six hits, with only three of the runs earned.

The Express play again Saturday, July 26 back home at Carson Park. It will be Chippewa Valley Chiropractic Alliance Night at the ballpark with the game time scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Express Bombed By Bombers
July 26, 2008 - After dropping their last game against the Wisconsin Woodchucks, the Express traveled back to Carson Park for a series with the Battle Creek Bombers. Unfortunately the Bombers took the first game of their series by a score of 7-3. The loss drops the Express to 9-8 in the second half, and the win for the Bombers improves them to 10-9

The Bombers struck first as they scored a pair of runs in the first inning and another run in the second inning. Brain Cavazos-Galvez doubled home AJ Shindler for the first run. Cavazos-Galvez would later score on a sacrifice fly to center by Parker Berberet. Their run in the second came on an Andrew Workman double to left center that scored Garret Smith.

The Express got on the board in the fifth inning with a pair of runs in the fifth inning. With two outs Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) reached on an infield single, then stole second. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) then singled scoring Fadness. Pinckard would advance to second on the play as the left fielder misplayed the ball. Robbie Knight (Creighton) then singled up the middle to score Pinckard.

The Bombers stretched their lead to two as they plated another run in the top half of the seventh inning. Dusty Harvard singled to center, then moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Shindler. After a line out by Cavazos-Galvez, Mike Murphy singled to center scoring Harvard.

The Express answered right back in the bottom half with a run of their own. Fadness grounded out to second to lead off the inning. That brought up Pinckard who unloaded on the first pitch he saw from Bombers pitcher Kenny Ferrer sending it over the wall in right center. The home run for Pinckard is his second on the season.

The Bombers would go on to add three insurance in the ninth inning. With the bases loaded, Cavazos-Galvez doubled for the third time clearing the bases.

The Express did have a chance in the ninth inning. With the bases loaded and one out Kyle Holloway (Lynn) grounded into a fielder choice with the runner out at home. Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) then grounded out to second to finish the game.

The loss went to Express starter Evan Ellison (Lynn). He went five innings and allowed three runs, two of which were earned, on six hits. Jeremy Rubens (UW-Oshkosh) replaced him in the sixth and went three innings, and allowed one earned run on five hits.

The Express play again Sunday, July 27 at Carson Park for game two of their series with the Bombers. It will be Eau Claire Area Humane Association Night at the ball park and the first 300 fans will receive a gift bag provided by Pet Food Plus. Game time is scheduled for 3:05 p.m.

Express Blank Bombers
July 27, 2008 - Having dropped their last two games the Express looked to bounce back with a win against the Battle Creek Bombers. They did just that as they blanked the Bombers 4-0. The win improves the Express to 10-8 in the second half, while the loss evens the Bombers record at 10-10.

The Express got on the board in the third inning with a pair of runs. With two outs, Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) singled up the middle. That brought up Kyle Holloway (Lynn) who hit a line shot that managed to get over the fence in left field. The home run is his third of the season.

The Express added to their lead with a run in the seventh inning. Fadness led off the inning with a walk. He then stole second and advanced to third on a Robbie Knight (Creighton) sacrifice bunt. After a ground out to the pitcher by Pinckard, Holloway reached on a fielding error by Bombers third baseman Garret Smith. Fadness would cross home plate on the play making the score 3-0.

The Express stretched their lead to four with another run in the eighth inning. Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) and Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) led off the inning with back-to-back walks. Fadness would then lay down the sacrifice bunt advancing O'Sullivan and Hopkins. Knight would then ground into a fielder's choice as the Bombers tried to get O'Sullivan out at home. However, O'Sullivan beat the throw home scoring the final run of the game and making the score 4-0 in favor of the Express.

Drew Leary (Southern Nevada JC) started the game for the Express, and he was simply sensational as he picked up his first win of the season. He threw eight shutout innings while scattering five hits. He also walked only two batters while striking out eight. Pinckard closed out the game in the ninth as he struck out the side.

Holloway finished the game 1-4 at the plate with a home run and two runs batted in. Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) was also very good for the Express on the night. He was 3-4 with two doubles and four stolen bases.

The Express play again Monday, July 28 in Waterloo against the Bucks. They will be playing two seven inning games on the night as they make up the rained out game from July 17.

Express Split First of Two Doubleheaders
July 28, 2008 - After taking the finale against the Bombers Sunday afternoon, the Express travled to Waterloo for a pair of doubleheaders. They split the first doubleheader as they took game one 3-1, and lost game two 7-1. With the split Eau Claire's record now stands at 11-9

In game one the Express got on the board first with a pair of runs in the second inning. With one out Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) walked. Braden Degamo (Yavapai) then reached on a fielder's choice with O'Sullivan safe at second on an error by the second baseman. After a Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) fly out to center, Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) doubled to center scoring O'Sullivan and Degamo.

The Bucks answered back with a run of their own in the bottom of the second. Steven Irvine walked to lead off the inning. He then advanced to third on a ground out and a wild pitch. He then stole home for their only run.

The Express would add an insurance run in the third on a Dominic Piazza (Yavapai) single that scored Brooks Pinckard (Baylor). It wasn't needed as Express starter, D.J. Mauldin (Cal Poly), was dealing. He went the distance allowing one run on seven hits. He also struck six in the effort picking up his third win of the season.

In game two it was the Express who scored first as they scored a run in the first inning. With one out Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) singled to center. He then stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. After a ground out to first by Pinckard and a Kyle Holloway (Lynn) walk, Degamo doubled down the left field line scoring Lee.

The train became derailed in the fourth inning as the Bucks scored seven times. Alex Sofranac and Barnhill each singled driving in a run. Joey Register would walk with the bases loaded to drive in another run. The Bucks would go on to add four more runs in the inning.

Drew Kendrick (New Mexico) would start the fouth inning and give up four runs. He would be replaced by Ryan Otto (Edmonds CC) would replace him in the inning, but he didn't fare much better. He was tagged for three runs on five hits. Wille Beard came on for the last two innings and would give up no runs and only one hit.

The Express play again Tuesday, July 29 in Waterloo. They will play another doubleheader starting at 6:05 p.m.

Box Score Game 1

Box Score Game 2

Express Swept In Second Doubleheader
July 29, 2008 - After splitting the first of two doubleheaders the Express looked for the sweep on the second day. Unfortunately the roles were reversed as they were swept 2-0 and 4-1. The two losses drops the Express to 11-11, and the wins for the Bucks improves them to 11-11 as well.

In the first game the Bucks scored the only two runs of the game in the second inning. The bases were loaded after back-to-back walks and a fielding error by Express pitcher J.D. Reichenbach (Elon). Barnhill then walked forcing in Zach Jones. Alex Sofranac then hit a sacrifice fly to left field scoring Mike Rogers.

Cam Nobles was dealing for the Bucks as he threw a complete game three hit shutout. He walked four batters and struck out six on the night.

The loss went to Reichenbach as he gave up two earned runs on no hits and three walks in just one and a third innings. He was replaced in the second inning by Jeremy Rubens (UW-Oshkosh) who finished out the game. He gave up no runs and allowed just two hits. He also struck out four batters.

In game two it was the Express who struck first with a run in the fourth inning. Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) led off the inning with an infield single. He then moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Dominic Piazza (Yavapai). After a Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) strikeout, Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) reached on an error by the Bucks shortstop. Lee would come in to score an unearned run on the play.

Patrick Lenton (Minnesota-Mankato) was tough on the mound for the Express as he didn't allow a hit entering the seventh and final inning. After striking out the first two batters, Rogers broke up the no hitter with a single to left field. He then stole second and Barnhill walked to put runners on first and second. Sofranac then doubled to right scoring both Rogers and Barnhill giving the Bucks the lead. They would also add two more runs in the inning on a Steve Irvine double and a Michael Giller single. Both of those hits were off of reliever Brooks Pinckard (Baylor).

Lenton finished the night throwing six and two thirds innings allowing three earned runs on two hits. He walked four batters and also struck out five. Pinckard finished out the game throwing a third of an inning giving up one earned run on two hits.

The Express play again Wednesday, July 30 back home at Carson Park against the Madison Mallards. It will be Charter Communications/Charter Media Night at the ballpark with the game time scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Box Score Game 1

Box Score Game 2

Knight Powers Express Past Mallards In Ninth
July 30, 2008 - Having lost three in a row, the Express traveled back to Carson Park to take on the Madison Mallards and try to get back on track. They did just that as they beat the Mallards 6-5. The win improves the Express to 12-11 in the second half, while the loss drops the Mallards to 8-16.

It was the Mallards who scored first with a pair of runs in the first inning. Joe Bonadonna led off the game with a single to center field. Don Lambert then homered to right center field to give the Mallards the early 2-0 lead.

The Express answered right back with their own pair of runs in the bottom half of the first inning. Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) walked to lead off the inning, then stole second. After a strikeout and a ground out by Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) that advanced Fadness to third, Joe Bonfe (Creighton) doubled down the right field line scoring Fadness. Bonfe then scored on a single through the right side by Ryan Lee (Cal Poly).

The Express took the lead as they scored a run in the third and fourth innings. Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) led off the third inning with an infield single and advanced to second on a passed ball. Robbie Knight (Creighton) reached on a fielding error by the shortstop with Hopkins scoring on the play. In the fourth it was Ryan O'Sullivan that homered down the left field line making the score 4-2 in favor of the Express.

The Mallards answered back with another two run inning in the fifth. The bases were loaded for Brandon Wikoff after a triple and a pair of walks. Wikoff then walked forcing in Drew Martin. Rob Lyerly then reached on an error by Bonfe that allowed Eric Nielson to score unearned.

Each team would then score another run making the score a 5-5 tie entering the ninth inning. Ryan Otto (Edmonds CC) didn't allow a run in the top half, giving the Express the chance to break the tie in the bottom half. With two outs, Fadness reached first on an infield single off reliever Nathan Kafka, then stole second base. With a 2-2 count, Knight singled to right field scoring Fadness and giving the Express the win.

Otto picked up the win in relief as he went the final three innings giving up one unearned run and four hits. Robbie Kilcrease (Texas Tech) got the start and went six innings. He allowed four runs, three of them earned, on three hits and stuck out six.

The Express play again Thursday, July 31 at Carson Park against the Mallards again. It will be Action City Night at the ballpark with the game time scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Odegaard Shuts Out Mallards
July 31, 2008 - After beating the Mallards in game of their series, the Express looked to Chris Odegaard (Minnesota-Mankato) to nail down the sweep. Odegaard was spectacular on the mound as he went the distance throwing a two-hit shutout giving the Express the 9-0 win. The win improves the Express to 13-11 in the second half and drops the Mallards to 8-17.

It was a pitchers duel as nobody scored for the first five innings, but it was the Express scoring first with a pair of runs in the sixth inning. Brad Lusti came on in relief for the Mallards replacing starter Brandon Johnson to start the inning. Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) singled to lead off the inning then moved to third on Robbie Knight's (Creighton) sacrifice bunt and a wild pitch. With the infield drawn in, Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) singled through the right side scoring Fadness. Pinckard would then steal second and advance to third on a Joe Bonfe (Creighton) ground out. Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) then doubled to left center scoring Pinckard.

The Express added to their lead with another pair of runs in the seventh inning. Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) singled with one out, then stole second. Fadness would then come up with two outs after Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) flied out. Fadness would strikeout, but the ball was in the dirt so he ran to first. Instead of throwing to first Mallard's catcher, Eric Nielsen, fired to third as O'Sullivan was pretty far off second base. O'Sullivan got back to second and Fadness reached first in the process. On the third pitch to Knight, the runners took off. Nielsen's throw went into center allowing O'Sullivan to score and Fadness to take third. With the Mallards trying to figure out what just happened, Fadness alertly broke for home and scored.

The Express would really open the game up in the eighth inning as they scored five times. The inning was capped off with a towering three-run home run to left field by O'Sullivan giving the Express a 9-0 lead.

Odegaard would finish off the game in the ninth getting Trent Soares to ground into a double play to finish off the game and give him the shutout. Odegaard would give up only two hits and three walks, while striking out eight on the night.

A couple of leaders for the Express at the plate were Lee and O'Sullivan. Lee finished the night 3-for-4 with two runs batted in and a run scored. O'Sullivan was 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBI's, and two runs scored. Both players also stole two bases on the night.

The Express play again Friday, August 1 in Madison against the Mallards. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Express Downed At Duck Pond
August 1, 2008 - After sweeping the Madison Mallards at Carson Park, the Express traveled to Madison for a two game series at the "Duck Pond." It wasn't much of a pitchers duel as the Mallards out clubbed the Express 11-7. The loss drops the Express to 13-12 in the second half, while the win improves the Mallards to 9-17.

The Mallards got out to a big lead early as they scored five times in the first inning. With runners on first and second, Brandon Wikoff laid down the bunt and reached first safely. Joe Bonadonna would score on the play with Drew Martin advancing to third as there was an error by Express third baseman Joe Bonfe (Creighton). Martin would then score on a Rob Lyerly single. Wikoff would later score on an error by the catcher, and Lyerly would score on a ground out by Aaron Bray. The Mallards would also add one more run in the inning on a single by Trent Soares scoring Phil Gosselin who reached on a bunt single.

The Mallards really broke the game open with four more runs in the second inning. With two on and one out, Lyerly homered to right center. They would also add another run on a Soares single that scored Gosselin.

The Express would get on the board with three runs in the fourth inning. With two outs, Dominic Piazza (Yavapai) singled up the middle. He would then score on a Braden Degamo (Yavapai) double. Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) would then come up and homer, scoring Piazza. O'Sullivan has now homered in three consecutive games for the Express.

The Express pulled closer in the fifth inning as they scored four more times. Robbie Knight (Creighton) singled with one out, then scored as Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) tripled down the left field line. After a Bonfe line out to second, Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) singled scoring Pinckard. Piazza then singled, and Degamo tripled scoring both Lee and Piazza drawing the Express to within two runs.

The Mallards would go on to add a pair of insurance runs in the eighth inning. With two outs and two runners on, Gosselin tripled to right center scoring Martin and Lyerly. That made the score 11-7 in favor of the Mallards. They then closed out the game in the ninth inning not allowing a run.

The loss went to Evan Ellison (Lynn) as he went only one inning, and allowed five runs on four hits. Willie Beard (Rutgers) replace him in the second inning, and he would go five innings. He allowed four runs on nine hits, and struck out four. Bobby Kennedy (Indian River CC) would finish out the game throwing two innings, and allowed two runs on three hits.

The Express play again Saturday, August 2 in Madison against the Mallards again. Game time is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

Express Steamroll Mallards
August 2, 2008 - After losing to the Madison Mallards Friday night, the Express looked to take the second game and split the series. They did that as they Express bats were on fire, and they defeated the Mallards by a score of 19-0. The win improves the Express to 14-12 in the second half, while the loss drops the Mallards to 9-18.

The Express first scored in the first inning by crossing home plate five times. With one out, Robbie Knight (Creighton) and Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) each singled. Joe Bonfe (Creighton) then doubled to left field scoring Knight. Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) would then hit a sacrifice fly to right scoring Pinckard. After a Kyle Holloway (Lynn) walk, Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) homered to right field. The home run is his fourth home run in as many games.

The Express picked up three more runs with one in the second inning, and two in the third. In the second inning, Knight would single then advance to third after a pair of walks. He then scored on a wild pitch. In the third Holloway reached on an error, then advance to second on a wild pitch. O'Sullivan would then double down the left field line scoring Holloway. He would advance to third on a wild pitch and score on a single up the middle by Russ Hopkins (Rutgers).

The Express basically put the game away in the fifth inning as they scored nine times. Cameron Wheeless (McLennan CC), Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh), and Lee each singled driving in a run. Hopkins, Pinckard, and O'Sullivan each doubled, with Hopkins and Pinckard each driving in a run while O'Sullivan drove in two. The other runs would be scored on a passed ball and an error.

The Express would add a run in the sixth and seventh innings, but they were not needed as Drew Leary (Southern Nevada JC) pitched a gem. He went six innings as he didn't allow a run and scattered five hits. He also struck out four. O'Sullivan pitched the final three innings not allowing a run and only two hits.

The Express bats were led by Knight and O'Sullivan. Knight finished the game 4-for-6 with four runs scored. O'Sullivan was a catalyst for the Express as the went 4-for-5 with a home run, three doubles, three runs scored, and six runs batted in. Over the four game series with the Mallards, O'Sullivan had four home runs and drove in 12 runs.

The Express play again Monday, August 4 in St. Cloud against the River Bats. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

River Bats Blow Away Express
August 4, 2008 - After splitting their series with the Madison Mallards, the Express traveled to St. Cloud for the second series of their eight game road trip. Unfortunately they didn't fare well as the River Bats took game one by a score of 9-1. The loss drops the Express to 14-13 in the second half, while the win improves the River Bats to 15-13.

The Express were the ones to score first, as they plated a run in the first inning. With one out, Robbie Knight (Creighton) walked, then advanced to third on a Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) single. Joe Bonfe (Creighton) then drove in Knight as he reached on a fielder's choice with Pinckard out at second on the play.

The River Bats took the lead in the fourth inning as they scored a pair of runs. Derek McCallum led off the inning with a single, then advanced to second on an error by Express pitcher Patrick Lenton (Minnesota-Mankato). After a ground out that advanced McCallum to third and a walk, Preston Hale doubled scoring McCallum and Steve Cochrane.

The River Bats added to their lead with a run in the fifth inning. With one out Dan Betteridge walked, then stole second. After a fly out by Brian Humphries, McCallum singled scoring Betteridge from second.

The River Bats opened the game up in the seventh inning as they scored four runs. With the bases loaded, Betteridge singled scoring Adam Weisenburger and Hale. Humphries would then single scoring Mark Canha. After a strikeout, Brian Hernandez singled scoring Betteridge and giving the River Bats a 7-1 lead.

The River Bats would also go on to add two more run in the eighth inning, but they were not needed. John Atteo earned the win for the River Bats as he went six innings and allowed one run on four hits.

The loss for the Express went to Lenton. He went five innings and allowed three runs on three hits. He was replaced by J.D. Reichenbach (Elon) who went just one inning allowing three runs on no hits, and two walks. Drew Kendrick (New Mexico) and Bobby Kennedy (Indian River CC) finished out the game and gave up a combined three runs on five hits.

The Express play again Tuesday, August 5 in St. Cloud for game two of their series. The game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Express Swept Away By River Bats
August 5, 2008 - After dropping the first game in St. Cloud the Express looked to rebound and earn the split. However, the River Bats had other ideas as they shutout the Express 4-0. The loss drops the Express to 14-14 in the second half, while the win for the River Bats improves them to 16-13.

The River Bats scored the only runs in the game as they put up four runs in the fifth inning. There were runners on first and second after Brian Humphries walked and Derek McCallum was hit by a pitch. Brian Hernandez then singled scoring Humphries and advancing McCallum to third. Kevin Johnson then singled scoring McCallum and moving Hernandez to second. After a fielder's choice and a single the bases were loaded for Matt Fanelli. He came through for the River Bats as he doubled scoring a pair of runs.

The Express didn't have a hit until the eighth inning when Braden Degamo (Yavapai) led off the inning with a single. River Bats starter Ryan Sheldon was then replaced by reliever Lee Roberts. Unfortunately the Express went down quickly after that as Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) flew out, Landis Ware (Baylor) struck out, and Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) grounded out.

Sheldon earned the win for the River Bats as he dominated the Express. He went seven innings allowing no runs and just the one hit in the eighth inning. He also walked four batters and struck out two.

Robbie Kilcrease (Texas Tech) was tagged with the loss as he went five innings, and allowed four runs on eight hits. He walked three batters and struck out five. Evan Ellison (Lynn) replaced Kilcrease in the fifth inning and went two thirds of an inning allowing three walks and no hits. Ryan Otto (Edmonds CC) became the third Express pitcher in the fifth inning as he replace Ellison in the inning. He finished out the game throwing the final two and a third innings while not allowing a run. He allowed just one hit, and didn't allow a walk.

The Express play again Wednesday, August 6 in Mankato to take on the MoonDogs. The game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Epilepsy Foundation Of Western Wisconsin
August 6, 2008 - 2.7 million Americans and 13,000 Western Wisconsin residents currently live with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation of Western Wisconsin (EFWW) serves individuals with epilepsy and their families in 22 Western Wisconsin counties through two main areas of service: Client Services and Community Education. Services provided include: health benefits counseling, patient education, information and referral, lending library, kid’s camp, adult retreat, AWE-some support group, employment assistance, Seizure Recognition & First Aid trainings, and the WaveLength newsletter. EFWW is a United Way Community Partner.

“The Epilepsy Foundation of Western Wisconsin will ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and will prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy, and research.”

Join us at Carson Park Monday, August 11th 2008 at 7:00 p.m for the Eau Claire Express vs. Green Bay Bullfrogs.

1812 Brackett Ave; Suite 5
Eau Claire, WI 54701
(715)834-4455 (800)924-2105

Express Blow By MoonDogs
August 6, 2008 - After getting swept against St. Cloud, the Express traveled to Mankato for a two game series. The Express took game one of the series as they cruised to a 12-5 win. The win improves the Express to 15-14 in the second half, while the loss drops the MoonDogs to 18-11.

The Express struck first as they scored a run in the first and third innings. With one out in the first, Robbie Knight (Creighton) doubled to right center, then moved to third as Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) laid down the sacrifice bunt. Joe Bonfe (Creighton) then singled to left field scoring Knight. Their run in the third inning came on a Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) home run to left field.

The MoonDogs tied the game with a run in the third and fourth innings. With one out in the third, Cory Harrilchak reached on an infield single. He then came around to score as Mike Lobacz doubled to right center. In the fourth inning Bobby Munoz singled to left field scoring Brett Krill.

The Express took the lead back in the fifth inning as Russ Hopkins led off the inning with another home run to left field. The home run was his second of the game and his third this season.

The MoonDogs answered right back as they scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth. Harrilchak led off the inning with a double down the right field line, then advanced to third as Lobacz singled to right. Harrilchak scored on a ground out by Kyle Knudson, with Lobacz moving to second base. Lobacz then scored as Krill singled up the middle.

The Express took the lead right back as they scored a trio of run in the sixth inning. With runners on second and third, Hopkins came through again as he hit a sacrifice fly to center scoring Kyle Holloway (Lynn) and moving Braden Degamo (Yavapai) to third. Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) the reached first as he laid down a bunt and also scored Degamo from third. Knight then reached on an error by the MoonDogs shortstop, with Fadness coming all the way around to score unearned and give the Express the 6-4 lead.

The Express would go on to really open up the game as they plated a pair of run in the seventh and four runs in the eighth. The MoonDogs would also add one more run in the seventh, but it was too little, too late.

Express starter Chris Odegaard (Minnesota-Mankato) earned the win. He went five innings, and allowed four runs in eight hits. He also walked three batters and struck out six. He was replaced in the sixth inning by Willie Beard (Rutgers) who finished out the last four innings. He gave up one run on two hits, and struck out eight in the effort.

The Express play again Thursday, August 7 in Mankato versus the MoonDogs again. The game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Express Nipped By MoonDogs
August 7, 2008 - The Express were looking for the sweep Thursday night in Mankato after they took game one of their series Wednesday night. However, the MoonDogs got the best of the Express as they nipped them 2-1. The loss drops the Express to 15-15 in the second half, while the win improves the MoonDogs to 19-11.

The Express got on the board early as they plated a run in the first inning. Eau Claire native, Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh), led off the game with a double down the right field line. Robbie Knight (Creighton) then drove him in on a single to right center, giving the Express the early 1-0 lead.

The MoonDogs tied the game up in the third as they scored their first run of the game. CJ Belanger led off the inning with a double to right field. Rummel then grounded out to short, with Belanger advancing to third. Bobby Munoz then grounded out to second, but it was enough to score Belanger from third.

The MoonDogs took the lead in the eighth inning as they scored another run. Rummel led off the inning with a triple to right center. After a ground out by Munoz, Michael Rockett singled up the middle giving the MoonDogs the 2-1 lead.

The Express would get a runner on as Joe Bonfe (Creighton) singled up the middle with two outs. Unfortunately, Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) struck out ending the game.

Ryan Demmin spun a gem for the MoonDogs as he earned the win. He allowed just one run on three hits, while striking out eight. Matyas earned the save for the MoonDogs as closed out the ninth inning allowing just one hit.

Jeremy Rubens (UW-Oshkosh) may have been tagged with the loss, but he pitched well. He went the distance allowing two runs on eight hits, while striking out two. The loss drops him to 0-1 on the season.

The Express play again Friday, August 8 in Battle Creek against the Bombers. The game time is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

Express Blow Up Bombers
August 8, 2008 - After splitting a series with the Mankato MoonDogs, the Express traveled to Battle Creek for a series with the Battle Creek Bombers. The Express came out of game one with a win, as they won 5-2 keeping their playoff hopes alive. The win improves them to 16-15 in the second half, while the loss drops the Bombers to 12-19.

No team scored for the first four innings, but it was the Express who got out of the blocks first as they scored four runs. Robbie Knight (Creighton) led off the inning with a double to center field. He then came around to score on a pair of errors that allowed Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) to reach second base. After Pinckard moved to third on a wild pitch, Joe Bonfe (Creighton) singled to center scoring Pinckard. After Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) reached on an infield single, Dominic Piazza (Yavapai) laid down the bunt moving the runners to second and third. Braden Degamo (Yavapai) plated the pair as he doubled to left field, giving the Express the early 4-0 lead.

The Bombers got on the board in the sixth inning as they scored a pair of runs. Dusty Harvard led off the inning with a single, then advanced to third on a stolen base and an error by Express catcher Piazza. Mike Murphy then drove him in as he singled to center. After single and an error, the bases were loaded for Trevor Hairgrove. He delivered for the Bombers as he hit a sacrifice fly to left field scoring Murphy.

The Express did go on to add an insurance run in the top half of the ninth inning. Knight led off the inning with another double, this time to right field. Pinckard then moved him to third as he singled to left field. Bonfe then picked up his second RBI of the game as he hit a sacrifice fly to right, scoring Knight.

Pinckard would then close out the game in the ninth inning earning his second save of the season. He went two innings, and allowed no runs on just one hit. Drew Leary improved his record to 3-1 as he picked up the win for the Express. He went seven innings, and allowed two runs on eight hits. He also struck five batters while allowing just one walk.

The Express play again Saturday, August 9 versus the Bombers for game two of their series. The game time is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

Bombers Eliminate Express From Playoff Contention
August 9, 2008 - The Express were looking for the sweep of the Battle Creek Bombers and to stay in playoff contention Saturday night. Unfortunately neither happened as the Bombers won 7-3. The loss drops the Express to 16-16 in the second half, while the win for the Bombers improves them to 13-19.

The Bombers got on the board early as they scored a run in the first inning. Dusty Harvard walked with one out, then moved to third on a stolen base and a balk by Express starting pitcher Ryan Otto (Edmonds CC). After a strikeout, Mike Murphy singled scoring Harvard.

The Express tied the game up in the third inning with a run of their own. Landis Ware (Baylor) and Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) each singled to lead off the inning. Robbie Knight (Creighton) then reached on a fielder's choice with Fadness out at second base. Brooks Pinckard would then single to center scoring Ware from third.

The Bombers took the lead back as they scored a trio of runs in the fifth inning. Trevor Hairgrove drove in the first run as he singled scoring AJ Shindler. Brian Cavazos-Galvez would hit a sacrifice fly to center scoring Garrett Smith. An error by Express third baseman, Pinckard, allowed Hairgrove to score on the play as well.

The Express would answer back with a run in the top half of the sixth inning. Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) reached on error, then stole second base. Dominic Piazza (Yavapai) would then single to right field scoring Lee.

The Bombers opened the game up in the bottom of the sixth as they scored three more runs. Shindler plated a pair of runs as he doubled to left field with the bases loaded. After a fielder's choice in which Parker Berberet was out at home, Tillman Pugh doubled to center field scoring Shindler.

The Express did go on to add one final run in the eighth inning as Joe Bonfe (Creighton) scored on an error. However, the Bombers closed out the game in the ninth inning not allowing a run.

Otto got the loss in his first start for the Express. He went five innings and allowed four runs, two of which were earned. He was replaced by Drew Kendrick (New Mexico) who didn't fare too well. He went one and a third innings allowing three runs on four hits. J.D. Reichenbach (Elon) finished out the game not allowing a hit or run.

The Express play again Sunday, August 10 back home at Carson Park versus the Green Bay Bullfrogs. They will play a pair of games as they will finish up a suspended game from earlier this year, then play the regularly scheduled game. The first game is scheduled to start at 6:05 p.m.

Express Sweep Bullfrogs In Twinbill
August 10, 2008 - After the Express were eliminated from playoff contention Saturday night, they looked to return the favor to the Green Bay Bullfrogs. They did go on and eliminate the Bullfrogs and give the Wisconsin Woodchucks the second half title as they won 11-3 and 6-3.

The first game was picked up in the bottom of the third inning with the Express leading 5-3 as it was suspended back on June 27 due to rain. The Express added to their two run lead with a pair of runs in the fourth inning. Both runs came on solo home runs by Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State) and Joe Bonfe (Creighton). Both players are now tied for the team lead with five homers apiece.

The Express would also go on and add a pair of runs in both the fifth and seventh innings. Those runs weren't needed as Bobby Kennedy (Indian River CC) was dealing. He replaced Wade Mackey in the fourth inning as Mackey is no longer with the team. Kennedy earned his first win for the Express as he went five innings and allowed just two hits and no runs. He also didn't walk a single batter and struck out four.

In game two each of the teams scored a run in the first inning. The Bullfrogs then jumped out to a 3-1 lead as they plated a pair of runs in the second inning. With one out Nick O'Shea and Rocky Gale each singled. After a strikeout, Josh Prince would walk loading the bases. Brian Pearl then came through for the Bullfrogs as he singled to right center scoring O'Shea and Gale.

The Express tied the game up as they picked up a run in the third and fourth innings. In the third Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) walked, then advanced to third on a wild pitch and a single by Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh). He would then score on a wild pitch from Bullfrogs pitcher Alex Schmarzo. The Express run in the fourth came on an O'Sullivan double to center field scoring Dominic Piazza (Yavapai).

The Express would then go on and take the lead in the fifth inning as they scored a trio of runs. Robbie Knight (Creighton) scored their first run as he crossed the plate on a passed ball. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) would later score on a fielder's choice from Ryan Lee (Cal Poly). Lee scored the final run of the inning as he crossed home on a single by Kyle Holloway (Lynn) after stealing second and third.

Patrick Lenton (Minnesota-Mankato) earned the win for the Express as he started the game and went five innings. He allowed three runs on six hits, and struck out eight in the effort. Willie Beard (Rutgers) earned a save as he went the final two innings not allowing a run.

The Express play one final time this year Monday, August 11 at Carson Park versus the Green Bay Bullfrogs. It will be fan appreciation night at the ballpark and there will be tons of giveaways, including the second set of Express trading cards. Show up and cheer on the Express one last time this year, and get some great prizes in the process. The game time is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Box Score Game 1

Box Score Game 2

Express Drop Season Finale
August 11, 2008 - After picking a sweep of the Bullfrogs Sunday night, the Express looked to pick up a win in the season finale and end on a high note. Unfortunately things didn't go to plan as the Bullfrogs pulled out a win in the eighth inning.

Neither team could score for the first seven innings of the ballgame, but it was the Bullfrogs who got on the board with a run in the eighth inning. With one out Josh Prince, Ryan Cavan, and Cameron Satterwhite each singled to load the bases. Jon Karcich was the hero for the Bullfrogs as he then hit a sacrifice fly to center field scoring Prince from third.

The Express had a chance to score in the bottom of the ninth inning as Joe Bonfe (Creighton) singled and Ryan Lee (Cal Poly) walked to put runners on first and second. But Brian Pearl struck out Russ Hopkins (Rutgers) and Kyle Holloway (Lynn) to end the game.

Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) was tagged with the loss for the Express. He threw the final two innings of the ballgame and allowed just the one run on three hits. He walked no batters and struck out two. J.D. Reichenbach (Elon) started the game and was replaced in the fifth inning by Ryan O'Sullivan (San Diego State). They threw a combined seven innings of shutout ball while scattering six hits. Neither of them walked a batter and they struck out a combined six batters.

This was the final game of the season for the Express as they finished an overall 33-35 and missed the playoffs. The team experienced a high rate of turnover as 38 players wore an Express uniform during the season. Despite that they were still in the playoff race coming down the home stretch.

Finally our staff would like to thank all of the fans this season for their continuous support of Express baseball. Thank you for another memorable season. We look forward to seeing you at the park next summer.

Carson Park Featured On-line
Carson Park Baseball Stadium has recently been featured online at www.digitalballparks.com. The 23-slide photo presentation includes a brief history commenting on the major dates and players who called Carson Park home over the years.

The staff at Digitalballparks.com travel the country to see stadiums from all levels of baseball to present an "online digitbal baseball stadium museum".

Express Generate Over $12,000 in Donations
Eau Claire, Wis.

NWL Announces Rawlings Finest in the Field
Rochester, MN- The Northwoods League has announced the recipients of the 2008 Rawlings Finest in the Field Award. The annual award recognizes the top fielders at each position.

The 2008 Northwoods League Champion Thunder Bay Border Cats had three players earn the award. The tandem of middle-infielders Connor Lind (Furman) at second base and Josh Ashenbrenner (Lewis-Clark) at shortstop combined to commit just 14 errors during Thunder Bay’s championship season to allow each to have the top fielding percentage at their position. Border Cats left-handed pitcher Dan Zehr (Northeastern) not only led the NWL in earned run average but also had the most fielding opportunities on the mound without committing an error. Zehr and St. Cloud River Bats third baseman Brian Hernandez (Canyons) each were second-year NWL players that picked up their first Finest in the Field Award. Hernandez’s River Bats teammate Kevin Johnson (Cincinnati) earned the award at first base. Battle Creek Bomber teammates Parker Berberet (Cypress) and Dusty Harvard (Oklahoma State) also claimed the hardware at catcher and outfielder, respectively. Curt Restko (Eastern Illinois) of Brainerd and Alex Sofranac (San Jose State) of Waterloo were perfect defensively in the outfield to earn the final two awards.

The winners are selected based on final official fielding statistics compiled by league statistician Sports Ticker, a Cheshire, Connecticut based sports statistical service company. The honorees receive a special Rawlings baseball glove mounted on an engraved trophy base. The 2008 Rawlings Finest in the Field Award recipients and their field percentages are below.

Catcher Parker Berberet, Battle Creek Bombers, Cypress College, .990

First Base Kevin Johnson, St. Cloud River Bats, University of Cincinnati, .991

Second Base Connor Lind, Thunder Bay Border Cats, Furman University, .987

Third Base Brian Hernandez, St. Cloud River Bats, College of the Canyons, .949

Shortstop Josh Ashenbrenner, Thunder Bay Border Cats, Lewis-Clark State College, .969

Outfielder Curt Restko, Brainerd Blue Thunder, Eastern Illinois University, 1.000

Outfielder Alex Sofranac, Waterloo Bucks, San Jose State University, 1.000

Outfielder Dusty Harvard, Battle Creek Bombers, Oklahoma State University, .993

Pitcher Dan Zehr, Thunder Bay Border Cats, Northeastern University, 1.000

The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The Northwoods League completed its 15th season of play in August.

Northwoods League Prospects Ranked
Rochester, MN- La Crosse Loggers outfielder Cory Vaughn (San Diego State) and Rochester Honkers outfielder Aaron Senne (Missouri) each recently earned the honor of top prospect in the Northwoods League according to a pair of national baseball publications. Baseball America released its top 10 list led by Vaughn, and Perfect Game Crosschecker announced their top 25 headed by Senne. Mankato MoonDogs catcher Carlos Ramirez (Arizona State), the 2008 Northwoods League Most Valuable Player, was rated at number four in each list.

Vaughn came to the La Crosse Loggers following his freshman season at San Diego State. Vaughn put his big game ability on display in July when he earned the Stars of Stars award at the Northwoods League All-Star Game for going 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles, an RBI, and a run scored. Cory’s father Greg, a former Major League All-Star, spent part of the season coaching the Loggers team that Cory led in games (68), home runs (8), and stolen bases (26). Vaughn batted .251 for the season while driving in 41 runs and scoring 35. He did show a tendency to strike out leading the League with 82 punch outs in 255 at bats. Defensively, he collected nine outfield assists that tied him for second in the League. Vaughn was drafted out of high school by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 43rd round of the 2007 MLB Draft.

Senne, a Rochester, MN native, played less than half of the season for the hometown Honkers. It was his second year with Rochester, joining the club this summer only after suffering an injury that likely kept him off of Team USA’s roster. Senne had a below average season with the Honkers hitting .226 with no home runs and 10 RBI in 26 games. This followed a 2007 summer where he shared the Northwoods League-lead with nine home runs. Senne returns to Missouri this spring after leading the team with a .347 average and 67 RBI as a sophomore. He also launched 13 home runs, good for second on the team. The Minnesota Twins drafted Senne out of high school in the 13th round in 2006.

Ramirez has transferred to Arizona State after a two-year stint at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Arizona. He played a major role in the Mankato MoonDogs clinching their first postseason appearance this past season. He was among the League leaders in batting average (.315), doubles (19), RBI (44), and on-base percentage (.433) while leading the league in home runs (10), extra-base hits (29), and slugging percentage (.560).

The complete prospect lists can be found below:

PGCrosschecker.com top 25

1) Aaron Senne, OF, Rochester (Missouri)
2) Cory Vaughn, OF, La Crosse (San Diego State)
3) Josh Prince, SS, Green Bay (Tulane)
4) Carlos Ramirez, C, Mankato (Arizona State)
5) James Jones, LHP/OF, Waterloo (Long Island)
6) Derek McCallum, 2B, St. Cloud (Minnesota)
7) Xavier Esquivel, RHP, St. Cloud (Loyola Marymount)
8) Mike Nesseth, RHP, Duluth (Nebraska)
9) Cole Green, RHP, La Crosse (Texas)
10) Brendan Lafferty, LHP, Mankato (UCLA)
11) Brian Pearl, RHP/3B, Green Bay (Washington)
12) Chris Sale, LHP, La Crosse (Florida Gulf Coast)
13) Ryan Goins, SS, Waterloo (Dallas Baptist)
14) Eric Stephens, 1B/OF, Rochester (Cal State Chico)
15) Rob Lyerly, OF, Madison (Charlotte)
16) Nate Woods, RHP, Thunder Bay (Belmont)
17) Jimmy Reyes, LHP, Mankato (Elon)
18) R.J. Hively, RHP, Battle Creek (Cal State Fullerton)
19) Mitch Mormann, RHP, Duluth (Des Moines Area CC)
20) Andy Burns, INF, Duluth (Kentucky)
21) Moises Montero, C, Duluth (SIGNED/Cleveland)
22) Aaron Dott, LHP, La Crosse (Wisconsin-Whitewater)
23) Zach Robertson, LHP, Rochester (Iowa)
24) Michael Rockett, OF, Mankato (Texas-San Antonio)
25) Gabriel Shaw, RHP, Madison (Louisville)

Baseball America top 10

1) Cory Vaughn, OF, La Crosse (San Diego State)
2) Mike Nesseth, RHP, Duluth (Nebraska)
3) James Jones, LHP/OF, Waterloo (Long Island)
4) Carlos Ramirez, C, Mankato (Arizona State)
5) Rob Lyerly, OF, Madison (Charlotte)
6) Aaron Barrett, RHP, Duluth (Mississippi)
7) Derek McCallum, 2B, St. Cloud (Minnesota)
8) Ryan Goins, SS, Waterloo (Dallas Baptist)
9) Andy Burns, INF, Duluth (Kentucky)
10) Nick Gaudi, RHP, Alexandria (Pepperdine)

Express Expand Front Office Staff
Eau Claire, WI

Hallberg Named MVP of Hawaii Winter Baseball League
Former Express shortstop Mark Hallberg on Sunday was named most valuable player of the Hawaii Winter Baseball League. The four-team league gathers young prospects from 16 American major league organizations, three Japanese pro teams, and four Korean pro teams to compete in their 51-day season.

Hallberg earned the honor by batting .362 with three home runs and 21 RBI in 116 official at-bats. His .362 batting average was good for third in the league. Hallberg’s effort helped lead his team, the West Oahu CaneFires, to the league championship game.

During last baseball season, Hallberg played with the Visalia Oaks in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ system. In 272 at-bats, Hallberg finished with a .283 batting average, while also compiling three home runs and 42 runs scored. The Diamondbacks’ Single-A affiliate recently changed their name to the Visalia Rawhide.

Hallberg played in the inaugural 2005 season for the Express, leading the team with 31 runs batted in. He batted .274 in 226 at-bats. Hallberg’s 31 RBI are the third highest single-season total in Express history.

Hallberg Named a Top-Ten Prospect
Eau Claire, Wis.

Holiday Savings at the Express Office
Eau Claire, WI- Are you looking for an affordable gift for that special someone this holiday season? The Eau Claire Express has many different gift ideas that are the perfect gift for any baseball fan.

New this year, the Express is offering a holiday gift pack. The combination includes an Express plastic mug and a T-shirt of your choice, along with two of the following four items: a Trax bobblehead, three general admission tickets, an adjustable baseball cap, or a Trax plush doll. The gift pack has a total value of $45, but is available to you for a limited time for $25, which is more than a 40% savings off the regular retail price! This combination is a great gift for any baseball fan and is a good opportunity to get a discount on Express merchandise.

If you are looking for an inexpensive ticket package as a Christmas gift, consider a bonus book from the Express. This pack of 12 undated general admission tickets is a great stocking stuffer and is available to you for only $54!

Stop by the Express office at 108 E. Grand Avenue in downtown Eau Claire to purchase any of these items. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Also check “The Depot” page on the Express website for more holiday savings!

Express Looking for 2009 Interns!
The Eau Claire Express baseball organization is seeking current college students pursuing a career in the sporting industry for summer internships. Positions offered this year include: marketing, stadium operations, media relations and video production internships.

The Express, an affiliate of the Northwoods League, offers interns the opportunity to work hands-on with the team in an exciting, fast paced environment. In addition to learning about daily operations, including customer relations, communications and ticket and apparel sales, our interns are given the opportunity to specialize in their field of study.

The Express season is a fun-filled 68-game regular season schedule that includes 34 home games at Carson Park, a league all-star game and one week of post-season play for first and second half division champions. The paid internship will begin in early May and run until the middle of August depending on the playoff situation. Self-motivation, strong communication skills, an energetic attitude and the ability to work well under pressure are a must.

An updated and complete list of internship positions and procedures to apply will be posted to our website soon. In the meantime, please visit the link below for more information. Also, be sure to stop by our booth at UWEC's Internship Mania on February 11 to visit with front office personnel.

2009 Northwoods League Schedule Released
Eau Claire, Wis. - The Northwoods League today released the official 2009 regular season schedule. The Eau Claire Express begin the season at home on May 28 versus the Wisconsin Woodchucks at 6:35 p.m. The two teams will square off the following day in Wausau to complete the split series.

Eau Claire will play 20 of their 34 home games during the first half of the season which ends July 2 versus the Woodchucks in Wausau. The Express’ seven-game homestand to begin June is their longest of the season. They will play at home 11 of the first 13 days of June.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Express will play a home game on July 4. This year’s opponent will be the Rochester Honkers with a scheduled start time of 6:05 p.m. The Express did not play the Honkers or the Duluth Huskies from the North Division last season. This year, the Express will not play the St. Cloud River Bats or the Alexandria Beetles.

Sunday home games and the July 4 game will all start at 6:05 p.m. All other Monday through Saturday home games will begin at 6:35 p.m.

The annual Northwoods League All-Star game will take place in Thunder Bay, Ontario on July 21. The Express will end the regular season with a two-game home series against the Waterloo Bucks on August 9-10. Divisional playoffs begin immediately on August 11 with the Northwoods League Championship Series beginning on August 14. Both series are a best-of-three format.

The Brainerd-Baxter affiliate is officially no longer the Blue Thunder. The St. Cloud River Bats ownership group that took over the affiliate will announce the team's new name in the future.

Season tickets may be purchased by calling the Express at (715) 839-7788, visiting the Express offices at 108 E. Grand Avenue, or submitting an on-line form available at www.eauclaireexpress.com

Zimmermann Named Top Prospect by Baseball America
Eau Claire, Wis.

Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers Unveiled
BAXTER, Minn. - Team management of the new Northwoods League franchise in Brainerd revealed the team’s identity tonight with the announcement that the team is named the “Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers”. The team’s logo, featuring a large fish emerging from behind the Lunkers nickname towards a baseball-baited fishing pole and line, was also unveiled. The team colors are blue and orange.

The term “lunker”, which is commonly used to describe a game fish that is large for its kind, was submitted twice out of the more than 800 entries in Brainerd’s name-the-team contest. The contest was held for two weeks following the announcement in late December that the franchise would no longer be known as the “Blue Thunder”.

Rana Nestrud and family from Brainerd and Bill and Pat Wallace of Aitkin will each receive a pair of season tickets to Lunkers games for life. Both families submitted the name that team management thought was the best fit for the area.

“We wanted to stay within the fishing realm for the area,” said team owner Joel Sutherland. “We see the endearing qualities with the name. Everybody wants to catch a lunker. You can catch a lunker on a lake during the day and you can catch a Lunkers game at Mills Field at night.”

The Brainerd Lakes Area is known for its many lakes, resorts, and great fishing. Team management decided that “Brainerd Lakes Area” needed to be included in the team’s full name.

“It became clear during the name-the-team contest that the interest is much more than just those in Brainerd and (the neighboring city of) Baxter,” Sutherland explained. “We received entries from places like Wadena, Aitkin, Pine River, and Little Falls. This will be the Brainerd Lakes Area team.”

The Lunkers’ website has already been launched. Fans can stay up to date with the team by visiting www.lunkersbaseball.com. The Lunkers will open their inaugural season at home on May 28th against the St. Cloud River Bats.

Sutherland added, “The Lunkers are going to be the big fish in the Northwoods League pond. We look forward to stocking the Mills Field pond for 34 nights this year.”

Record Number of NWL Alumni Open Camp
Rochester, Minn. - As pitchers and catchers report to big league camp this weekend and the rest of the players follow in the coming days, a record number of those players once honed their skills in the Northwoods League. Twenty-six of the 30 Major League teams will have at least one NWL alumnus in camp as a record 51 participate league wide.

Of the 51 players, 29 have big league experience with the other 22 hoping to break camp in April on a Major League roster for the first time. There will be a total of seven catchers, five infielders, 14 outfielders, and 25 pitchers in camp. The Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers both have four NWL alumni on their spring roster while Cleveland, Houston, Kansas City, and San Francisco have none.

For Northwoods League franchises, the St. Cloud River Bats claim the most alumni with seven, while the Wisconsin Woodchucks have six. Alexandria, Duluth and Mankato each can claim five.

Three players

Express announce first commitments for 2009
Eau Claire, Wis.

Express add two more to roster
Eau Claire, Wis.

Express Now Selling July 4th Fan Deck Tickets
The Eau Claire Express have printed July 4 fan deck tickets this year in an effort to meet the increasing demands of our fans who wish to partake in the holiday festivities. This year, only those fans who possess the fan deck tickets specifically printed for July 4 will gain admittance onto the deck. Once the ticket allotment is gone there will be no more available. In this manner, all fans will be guaranteed admittance for the game.

In the event a fan purchases a July 4 fan deck ticket with intent of going but is unable to for whatever reason, that ticket may be exchanged for a general fan deck ticket good for any remaining regular season home game. July 4 fan deck tickets are on sale now and cost $30 each. They are available by calling the Express at 839-7788 or visiting us at 108 E. Grand Avenue.

Express Add Three from Baylor
Eau Claire, Wis.

Express Now Hiring Summer Staff
The Eau Claire Express have begun accepting applications for summer staff positions for 2009. The organization is seeking friendly, motivated team players for summer work at Carson Park.

Available positions include concessions, food prep, cashiers, hawkers/vendors and security. All ages 14 and up are welcome to apply.

The Express are also looking for volunteers to work as ushers and ticket takers. In these positions, you will receive a pair of season tickets, along with concession value for each game.

To apply for a position, fill out an application and return it to the Express office at 108 E. Grand Ave. in downtown Eau Claire. Click on the link below to print an application. If you need further information, contact Andy Neborak at the Express office by calling 839-7788.

Express Announce Three More Commitments
Eau Claire, Wis.

Zimmermann Pitching Well in Spring Training
Eau Claire, Wis.

Worthington Receives Honor in Horizon League
Chicago, Ill.- Former Eau Claire Express pitcher Adam Worthington was named the Horizon League Pitcher of the Week for the period ending Feb. 22, the league office announced on Monday, Feb. 23.

In his first career start, Worthington gave up just one run while scattering six hits in 7.2 innings against fourth-ranked Texas on Sunday.

The 2008 Horizon League Relief Pitcher of the Year and UIC's active career saves leader with 13, Worthington had made 92 relief appearances without a start in his previous three seasons in a Flames uniform before tossing the opening pitch against the Longhorns.

The near-eight innings of work made up a career-long outing for Worthington, who was honored with the league's Pitcher of the Week honor for the first time in his career.

Worthington now has a career earned run average of 3.84, the lowest active career ERA on the Flames' staff.

Worthington pitched for the Express during their division-winning 2007 season. The right-hander was a major contributor, finishing with a 6-2 record and a 2.00 earned run average in ten games started with the club. Worthington made one start for the Express in 2008 before his season was cut short by injury.

UIC heads to Tuscaloosa, Ala., this weekend for a four-game series against Alabama beginning on Friday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Express Add Three Pitchers
Eau Claire, Wis.

Zimmermann Continues to Impress
Eau Claire, Wis.

Express Add Pair of Freshmen
Eau Claire, Wis.

Zimmermann Named Nationals’ Fifth Starter
Eau Claire, Wis.- March 28, 2009- The Washington Nationals announced today that former Express pitcher Jordan Zimmermann has been named to the team’s starting rotation. He had been in competition this spring with Collin Balester and Shairon Martis for the last two spots in the rotation. Balester was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse this morning.

Zimmermann will have to wait until April 19 to make his Major League debut. The Nationals do not need a fifth starter until then as a result of off days on April 9 and 14. He will begin the season in the minors to remain on a regular pitching schedule. The Nationals’ 2008 Minor League Pitcher of the Year will face the Marlins at Nationals Park in his first scheduled start.

The former Express standout has had an impressive spring, going 1-1 with a 3.14 earned run average in five appearances (three starts) thus far. Zimmermann leads Nationals’ pitchers with 20 strikeouts, while surrendering only two walks in 14.1 innings pitched.

Zimmermann becomes the first former Express player to make it to the Major Leagues. He spent the summer of 2006 in Eau Claire, finishing with a 4-2 record and a 1.01 ERA. His 92 strikeouts that season are the highest single-season total in Express history.

New Home for Express Radio Broadcasts
Eau Claire, Wis. - NewsTalk 790 WAYY will be the new home for Express radio broadcasts, it was announced today by Express front office staff. Beginning May 28, fans will be able to hear the game broadcasts on the radio dial at 790 AM or via live streaming audio at www.wayy790.com.

NewsTalk 790 WAYY is a part of the Maverick Media family of radio stations that includes: WAXX 104.5, I-94, 99.9 The Carp, 92.9 The Big Cheese and ESPN 1150. The Eau Claire Express home page will feature a link to the NewsTalk 790 WAYY website for quick and easy access.

Scottt Montesano will be returning for his fourth season as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Express. Montesano has been, among other things, the play-by-play announcer for two baseball teams in the New England Collegiate Baseball League and two hockey teams in the North American Hockey League since 2003. Most recently, he was named General Manager of the North Iowa Outlaws hockey team of the NAHL.

Express Looking for Volunteer Workers
The Eau Claire Express are looking for volunteers to work as ticket takers for the 2009 season. These positions are a great way for baseball fans in the Chippewa Valley to see all Express home games for no cost.

Each volunteer will receive one free reserved grandstand season ticket, $5 in concession value for each of the 34 home games, and two free staff t-shirts. The team is looking for four workers to fill three positions, which means each worker will get one out of every four games off.

Ticket takers are required to be at the stadium one hour and 20 minutes before first pitch and work no later than the 5th inning. Workers must have reliable transportation to and from each Express home game.

If you are interested in applying for one of these positions, please contact Andy Neborak at the Express office. He can be reached by phone at 839-7788 or by email at aneborak@eauclaireexpress.com.

The Express open their fifth season in the Northwoods League at Carson Park on May 28 versus the Wisconsin Woodchucks. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M.

Zimmermann set for Major League debut
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Monday's game between the Nationals and Braves will be worth watching. Why? Washington right-hander Jordan Zimmermann will make his Major League debut.

Zimmermann was named the Nationals' fifth starter during Spring Training with the understanding he would pitch with Triple-A Syracuse until his services were needed 11 games into Washington's schedule.

Zimmermann, 22, made one start with the Chiefs, tossing 5 1/3 innings on April 9 against Rochester. Zimmermann went 1-1 with a 3.14 ERA in five games (three starts) this spring, and he held opponents scoreless in four of his five outings.

"You are always excited to see one of your bright prospects," acting general manager Mike Rizzo said. "I feel he will come with a good game plan. I don't think he will be intimidated by a Major League stadium or Major League hitters. I'm looking forward to him having a successful outing and really kick-start his Major League career."

Zimmermann entered this season rated the Nationals' No. 1 prospect by Baseball America. After 39 Minor League games, he owns a 15-5 career record with a 2.81 ERA.

Zimmermann was the Nationals' 2008 Minor League Player of the Year, after going a combined 10-3 with a 2.89 ERA in 25 games with Class A Potomac and Double-A Harrisburg.

Fadness and Kilcrease to Return in 2009
Eau Claire, Wis.

NWL Reachs Agreement with Pointstreak
Toronto, ON - Pointstreak.com Inc. and The Northwoods League are pleased to announce they have reached a long term agreement which will see Pointstreak provide real-time scoring, official statistics and league administration services to the league.

"The Northwoods League is extremely excited to partner with Pointstreak to keep us ahead of the curve in terms of providing our fans with up-to-date information on the happenings within the Northwoods League. The real-time statistical package along with the anticipated changes to the league websites will keep us at the top of the technological advances related to summer collegiate baseball", said Dick Radatz Jr., President of the Northwood League.

Pointstreak's baseball platform will streamline the process of capturing and delivering game statistics for the Northwoods League and deliver those game events to the league and team websites in real-time for the benefit of players, fans and media partners.

A unique feature of Pointstreak's baseball statistical solution is Game Live, a
real-time flash application that streams play-by-play baseball results over a 3-D graphical image of a baseball diamond. Pointstreak Stats for baseball is also geared towards the needs of media sources, providing Associated Press (AP) formatted box scores, allowing for easy reproduction of baseball stats into print media.

"Pointstreak is proud to have been chosen as the official real-time scoring and statistics provider for the Northwoods League. To have the ability to deliver real-time scoring and official statistics to their fans and media partners in true real-time will be a great enhancement to the Northwoods League's standard operations. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the Northwoods League and its member teams", said Paul Pettipiece, Vice President of Baseball Operations of Pointstreak.com Inc.

About Pointstreak:
Pointstreak provides technology driven sports management and business solutions designed to streamline operations while facilitating and enhancing the sport participant, fan and media experience. Pointstreak's product line includes solutions for professional, collegiate, and junior sports leagues as well as for amateur and recreational sports leagues. Pointstreak's technology and products are designed to save sports organizations time, money, and effort and include solutions for statistics, online registration and website design and hosting. More information can be found on Pointstreak's website link at the bottom of the page.

The Eau Claire Express website's general layout will remain the same through the 2009 season, with the exception of the statistical pages tied to Pointstreak.com Inc.

Zimmermann Wins MLB Debut
Story courtesy of Bill Ladson / MLB.com

Washington D.C.- After a two-hour, 10-minute rain delay, rookie right-hander Jordan Zimmermann threw his first big league pitch at 9:15 p.m. ET on Monday. From that point on, he was solid, as the Nationals edged the Braves, 3-2, at Nationals Park.

Zimmermann, the team's best prospect entering this season, went six innings and gave up two runs on six hits. He threw 72 pitches, 51 of them for strikes.

Manager Manny Acta thought about letting Zimmermann pitch another inning, but the Nationals started a rally in the bottom of the sixth, so Acta decided to have Alex Cintron pinch-hit.

"I had my helmet and batting gloves on, and John Lannan said, 'Cintron may be hitting for you if [Alberto Gonzalez doesn't hit into a double play],' " Zimmermann said. "I'm already on deck, and I put everything away and sat down. The only way I was going back out there was if Gonzalez hit into a double play, which he didn't. Everything worked out well."

In his two-plus seasons in the big leagues, catcher Jesus Flores said, he has never caught a pitcher like Zimmermann. Flores said the young hurler was focused and throwing the ball from both sides of the plate.

"He has tremendous command with his pitches. He threw the ball very well today," Flores said.

Zimmermann cruised until the fourth inning, when he gave up a two-run homer to Matt Diaz. After that he retired six of the next seven hitters he faced.

Acta said that Zimmermann threw even harder on Monday than he did during Spring Training. Zimmermann's fastball was clocked at 95 mph against the Braves.

"He was pretty impressive, especially since this was not the nicest day to play baseball," Acta said. "The kid hung in there and was very patient in the clubhouse. He went out there and gave us a tremendous effort."

After the Diaz homer, the Nationals came back and were able to get the victory for Zimmermann, starting with the bottom of the fourth inning.

With right-hander Derek Lowe on the mound, Elijah Dukes singled to right field to drive in Nick Johnson and cut the lead by one. Two batters later, Flores tied the score with a sacrifice fly to left field to send home Ryan Zimmerman.

Flores gave Washington the lead two innings later, when he singled to left field to drive in Dukes.

Zimmermann was named the Nationals' fifth starter during Spring Training with the understanding that he would pitch with Triple-A Syracuse until his services were needed 11 games into the schedule.

The 22-year-old made one start with the Chiefs, tossing 5 1/3 innings on April 9 against Rochester. He was supposed to pitch last Tuesday, but that game was called because of rain. Instead he threw a simulated game and pitched six innings.

Zimmermann was scheduled to make his Major League debut on Sunday against the Marlins, but the start was pushed back a day because of the rainout between the Nationals and Phillies last Wednesday.

Then there was the delay this time around.

"It has been a long two weeks, I should say, having to go out to Syracuse and knowing that I'm going to be here on the 19th," Zimmermann said. "Then a rain postponement, and it got pushed back to the 20th. And I get here, and it's raining again. It was a pretty long two weeks, and I was just happy to be in the game tonight and get this out of the way."

For the first time since last Thursday, against the Phillies, the Nationals preserved a victory, with Kip Wells, Joe Beimel, Garrett Mock and Joel Hanrahan pitching a combined three shutout innings.

Hanrahan, who picked up his first save of the season, needed this game after blowing save opportunities on Friday and Saturday against the Marlins. He acknowledged that Sunday was a long day, as he was not available after pitching three games in a row.

"Any time you mess up, you want to get back out there," Hanrahan said. "It felt good to go out there to get the job done."

And preserve the victory for Zimmermann.

A happy Zimmermann said that he was going to his apartment after the game to celebrate with his parents, grandparents and 20 friends from Wisconsin.

"All 25 people are probably going to come over and hang out for a while," he said. "Then it's time for bed and back to the ballpark."

NWL Implements Pitching Guidelines
Rochester, Minn. The Northwoods League has implemented rules, similar to those in entry-level minor league baseball, that guide coaching staffs to develop pitchers over the course of a season. The new guidelines will be in effect for the 2010 Northwoods League season.

Included in the guidelines, a pitcher will not be allowed to start a new inning if he’s thrown 100 or more pitches in the game. If he happens to reach 110 pitches, the pitcher would need to be removed from the game at the end of the at-bat. If in a given inning a pitcher throws 30 or more pitches, he will not be allowed to return for the next inning.

The Northwoods League had a league-record four no-hitters thrown during the summer of 2009. The guidelines will allow some leeway to accommodate such accomplishments, but even while tossing a no-hitter a pitcher wouldn’t be allowed to begin a new inning if he’s already thrown 120 or more pitches.

"The implementation of these rules is a tremendous statement of the Northwoods League's commitment to developing baseball players in a minor league setting,” said Andy McKay, who has coached the NWL’s La Crosse Loggers the past two seasons in addition to his head coach position at Sacramento City College. “These regulations are in complete accordance with the protocol of most minor league organizations and the Northwoods League is now the only major college summer league with pitch count guidelines to protect the health and development of our players," added McKay, who has also coached in the Cape Cod Baseball League and the Alaska Baseball League.

Additional guidelines assure pitchers five full days of rest between appearances if they do throw 100 or more pitches in a game. If a pitcher throws from 85-99 pitches he’s assured four full days rest. Relief pitchers would be assured a full day of rest after making an appearance two consecutive days.

Coaches failing to abide by the guidelines would be deemed at fault by the Northwoods League and would be subject to a fine and suspension.

“These new guidelines are just another way of keeping us ahead of the curve as we continue to move forward and develop these young men for future college play and ultimately for professional baseball careers,” said Northwoods League President Dick Radatz, Jr. “By operating under this type of structure, our pitchers will be experiencing the same conditions as they will upon entering the lower ranks of professional baseball.”

The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. To date, 59 of the NWL’s former players have gone on to play Major League Baseball.

Express Add Three More Players to Roster
Eau Claire, Wis.

Willmar, MN Joins Northwoods League
Willmar, Minn. The Northwoods League announced today that the league will be expanding to Willmar, Minnesota beginning with the 2010 season. A group led by experienced Northwoods League team executives Ryan Voz and Marc Jerzak has purchased the NWL expansion franchise in Willmar and the team will play its home games at Bill Taunton Stadium.

Willmar, a city of around 19,000 people, is located about 90 miles west of Minneapolis and 60 miles southwest of St. Cloud in West Central Minnesota. Bill Taunton Stadium has twice hosted Northwoods League regular season games, once in 2006 and again the following year in 2007. Both of those games drew more than 1,000 fans to the ballpark, including 1,425 on July 25, 2006 when Alexandria defeated Mankato 3-2. At that time, Ryan Voz was the General Manager of the Alexandria Beetles.

"Willmar is a very similar market to Alexandria and we decided to play a home game in Willmar during the 2006 season,” Voz said. "It was to our surprise what a great ballpark the community of Willmar had created and I have always thought Willmar could be a possibility for a Northwoods League franchise."

"After further review,” Voz continued, “the city of Willmar had a vision when the ballpark was rebuilt and we are excited to bring Northwoods League baseball to this fine market."

Voz has spent the last three years with the St. Cloud River Bats alongside fellow Vice President Marc Jerzak. In 2009 their responsibilities increased when the St. Cloud management also operated the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers to a successful first season of existence. In addition to Brainerd in ’09, Voz and Jerzak were both vital to the launch of Alexandria in 2001 when Voz was the GM and Jerzak was an intern.

"Everyday I'm more and more impressed with the people and the business leaders in the City of Willmar and the surrounding areas,” Jerzak said. “After being a part of several Northwoods Leagues markets, the pride and passion of the people towards baseball and their community is off the charts."

Voz, 34, and Jerzak, 30, have a combined 20 years of experience in the Northwoods League. Both men have once been named the Northwoods League Executive of the Year; Voz earned the award in 2003 and Jerzak earned it in 2007. Voz and Jerzak are joined in this venture with owner/business partner Gary Posch. Posch is very familiar with the Northwoods League and has been a fan of the concept and opportunities it provides.

“Willmar could not be getting two finer baseball executives to own and run their franchise,” Northwoods League President Dick Radatz, Jr. said. “With their experience in the Northwoods League we should expect good things immediately and I look forward to visiting Willmar for years to come. Congratulations to Ryan, Marc, Gary and Willmar, Minnesota”

The new Willmar franchise is currently without a name, but fans and community members can change that. Beginning today through November 1st fans can submit their ideas with an email to nametheteam@hotmail.com with the winning submission receiving two season tickets for life.

The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The 17th season of Northwoods League baseball will begin in early June 2010 with the release of the schedule expected in November. Willmar joins Alexandria, Brainerd, Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, and St. Cloud as Minnesota cities in the NWL; Eau Claire, Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, and Wausau from Wisconsin; Waterloo, Iowa; Battle Creek, Michigan; and Thunder Bay, Ontario.

To date, 59 former Northwoods League players have gone on to play Major League Baseball including nine making their MLB Debut in 2009. Five players currently playing in the League Championship Series once played in the Northwoods League including Andre Ethier, Juan Pierre, George Sherrill, and Jeff Weaver of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Robb Quinlan of the Los Angeles Angels.

Pinckard named a top 10 prospect in NWL
Rochester, Minn. - August 28, 2009 - La Crosse Loggers catcher Rob Brantly (California-Riverside) ranks as the top prospect in the Northwoods League for 2009 according to the list published Thursday by “Baseball America”. Brantly won the Northwoods League batting title with a .346 average while helping his Loggers claim the South Division Championship.

On Brantly, Baseball America’s Aaron Fitt reports:

“Widely regarded as one of the top recruits in Southern California last year, Brantly had a solid freshman season at UCR (hitting .316/.344/.454) before exploding in the NWL. He led the league in batting (.346), ranked third in on-base percentage (.411) and second in slugging (.516), while compiling six homers and 34 RBIs. He showed off his mature offensive approach and ability to make consistent contact by drawing 21 walks and striking out just 11 times, the fewest of any NWL qualifier. Brantly's smooth lefthanded swing creates good backspin, and he projects to add more power as he fills out his wiry 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame. Behind the plate, he's a decent receiver and blocker with some arm strength, though his defense lags a bit behind his bat. He also earns plaudits for his ability to handle a pitching staff. Brantly should garner plenty of interest as a draft-eligible sophomore next spring, but he could be a premium pick as a junior in 2011.”

The Express are represented on the list by outfielder and pitcher Brooks Pinckard of Baylor University. He finished the 2009 summer with a .286 batting average to go along with three home runs and 24 runs batted in. On the mound, Pinckard had a 2-0 record with a 0.77 earned run average in 11.2 innings pitched.

The complete list of BA’s top prospects for the Northwoods League is below. Alexandria, Green Bay, and Rochester all placed two players in the top 10. Scouting reports on all of the players can be found on the premium section of BA’s website at baseballamerica.com.

1. Rob Brantly, C, La Crosse (So., UC Riverside)
2. Dixon Anderson, RHP, Green Bay (So., California)
3. Michael Kvasnicka, OF/C, Brainerd Lakes Area (Jr., Minnesota)
4. Tony Thompson, 3B, Rochester (Jr., Kansas)
5. Matt Miller, RHP, Alexandria (So., Michigan)
6. Erik Johnson, RHP, Alexandria (So., California)
7. Brooks Pinckard, RHP/OF, Eau Claire (Jr., Baylor)
8. Harold Riggins, 1B, Madison (So., North Carolina State)
9. Zach Varce, RHP, Green Bay (Jr., Portland)
10. Corey Jones, 2B/SS, Rochester (Jr., Cal State Fullerton)

The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. To date, 57 of the NWL’s former players have gone on to play Major League Baseball.

Follow the Express on Twitter
The Eau Claire Express has joined the Twitter craze! Become a follower of the Express on Twitter and receive various updates throughout the season.

Promotions, giveaways, alumni updates and information on each game will be posted to the page. Check the Express Twitter page and you will always know what is going on at Carson Park on any given night! Also, look for updates on Express alumni that are playing professionally. Their updated statistics will be periodically linked to the page, which will give you an easy way to keep up on all the former players.

Make sure to let your friends know that the Express has a Twitter page so we can accumulate a large following! If you are not a member of Twitter, visit twitter.com and sign up for free!

Express Add Infielder Leonard
Eau Claire, Wis.

Cales and Gamboa advance to AA
The goal of most players that play for the Express during the summer is to make it to the Major Leagues. The club has seen several current and former players drafted during its five-year history. Two of those players recently came one step closer to that goal, as David Cales and Eddie Gamboa were promoted to the Double-A affiliate of their respective organizations in recent weeks.

David Cales (2007-2008) pitched and played infield for the Express during his two seasons with the club. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 2008 Major League Baseball draft as a pitcher and has worked this way rather quickly through the system. Cales was recently promoted to the Cubs’ Double-A affiliate in Tennessee. In 12 appearances with the Smokies, Cales has a record of 1-0 with an 8.22 earned run average. The Chicago, Ill. native has posted a 7-1 record with a 2.85 ERA in 85 1/3 innings pitched in his 64 total appearances in the minors.

Eddie Gamboa (2007) played a big part in the Express advancing to the Northwoods League Championship Series in 2007. The following spring, the Baltimore Orioles drafted Gamboa in the 21st round. He was recently promoted to the Orioles’ Double-A affiliate. In three appearances with the Bowie Baysox, he has a 1-0 record and has not given up an earned run in 5 1/3 innings pitched. Gamboa has appeared in 47 games covering 139 innings in the minors over two seasons and has a record of 12-7 with a 2.27 ERA. He has seen increased success this season after being converted to a relief pitcher, going 11-0 with a 1.17 ERA in 35 appearances.

Make sure to keep an eye on the Express website in the coming weeks, as more alumni updates will be available as the Minor League season comes to an end.

Express Sign Three Pitchers
Eau Claire, Wis.

Bonfe Returns to Express
Eau Claire, Wis.

Green Bay Packers All-Pro Softball Team Coming to Town to take on the Eau Claire Fire Fighters State Runner-up Softball Team
On Sunday, May 31, the Eau Claire Fire Fighters Softball team will play the Green Bay Packers All-Pro Softball Team in a fundraising softball game. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Carson Park baseball stadium. Tickets are currently on sale for $15 each or $40 for a family pack at all three Gordys County Market stores, Festival Foods, and the Eau Claire Express offices. Tickets will also be available the day of the event at the stadium.

This softball game is a fundraising event for the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin (PFFW) with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the Eau Claire Fire Fighters. The Eau Claire game is one of four venues state-wide this spring. The others include Wausau, Milwaukee and Madison.

The Eau Claire Fire Fighters qualified to play this venue by placing second in state last summer in the PFFW State Softball Tournament. In 2007 they placed first in the state.

Last years Packer All-Pro Softball team consisted of A.J Hawk, Nick Barnett, Nick Collins, Vernon Morency, Corey Williams, Ruvell Martin, Atari Bigby, Shaun Bodiford, Patrick Dendy and Tramon Williams along with others.

This will be the second consecutive year the Eau Claire Fire Fighters have hosted the Packers here in Eau Claire. Last year the Packers players stayed afterwards until everyone had an autograph. File footage should be available from last year.

Further information is available by calling Jeff Dykes at 715-225-9823. The Eau Claire Fire Fighters Local 487 consists of 84 members. Local 487 is a member of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin (PFFW) which is a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

Express win season opener
Eau Claire, Wis. - May, 28, 2009 - The Eau Claire Express won their season opener on Thursday night behind a strong pitching performance from Gera Sanchez. Sanchez pitched six scoreless innings to earn his first win of the season. In the game, Sanchez recorded nine strikeouts.

Nate Baumann and Aaron Fujiki led the way hitting for the Express as they both recorded two hits a piece. Nolan Fadness recorded a two-RBI hit in the fourth inning to put the express up 4-0 early on.

The game was dominated by the pitchers early on as both teams struggled to find offense. The Express scored first in the second inning but it was an unearned run as the second baseman could not make the play to throw out the runner.

Devan Kline pitched the final two innings for the Express as he recorded his first save of the early season.

The Express will be back in action Friday night when they take on the Wisconsin Woodchucks, this time in Wausau. Game time for Friday night is set for 6:35 p.m.

Express improve to 2-0
Eau Claire, Wis.

Green Bay Packers All-Pro Softball Team Coming to Town to take on the Eau Claire Fire Fighters State Runner-up Softball Team
On Sunday, May 31, the Eau Claire Fire Fighters Softball team will play the Green Bay Packers All-Pro Softball Team in a fundraising softball game. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Carson Park baseball stadium. Tickets are currently on sale for $15 each or $40 for a family pack at all three Gordys County Market stores, Festival Foods, and the Eau Claire Express offices. Tickets will also be available the day of the event at the stadium.

This softball game is a fundraising event for the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin (PFFW) with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the Eau Claire Fire Fighters. The Eau Claire game is one of four venues state-wide this spring. The others include Wausau, Milwaukee and Madison.

The Eau Claire Fire Fighters qualified to play this venue by placing second in state last summer in the PFFW State Softball Tournament. In 2007 they placed first in the state.

Last years Packer All-Pro Softball team consisted of A.J Hawk, Nick Barnett, Nick Collins, Vernon Morency, Corey Williams, Ruvell Martin, Atari Bigby, Shaun Bodiford, Patrick Dendy and Tramon Williams along with others.

This will be the second consecutive year the Eau Claire Fire Fighters have hosted the Packers here in Eau Claire. Last year the Packers players stayed afterwards until everyone had an autograph. File footage should be available from last year.

Further information is available by calling Jeff Dykes at 715-225-9823. The Eau Claire Fire Fighters Local 487 consists of 84 members. Local 487 is a member of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin (PFFW) which is a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

Penn Atlantic Now Providing Webcasting
Beginning this year, all Eau Claire Express games will be broadcast over the internet through Penn Atlantic. Penn Atlantic provides a high-quality broadcast with multiple camera angles. Audio will be provided by each team's home radio announcer.

To access the webcasting for all Express games, simply click on the link below, which will direct you to the Northwoods League TV page. Click on the "live games" tab to take you to the Penn Atlantic schedule page where you can view any Northwoods League game while it is being played.

If you are unable to attend a home Express game, or if you would like to watch the team on the road, make sure to check out www.northwoodsleague.tv!

Express suffer first loss of young season
The Eau Claire Express lost an exciting game Saturday night at Carson Park by a final score of 4-2. Pitching was once again the story as the players are still adjusting to the wood bats.

Rudy Jaramillo made his first start of the season on the mound and pitched six innings. Jaramillo earned a no-decision on the night as he gave up only one earned run early in the first inning.

In the sixth inning the Express took the lead on a two-run double by Joe Bonfe. The lead did not last long however. The La Crosse Loggers scored three runs in the next half inning to regain the lead off of relief pitcher Drew Kendrick.

The Express threatened again in the bottom of the eighth inning. There were runners on second and third with one out but Bobby Rinard was thrown out at home on a wild pitch. Dominic Piazza then hit a ball that looked like it may fall with the bases loaded, but it was caught for the third out.

The Express will be back in action Sunday night when they take on the La Crosse Loggers this time in La Crosse. The game is scheduled to start at 5:05 p.m.

After that the Express will get ready to open up a seven game home-stand starting with the Thunder Bay Border Cats. Game time is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

First loss does not keep Express down too long
It did not take long for the Eau Claire Express to get back on the winning track after suffering their first loss of the season Saturday night. Sunday evening the Express defeated the La Crosse Loggers 4-1 at Copeland Stadium in La Crosse.

The offense gave starting pitcher Joseph Lopez a few runs to work with early on in the first inning. The Express scored three runs in the first inning and that was more than enough for Lopez to work with.

Lopez pitched seven innings and surrendered only one run. The bullpen was solid as well. Ian Campbell pitched the eighth inning and Devan Kline pitched a clean ninth inning to secure the win for the Express.

The pitching has continued to keep the Express in every game, but the offense has put up enough runs to help the cause. Nolan Fadness, Joe Bonfe, Nate Baumann and Drew Heithoff all had two hits in the game. Bonfe, Baumann and Dominic Piazza had the RBIs for the Express.

Eau Claire comes back home Monday to begin a seven day, seven game home-stand. They begin a two game series with the Thunder Bay Border Cats at 6:35 p.m. at Carson Park.

Offense, pitching help improve Express to 4-1
Early in the game it was the offense, but in the end, when they needed it the most, the pitching came through for the Eau Claire Express. The Express defeated the Thunder Bay Border Cats 4-3 Monday night in game one of a two game series with the Cats.

Nolan Fadness got the offense started with a lead-off single. He then stole second base and that allowed Joe Bonfe to single him in. The offensive outburst continued through the first inning and the Express scored all four of their runs in that inning.

The game slowed down after that and both pitchers fell into a groove. Cole Nelson made his first start on the mound for the Express and earned the victory. He lasted 5.1 innings and surrendered only one earned run.

Drew Kendrick came on in relief and silenced the Thunder Bay rally in the sixth inning. Kendrick pitched 2.2 innings in relief and did not allow a run. Closer Devan Kline came on in the ninth to record his fourth save of the season. Kline has earned a save in all four of the Express victories this season.

The Express will look to improve their record Tuesday night while Thunder Bay still seeks its first win of the season. First pitch for Tuesday’s game at Carson Park is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Express continue winning ways, move to 5-1
The Eau Claire Express received another stellar pitching performance from yet another starting pitcher. The offense did the rest in a 4-0 victory over the Thunder Bay Border Cats.

Louis Head (Texas Tech) made his season debut on the mound and did not disappoint. Head through seven shutout innings and struck-out six batters during the night. Normal closer Devan Kline (Central Michigan) got the night off, but it did not matter as Ian Campbell (Yavapai) nailed down his first save of the season.

Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) scored a run for the Express in the third inning to give them the early lead 1-0. That lead stood for nearly the rest of the game. Drew Heithoff (Augustana) scored in the seventh inning and the Express tacked on two insurance runs in the eighth to take home a 4-0 victory.

But the main story of the night was once again the Express pitching staff. Head, who just arrived to town on Monday, struggled with his command early in the game. But he was still able to find his way out of a couple jams to help the Express earn the victory.

Fadness and Heithoff both had two hits on the game and both scored runs as well. Joe Bonfe (Sierra College) added to his hit total and RBI total with one of each on the night.

Riding a three game winning streak, the Express will welcome Brainerd to town tomorrow. Brainerd comes to town with a 3-3 record and they are coming off a 3-1 loss Tuesday night to Mankato.

First pitch for the third game of the seven game home-stand is set for 6:35 p.m. at Carson Park.

Sanchez moves to 2-0 on season, Express continue to roll
Gera Sanchez (New Mexico JC) improved his record to 2-0 on the season and the Express improved to 6-1. The Express defeated the Brainerd Lunkers 6-2 in game one of a two game series.

Sanchez, who made his first start since opening day, pitched seven scoreless innings and struck out seven batters in his work. The Express scored both early and late as the offense continued to give enough run support to its pitching staff.

Joe Bonfe (Sierra College) continued to swing a hot bat and led the Express with three hits. Robbie Knight (Creighton) added two hits in his second game this season with the Express and four other players added one hit a piece.

The Express also only committed one error on the night as they continue to play solid defense behind the pitching staff.

Catcher Nate Hammes (St. Cloud St.) was the lone bright spot in the Brainerd lineup as he contributed half the teams’ hits with three. Brainerd was only able to manage three more hits on the night as Sanchez kept them off balance the whole game.

The Express broke the game open in the sixth inning when Brainerd removed their starting pitcher, Zach Kenyon (Iowa), and brought in reliever, Trenton Wood (Youngstown State).

Wood walked the first batter he faced, then hit Matt Fritz (Bradley). The ninth hitter, Drew Heithoff (Augustana) laid down a perfect bunt and got a base hit that loaded the bases.

Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh), grounded out to second base but that scored a run. Then Knight hit a two run single that gave the Express a comfortable lead and helped lead them to the victory.

The Express and Lunkers will square off again Thursday night at Carson Park for the second game of the series. Chris Odegaard will take the hill for the Express as he looks for his second win of the season. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Express improve to 7-1 on season
Express move to 7-1 on the season

June 4, 2009 - The Eau Claire Express faced something they have not faced often this season; a deficit. That deficit did not even last a whole inning however, and the Express won their seventh game of the season defeating the Brainerd Lunkers 4-3.

Chris Odegaard (UM-Mankato) pitched seven innings and struck out four batters while giving up three runs to earn his second win of the season. Odegaard worked very efficiently and relied on his defense to help him earn the victory. The defense was solid as they committed no errors on the night.

Joe Bonfe (Creighton) continued his dominance at the plate going 2-4 with a run batted in. Bobby Rinard (Yavapai) also had a big night at the plate hitting two doubles and going 2-4. Dominic Piazza (Yavapai) got out of a slump in a huge way hitting a solo home run in his first at-bat of the game into the fan deck. Piazza finished the game 2-3.

The Express did something they have rarely done this season and that is fall behind. Brainerd scored a run in the first inning when Nate Hammes (St. Cloud St.) hit into a rare double play with runners on first and third. Hammes grounded out to Bonfe who stepped on first and threw to second base which took the force off at second. The runner on third crossed the plate before the out was recorded so the run counted.

Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) led off the first inning for the Express with a walk then stole second base. Bonfe then singled him in to tie the game. In the second inning the Express took the lead when Piazza homered onto the fan deck. The Express went up 4-1 before Brainerd made it 4-3.

The ninth inning belonged to Devan Kline (Central Michigan) though and he pitched a perfect ninth to secure the win for the Express. Kline recorded his fifth save in as many chances and has really become a presence as the Express closer.

The win improves the Express record to 7-1 on the season and they are yet to lose on this home-stand. The seven game home-stand continues Friday night when the Express welcome the Green Bay Bullfrogs. First pitch for Friday night’s game is 6:35 p.m.

Express continue to win behind strong pitching
June 5, 2009 - It took a little while for the Express offense to find a groove Friday night against the Green Bay Bullfrogs. But they received another strong pitching performance and defeated the Bullfrogs 5-2.

Rudy Jaramillo (New Mexico) was the only Express starting pitcher that had not recorded a win yet this year. That all changed Friday night as he pitched 6.1 innings and allowed only two runs to earn his first victory of the season. Jaramillo struck out eight batters and allowed only seven hits on the game.

On offense, Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) and Robbie Knight (Creighton) both recorded two hits and Joe Bonfe (Sierra College) added to his hit total with one on the night. In all the Express totaled eight hits on the night and continued to get the clutch hits when they needed them.

Jaramillo found himself in a bases-loaded jam with nobody out in the seventh inning. He struck out the first batter he faced with the bases loaded, but then surrendered a run scoring single. That single brought the Bullfrogs within one with the Express up 3-2. Ian Campbell (Yavapai) came in to get the Express out of the jam. And Campbell did just that.

With the bases still loaded, Campbell induced a ground ball to shortstop Andy Leonard (UIC) who stepped on second base and threw to first base to force the double play and get the Express out of the jam.

The Express added two more insurance runs in the bottom half of the seventh inning. Drew Heithoff (Augustana) walked and stole second and then Fadness hit an RBI double.

Scott Fern (Minnesota) made his first Northwoods league appearance in his old home stadium at Carson Park. Fern graduated from Eau Claire Memorial in 2006 and is now a member of the Green Bay Bullfrogs. Fern pitched a scoreless eighth inning for the Bullfrogs.

Devan Kline (Central Michigan) earned his sixth save in as many chances as he pitched another scoreless ninth inning. Kline has yet to give up a run this year and has been a force in the Express bullpen.

Eau Claire will go for the sweep of the Bullfrogs Saturday night at 6:35 at Carson Park. It will be the sixth game in a seven game home-stand for the Express.

Saturday night game cancelled due to weather
June 6, 2009 - The Express game scheduled for Saturday night has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game will be made up July 29 in a double header with the Green Bay Bullfrogs.

Check the Web site or call the office for more details on the make-up date when they become available.

Reserved tickets may be exchanged at the Express office, located at 108 E. Grand Ave. The tickets will be exchanged based on availability for the remaining home games.

General admission tickets and fan deck tickets will not be affected as they can be used for any home game during the season.

Express win streak halted at six
June 7 - In what seemed like early spring weather, the Eau Claire Express dropped just their second game of the season Sunday night 4-3 at the hands of the Rochester Honkers. The loss drops the Express to 8-2 on the season and puts them in a three-way tie in the division with the Madison Mallards and the Battle Creek Bombers.

Robbie Kilcrease (Texas Tech) made his first start for the Express on the mound. Kilcrease looked good striking out ten batters and allowing only two runs in six innings.

Joe Bonfe (Sierra College) knocked in two runs on a big single in the third inning to give the Express the lead back after they fell down early in the second inning. Bonfe finished the game with one hit. Drew Heithoff (Augustana) had two hits on the game and Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) added the only other hit for the Express.

Rochester struck first in the game when they scored a run on three singles in the second inning. Bonfe gave the Express the lead back though in the bottom of the third when he hit a bases loaded double. That lead did not last long though as the Honkers tied the game back up in the top of the fourth inning.

The Express gained the lead back in the bottom of the fifth when Fadness singled, stole second base, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a throwing error by the Honkers’ catcher.

That lead stood until the top of the seventh when Rochester tied the game off of Express reliever Drew Kendrick (UT-Permian Basin). Both teams played a scoreless eighth inning, but in the ninth the Honkers were able to regain the lead.

Number nine batter, Aaron Johnson (Illinois) reached first base on an error by Bonfe. Express reliever Ian Campbell (Yavapai) struck out the next batter but then walked a batter to put runners on first and second. The Express then went with closer Devan Kline (Central Michigan) to try and get out of the jam. But the first batter Kline faced singled to plate the winning run.

The Express then went down in order in the ninth inning and lost their second game of the season. The loss ends a six game winning streak for the Express. They will now be on the road for the next two days as they travel to Duluth to take on the Huskies.

Louis Head (Texas Tech) is scheduled to make his second start of the season tomorrow night. First pitch for tomorrow night’s game is scheduled for 7 p.m.

NWL Announces Recipients of Rawlings Big Stick Award
Rochester, Minn. - The Northwoods League is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2009 Rawlings Big Stick Award. This award is given to the player at each position who had the best batting average during the 2009 regular season.

As expected the 2009 Northwoods League Batting Champion, La Crosse’s Rob Brantly (California-Riverside), earned the award at catcher. Brantly finished the season with a .346 average, after vaulting up the leader board by hitting .511 in the final two weeks of the season. Battle Creek’s Chris Lewis (Western Michigan) finished a close second in the batting race and takes home a Rawlings Big Stick as the top hitting outfielder in the NWL with a .344 average. Waterloo’s Mike Giller (Illinois), the NWL’s third best hitter, picks up the Big Stick at shortstop by hitting .335 for the Bucks. He finished just ahead of three other shortstops that all ended the season in the NWL’s top-10 batting leaders. Madison’s Harold Riggins (NC State) led the league in RBI (48) and also carried the top batting average for all first baseman. Two of the outfielders earning a Big Stick, Madison’s Kurtis Muller and Mankato’s Ryan Durant, hail from the University of Iowa. A couple of west-coast players, Green Bay’s Riley Henricks (Portland) and La Crosse’s Chris Engell (San Diego), earn the Big Stick at second and third base, respectively.

To honor their achievement the eight award winners will receive an engraved bat from Rawlings. The complete list of 2009 Rawlings Big Stick Award Winners is below.

C Rob Brantly, La Crosse Loggers, .346
1B Harold Riggins, Madison Mallards, .308
2B Riley Henricks, Green Bay Bullfrogs, .270
3B Chris Engell, La Crosse Loggers, .296
SS Mike Giller, Waterloo Bucks, .335
OF Chris Lewis, Battle Creek Bombers, .344
OF Ryan Durant, Mankato MoonDogs, .324

To be eligible a player would’ve needed to have enough plate appearances to qualify for a batting title. In 2009 it took at least 184 plate appearances to be listed among the league leaders. Those players that saw time at more than one position qualify at the position they played most often.

The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The Northwoods League recently completed its 16th season of play.

Trading Card night this Thursday
June 9 - Thursday night, June 11 is the first of three trading card nights this season for the Eau Claire Express. The first 500 children in attendance will receive a pack of trading cards with their favorite Eau Claire Express players.

The players included in the set will be nine of the players that were here early in the season. Check back for the players that have arrived later in the season during the next two trading card nights.

Trading card night is sponsored by Oakleaf Surgical Hospital and Chippewa Valley Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

The dates for the other two trading card nights are June 29 and July 17.

Express split twin bill
June 9

Express Broadcasts Return to 790 WAYY
NewsTalk 790 WAYY will carry Express radio broadcasts for a second consecutive year, it was announced today by Express front office staff. Fans will be able to listen to play-by-play announcer Scott Montesano live at 790 AM or via streaming webcast at www.wayy790.com.

NewsTalk 790 WAYY is a part of the Maverick Media family of radio stations that includes: WAXX 104.5, I-94, BOB FM 99.9, 92.9 The Big Cheese and ESPN 1150. Fans can access NewsTalk 790 WAYY from the link on the left column of the Express homepage.

Montesano will be returning for his fifth season as the play-by-play announcer for the Express. He is currently in his first season as the play-by-play announcer for the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League. Montesano has been, among other things, the play-by-play announcer for two teams in the New England Collegiate Baseball League and two hockey teams in the North American Hockey League since 2003. He served as the General Manager of the North Iowa Outlaws hockey team of the NAHL in 2008-2009.

Odegaard pitches complete game shutout
June 10 - Chris Odegaard (Mankato) pitched a complete game shutout and helped lead the Eau Claire Express to a 10-0 victory over Battle Creek.

It was a huge day for Odegaard and it started in the Major League Baseball draft. Odegaard was selected in the twenty-third round by the Arizona Diamondbacks. That meant that Wednesday night’s start could potentially be his last start as an Express pitcher.

If it was indeed Odegaard’s last start, he went out with a bang. Odegaard pitched a complete game shutout and allowed only two hits the entire game. He only seemed to get stronger as the game went on and did not allow a hit after the fourth inning. He struck out twelve batters on the way to the victory.

Odegaard was not the only Express player selected in the MLB draft. Joe Bonfe (Sierra College) may have played his last game with the Express Wednesday night as well. Bonfe was drafted in the twenty-first round by the New York Mets. Bonfe followed Odegaard’s lead though, and if it was his last game, he also went out on top.

Bonfe finished the game with two hits and three RBIs. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) also had a big night at the plate finishing the game with three hits, including a triple.

The offense for the Express got rolling early and could not be stopped throughout the game. Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) led off the first inning with a walk. He then stole second base and soon scored on a Pinckard triple to the right field gap. Pinckard would also score on a fielder’s choice by Bonfe. With the 2-0 lead in the first inning the Express did not look back.

But the main story of the night was Odegaard. He improved his season record to 3-0 and also lowered his ERA to 1.57. Odegaard faced a high pitch count on the night, but worked through it to earn his first complete game victory of the season.

The Express will look to sweep the series from the Bombers tomorrow night at 6:35 p.m. The Madison Mallards also won on the night to remain tied with the Express in first place with a record of 10-3. The Bombers, with the loss tonight, fall to a game back of the two teams.

Jaramillo propels Express to sweep of Battle Creek
June 11 - The Express starting pitching has been good all season so far. But the last two nights have been the strongest performances thus far. Rudy Jaramillo (New Mexico) pitched a complete game shutout and the Eau Claire Express defeated the Battle Creek Bombers 4-0 Thursday night.

Jaramillo pitched the second consecutive complete game shutout for the Express following the lead of Chris Odegaard (Mankato). Jaramillo allowed only four hits on the game and struck out seven batters. Jaramillo also forced the Bombers to hit into three double plays to kill any rally they had. The win was Jaramillo’s second on the year and his first complete game of the season.

The Express got on the board early when they scored two unearned runs in the second inning. Drew Heithoff (Augustana) walked with two outs and then Bobby Rinard (Yavapai) reached on an error by the third baseman. Jon Ringenberg (Baylor) singled to score Heithoff from second and then Matt Fritz (Bradley) singled to score Rinard. That gave the Express a 2-0 lead and the game stayed like that until the eighth inning.

In the eighth, Rinard grounded into a fielder’s choice to score a run and then Ringenberg concluded a three hit night with a single that gave him his second RBI of the night.

The four run lead was more than enough for Jaramillo as he cruised through the Battle Creek lineup. The Express are now 11-3 on the year and the starting pitching has been the biggest reason for the early success.

It appears the Madison Mallards are on their way to another victory as they lead Duluth 5-2 in the seventh inning. With another Madison win, the Express would remain in a first place tie with the Mallards. Battle Creek will drop to two games back for the division lead with the loss.

Tomorrow night Duluth comes to Carson Park to begin a two game series with the Express. The Express will look to build on their early season success. A new starter will take the mound for the Express tomorrow as Mario Urena (UTPB) will make his season debut. Game time is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Friday night at Carson Park.

Express win exciting extra inning game
June 12

Several Express players drafted this year
The Major League Baseball first year player draft came and went this year. Fifty rounds over the course of three days went surprisingly fast. Stephen Strasburg headlined the draft as the most touted prospect quite possibly ever in baseball.

Strasburg is a right handed pitcher out of San Diego State and is seeking a huge contract from the team that drafted him, the Washington Nationals. Starsburg could potentially join the Nationals rotation this year, which includes former Eau Claire Express pitcher Jordan Zimmermann.

Zimmermann was drafted two seasons ago in the second round of the MLB draft by the Nationals. This year, the Express had several players drafted again.

Adam Worthington was a former player for the Express and was drafted in the twentieth round by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Diamondbacks also selected a current Express player. Chris Odegaard was selected in the twenty-third round by the Diamondbacks.

Joe Bonfe was drafted by the New York Mets in the twenty-first round. Both Bonfe and Odegaard have signed with their teams and are no longer with the Express. Odegaard pitched his final game for the Express the day he was drafted and pitched a complete game, two hit shutout. That game was also Bonfe’s last with the Express and he had two hits and three RBIs in his final game.

Ryan Lee played for the Express last season and was drafted in the 41st round by the Chicago White Sox. Lee will play for the Bristol Sox in Bristol, VA.

Cole Nelson, who pitched two times for the Express this season, but left to attend summer school, was drafted in the 45th round. The Tampa Bay Rays selected the lefty pitcher.

Two more current players, Bobby Rinard and Gera Sanchez were drafted. Rinard was selected by the Mets with Bonfe in the 43rd round, and Sanchez was taken by the Boston Red Sox in the 42nd round. Right now, neither Sanchez nor Rinard have signed and will probably play out the summer with the Express.

Offense shutout, Express lose fourth game of season
June 13

Jackson, Wheeler, join Sanchez in first round
June 13, 2009 - (ROCHESTER, MN) The first round of the 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft will goes down as the most successful in Northwoods League history. Outfielders Brett Jackson and Tim Wheeler joined catcher Tony Sanchez as first round picks on Tuesday marking the first draft where multiple NWL alumni were selected in the first round.

The Chicago Cubs drafted former La Crosse Loggers’ outfielder Brett Jackson (California-Berkeley) with the 31st pick of the first round. The Colorado Rockies followed by taking former St. Cloud River Bats’ outfielder Tim Wheeler (Sacramento State) with the 32nd pick to close out this year’s first round. Earlier in the evening former Battle Creek Bombers' catcher Tony Sanchez (Boston College) became the highest draft pick in Northwoods League history when he was selected 4th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

All three players were in the Northwoods League during the 2007 season. Sanchez was both a mid-season and postseason all-star, while Wheeler was selected to the mid-season team. Jackson hit for the best batting average of the trio at .343 with 2 home runs, 15 RBI and 9 stolen bases in 42 games. Wheeler filled the stat sheet by batting .299 with 11 doubles, 2 home runs, 27 RBI, and 20 stolen bases in 60 games. Sanchez, in 61 games, hit .269 with 17 doubles, 3 home runs, and 30 RBI.

Northwoods League All-Time First Round Picks:
Tony Sanchez, C (Battle Creek 2007), 4th pick by Pittsburgh in 2009
Thomas Diamond, RHP (St. Cloud 2002-03), 10th pick by Texas in 2004
Max Scherzer, RHP (La Crosse 2004), 11th pick by Arizona in 2006
Jeff Weaver, RHP (Dubuque 1995), 14th pick by Detroit in 1998
Lance Broadway, RHP (Wisconsin 2004), 15th pick by Chicago (AL) in 2005
Brett Jackson, OF (La Crosse 2007), 31st pick by Chicago (NL) in 2009
Tim Wheeler, OF (St. Cloud 2007), 32nd pick by Colorado in 2009

The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The league’s 16th season is underway.

Baumann's homer helps deliver Express victory
June 14 - Early in the season, the Eau Claire Express made their victories seem easy. The past couple days however, have not been so easy, but they keep winning nonetheless. Sunday night the Express defeated the La Crosse Loggers 7-6 at Copeland Park.

After getting shutout Saturday night against the Duluth Huskies, The Express struggled again early to score runs. They found themselves down 4-0 early in the game. Louis Head (Texas Tech) started the game on the mound for the Express. Head struggled to get through four innings, giving up four runs and striking out five.

In the sixth inning, the Express finally got on the board with a Robbie Knight (Creighton) two-run home run. Rafael Neda (New Mexico) followed Knight’s home run with a home run of his own to bring the Express within one run at 4-3.

But in the bottom half of the inning, La Crosse added some insurance runs and went up 6-3. The Express would add a run in the eighth inning, but were still down 6-4 going into the ninth.

In the ninth, Drew Heithoff (Augustana) led off the inning with a single. With two outs, Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) was down to his last strike. He hit a double and moved Heithoff to third. With runners on second and third and two outs, that brought Nate Baumann (Augustana) to the plate.

Baumann took a pitch and hit the third home run of the night for the Express to give them a 7-6 lead. Baumann was 0-3 going into the at-bat, but made the last one count.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Express brought on closer Devan Kline (Central Michigan). Kline was a perfect 7-7 in save situations for the Express. Kline struggled though and allowed the tying run to make it to third base with only one out. With the runner on third, the Loggers tried a safety squeeze to tie the game. Kline was able to get the ball to Neda though to record the out and maintain the Express lead.

Then after a walk to the next batter, Kline was able to strike out the last batter to earn his eighth save of the season.

With the win, the Express move to 13-4 on the season. Another Madison Mallards tonight keeps the two teams in a tie for first place. The Express will take on the Loggers tomorrow night, this time at Carson Park. First pitch for the game is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Calhoun homer leads Arizona State to win
June 15, 2009- The Eau Claire Express are continuing to wait for the arrival of Kole Calhoun when Arizona State’s season is complete. The former Northwoods League co-MVP is doing his part to keep the Express waiting. Calhoun’s three-run home run in the top of the tenth inning last night ended up being the difference in the Sun Devils’ 5-2 victory over North Carolina in the College World Series.

Arizona State is one of eight teams that qualified for the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. Games began on Saturday and will run no later than June 24. The tournament is a double-elimination format. The Sun Devils will need five more wins to become the NCAA National Champion.

Calhoun has had a good first season in Tempe, batting .290 with ten home runs and 45 runs batted in. He also had 50 runs scored and 15 doubles in 200 at-bats, covering 60 games thus far.

The Sun Devils’ next game will be tomorrow vs. Texas in a winner’s bracket game. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 P.M. at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Neb. Express fans can expect to see Calhoun arrive in Eau Claire around the first week of July.

Fast start not enough to propel Express to victory
June 15

Come out to Carson Park for Fathers Day!
If you are looking for something to do with dad for Father's Day this weekend, come out to Carson Park for the Express game!

Come watch the Express take on the Madison Mallards, as both teams are fighting for the Northwoods League South Division first half title. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05, with gates opening at 5:00. All fathers that attend the game with their child(ren) will receive free admission.

The game is sponsored by Luther Midelfort Express Care, and they will be handing out magnets to the first 500 adults and inflatable baseballs to the first 500 youth.

If you are looking for an inexpensive way to spend quality time with your dad, make sure to catch the Express game this Sunday!

Ron Coomer to appear at Express game
Former Minnesota Twins infielder Ron Coomer will appear at the game Wednesday as part of Menomonie Night with the Minnesota Twins. Coomer will throw out a ceremonial first pitch and be available before the game to sign autographs for fans.

The game is sponsored by three Menomonie businesses: Menomonie Turf & Timber, TMS Tire & Auto, and Turf Works Lawn Management LLC. Those businesses will also provide a giveaway on that night as part of their sponsorship.

Coomer played nine seasons in the majors with the Twins, Yankees, Cubs and Dodgers. He finished with a lifetime batting average of .274 and was an American League All-Star in 1999 when he was with the Minnesota Twins. His best season came in 1997 when he batted .298 with 30 doubles and 85 runs batted in. Coomer now works for Fox Sports North as an analyst for Twins games.

Make sure to check out Menomonie Night with the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday July 15 and get the chance to meet a former Major League All-Star! First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 at Carson Park as the Express take on the Waterloo Bucks.

Northwoods League announces 2009 All-Stars
(ROCHESTER, MN) The Northwoods League announced the rosters for the 2009 All-Star Game that will be played Tuesday, July 21st at 6:05 PM Eastern in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.

The host North Division All-Stars will take on their South Division counterparts at Port Arthur Stadium, home to the reigning Northwoods League Champion Thunder Bay Border Cats. The two-day event, which begins with a banquet dinner featuring Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins Monday night, July 20th, will conclude with the main attraction, the 2009 Northwoods League All-Star Game, Tuesday evening. The All-Star Game will be streamed over the internet with an enhanced video webcast on NorthwoodsLeague.tv. In the hours leading up to the game on the 21st, events will include a player scouting combine, a fan fest, and the annual Home Run Derby.

The Battle Creek Bombers and Rochester Honkers lead the way with seven all-stars per team. The North Division First-Half Champion Mankato MoonDogs placed six all-stars while the South Division Champion Eau Claire Express landed three all-stars. Headlining Rochester’s selectees is the Northwoods League’s leader in home runs with 11, shortstop Corey Jones (Cal State-Fullerton). The shortstop for the South Division, Michael Giller (Illinois) of Waterloo, currently leads the NWL in hitting at .376. The league’s RBI leader with 40, first baseman Harold Riggins (NC State) of Madison, is one of four Mallards on the team. Chuck Lukanen (Northern Illinois) brings his NWL leading six wins as one of four Green Bay pitchers on the South roster.

Five second-time All-Stars are on this year’s teams, including two from the Alexandria Beetles. First baseman Keith Castillo and outfielder Mike O’Neill, both from USC, return for their second consecutive NWL All-Star Game. Rochester pitcher Zach Robertson (Iowa), Battle Creek pitcher RJ Hively (Cal State-Fullerton), and Wisconsin pitcher Bobby Pritchett (Central Arkansas) will do the same.

This year's All-Stars were chosen in a vote by the 14 member teams of the Northwoods League. Ballots were cast by each team's field staff and radio and media contacts. Follow the link for the complete rosters.

Back-and-forth game ends well for Express
June 18 - The Eau Claire Express came from behind, then blew the lead and then came back again to win a 5-4 game against the Battle Creek Bombers. The Express have made a habit of coming back late in games lately, but have found success doing it.

Rudy Jaramillo (New Mexico) made his first start since his complete game shutout victory, which also happened to be against the Bombers. Jaramillo has emerged as one of the team’s top two pitchers this season.

Jaramillo turned in another quality start going seven innings and allowing only two runs. He allowed six hits and struck out five batters on the night.

The Bombers got on the board first against the Express in the second inning. The Express were able to cut that lead in half in the fourth inning. Nate Baumann (Augustana) walked to lead off the inning and later in the inning Andy Leonard (UIC) grounded into a double play that scored Baumann.

In the sixth inning, the Express grabbed the lead for the first time in the game. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) singled to lead off the inning and Baumann followed up with a walk. After another walk, Robbie Knight (Creighton) singled in a run followed by a Leonard single for an RBI.

In the eighth inning, the Express brought in Joseph Lopez (South Mountain CC) to pitch. Lopez got the first batter to fly out, but then allowed a single followed by a triple. After that the Express brought on closer Devan Kline (Central Michigan) to get out of the jam. Kline got out, but not before allowing the Bombers to take the lead back.

In the ninth, the Express gained back the lead. Leonard doubled with one out and Jon Ringenberg (Baylor) followed with a walk. Dominic Piazza(Yavapai) came on to pinch hit and delivered a run scoring double. After that, Matt Fritz (Bradley) executed the suicide squeeze to give the Express the victory.

The Express move to 14-5 on the season and remain in a first place tie with the Madison Mallards who are 15-6. The Express have one more game Friday up in Battle Creek and then they return home for a big weekend series against the Mallards.

Another record draft in 09 for the NWL
(ROCHESTER, MN) The Northwoods League experienced another successful Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft with the highest pick in league history (4th) and a record total of three players selected in the first round. In all 136 players were taken, close to last years record number of 141, including 25 players selected in the top 10 rounds.

Former Battle Creek Bombers' catcher Tony Sanchez (Boston College) became the highest draft pick in Northwoods League history when he was selected 4th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Former St. Cloud River Bats pitcher Thomas Diamond previously held the mark as the 10th overall pick by the Texas Rangers out of the University of New Orleans in 2004. Outfielders Brett Jackson and Tim Wheeler joined Sanchez as first round picks marking the first draft where multiple NWL alumni were selected in the first round. The Chicago Cubs drafted former La Crosse Logger Brett Jackson (California-Berkeley) with the 31st pick of the first round. The Colorado Rockies followed by taking former St. Cloud River Bat Tim Wheeler (Sacramento State) with the 32nd pick to close out the first round. All three players were in the Northwoods League during the 2007 season. This marks the sixth consecutive draft that a Northwoods League alumnus has been selected in either the first round or the compensation round that followed.

The Mankato MoonDogs had an astonishing 23 players drafted to lead all Northwoods League teams. 2008 NWL MVP Carlos Ramirez (Arizona St.) was the first MoonDog selected, going in the 8th round to the LA Angels.

A complete list of draftees is included with this press release.

The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. A total of 55 League alumni have advanced to the Major Leagues. The NWL’s 16th season is currently underway.

Calhoun continues success at CWS
To the Eau Claire Express fans watching the College World Series, it is no surprise that Kole Calhoun has been one of the best players in the tournament. But it is still kind of weird to watch a guy who plays his summer ball in Eau Claire dominate on the main stage on national television.

Calhoun has done more than dominate the tournament, he has probably been the best player. Calhoun continued his dominance Thursday night when he sparked the Arizona St. offense and helped them into the semi-finals of the College World Series.

Arizona St. faced elimination Thursday night against the North Carolina Tar Heels. The Tar Heels had the second best college baseball player in America, behind only Stephen Strasburg. Dustin Ackley was drafted No. 2 overall in the Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft. However, it was Calhoun, who went undrafted, that stole the show.

Calhoun was 2-3 with a grand slam and a double and six RBIs. Calhoun is now hitting around .500 in the World Series.

In Eau Claire, Calhoun is a fan favorite, and is certain to be the fan favorite again this season when he arrives. With the success the Sun Devils, and Calhoun are having, that arrival may be delayed a little bit longer. But really, what is a couple extra days if Calhoun can win the ultimate prize in college baseball?

For now, the Express will continue to play without Calhoun, but when he finally does arrive, he will certainly be a welcomed addition to the team.

Game with Battle Creek suspended in the ninth
June 19 - Friday night’s Eau Claire Express game against Battle Creek was suspended due to inclement weather. The game is currently tied 2-2 in the ninth inning. The game will be resumed the next time the Express travel to Battle Creek which July 25. More details will be posted when they become available.

June 6 rainout to be made up July 29
Eau Claire, Wis.

Express voted NWL Organization of the Year
Rochester, Minn. The Northwoods League announced that Kyle Mrozek, General Manager of the Mankato MoonDogs, has been named 2009 NWL Executive of the Year. The award, which was decided by a vote of team officials at the League's annual fall meetings this week in Battle Creek, MI, is given annually to the League's outstanding executive. In another vote, the Eau Claire Express became the first league affiliate awarded the Organization of the Year award.

Mrozek recently completed his seventh year as the GM of the MoonDogs. Under his direction the MoonDogs have increased attendance every season, again hitting a new high with 41,786 fans in 2009, an average of 1,266 per game. Those numbers ranked Mankato 7th in the Northwoods League in attendance, their highest ranking in franchise history. The MoonDogs are also coming off their second consecutive playoff appearance.

“Kyle is more than deserving of this Award that his peers have bestowed upon him,” said Northwoods League President Dick Radatz, Jr. “After hosting a brilliant Northwoods League All-Star game in 2007, Kyle has continued to improve the MoonDogs operation, bringing it to the level it is at today.”

“I am extremely humbled to receive this distinction from my peers in the Northwoods League,” said Mrozek. “The MoonDogs success is truly a team effort and this award reflects the dedication and hard work of the entire staff. On behalf of everyone involved in the MoonDogs organization including Assistant General Manager Jessie Hays, I’m honored to accept this award.”

New for the Northwoods League in 2009 is the Organization of the Year award, which the Eau Claire Express were honored with after an all-around successful summer at Carson Park. The Express experienced better than a 20% increase in attendance from the previous season jumping from 55,000 to 66,366, resulting in a 2,011 per-game average.

“The success of our season can be attributed to a number of things,” Express Owner Bill Rowlett said. “From our many fans and sponsors who supported the Express, to the tireless efforts of our management group, our great staff of student interns and stadium employees, and the ongoing support of the city of Eau Claire Parks and Recreation department who made it all possible.”

Most of the Express front office staff has been with the team since its inaugural season in 2005. Rowlett was the team’s first General Manager and now is the sole owner. Dale Varsho has been the only Field Manager in Express history but also serves a key role in the front office as Director of Operations. Current General Manager Brett Schroedel recently completed his second year at that post; he began as an intern in 2005. The Express added Andy Neborak to the full-time staff last October after he spent time as an intern for two summers.

“This award is a credit to the entirety of the Express operation,” Radatz said. “Between Bill Rowlett and Brett Schroedel’s efforts off the field to Dale Varsho’s efforts in between they have found the right combination for success in Eau Claire. I look forward to next year’s All-Star Game.”

The Express will host the 16th Annual Northwoods League All-Star Game in July of 2010.

The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The Northwoods League completed its 16th season of play in August.

Express to hold free baseball clinic on July 29
Eau Claire Express coaches and players will be putting on a free instructional clinic preceding their day/night doubleheader on Wednesday July 29. The clinic will begin at 10:00 AM and run for approximately one hour. Ages 5-15 are welcome to attend the clinic, and all participants will receive free admission to the first Express game of the day, which begins at 12:00.

The clinic will be held on the Carson Park baseball field. To register, contact Andy Neborak at the Express office with the amount of kids you will have attending along with their ages. You can reach him by phone at 839-7788 or by email if you click on the link below.

Express take game one of first place battle
June 20 - The Eau Claire Express and the Madison Mallards have battled for first place all season long. Saturday night the two teams met for the first time this season and the Express took game one 2-1.

It was a perfect night for a baseball game and it showed with a great crowd that came out to watch the first place battle. Coming into the game, the Mallards led the Express by a half-game in the standings but the Express had the better winning percentage putting them in first place.

Jon Ringenberg (Baylor) is the every day first baseman for the Express, but made his second start on the mound Saturday night. Ringenberg was fantastic in the game and earned his first victory of the season.

Ringenberg gave up a run in the first inning, but did not look back after that. He pitched eight innings, allowing one run, four hits and striking out six.

In the ninth it was closer Devan Kline that came on to seal the victory for the Express. Kline faced the minimum in the ninth and struck out two batters to earn his ninth save of the season.

The Mallards got on the board first, but the Express chipped away at the lead. In the second inning Robbie Knight (Creighton) was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Dominic Piazza (Yavapai) walked and then Andrew Leonard (UIC) bunted them over to second and third respectively. Drew Heithoff (Augustana) grounded out to the second baseman, but that brought in the tying run.

In the third inning the Express grabbed the lead. Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) led off the inning with a walk and Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) reached on a bunt single.

After Nate Baumann (Augustana) failed to get a bunt down the Express attempted a double steal. Fadness was thrown out at third and Pinckard advanced to second on the throw. Rafael Neda (New Mexico) then singled to bring in Pinckard to give the Express the lead.

That is all the offense the game saw. After that the game turned into a pitcher’s duel and Ringenberg reigned victorious. The victory put the Express a half game up on the Mallards and in sole possession of first place.

The two teams will meet again Sunday night in the final game of the series. The Express will look to extend their lead over the Mallards, while Madison will try and climb back to even with the Express.

Tyler Bremer (UC Davis) will make his first start of the season on the mound for the Express tomorrow night. Bremer has pitched one scoreless inning so far this season. Game time is early tomorrow. It will be a 6:05 p.m. start for Father’s Day. All fathers will get in free when accompanied by a child.

Sunday game postponed
The weather has not been very favorable to the Eau Claire Express so far this season. For the fourth time already this year a game has been postponed due to inclement weather.

After a 1:08 rain delay before the game, the teams tried to get the game in. But in the second inning, the rain came again and did not stop. Fortunately Madison is back in town on Thursday and the teams will be able to make up the game then. Thursday will feature a double header between the Mallards and the Express.

Check back on the Web site for further details about the time of the two games. Details will be posted as they become available.

Rain-out game with Madison rescheduled
June 22 - Sunday’s rain-delayed Eau Claire Express game has been rescheduled for Thursday June 25. The Express and Madison Mallards will resume play from where they left off in Sunday night’s game.

The make-up game will be part of a double-header Thursday night at Carson Park. The first game will begin at 5:30 p.m. The gates will open at 4:30 p.m. and the fan deck will open when the game starts at 5:30 p.m. Food and beverages will begin being served on the fan deck at 5:30 p.m. and will go through the end of the fifth inning of the second game.

Any fan with a dated ticket from Sunday night’s game may redeem it at the Eau Claire Express office located at 108 E. Grand Ave. You may exchange the ticket for the same ticket for any remaining home based on availability.

The first game will go the regulation nine innings and the second game will go seven innings.

Six run ninth gives Express comeback victory
June 22 - The Eau Claire Express have made a habit of coming from behind. They got six runs in the ninth and they needed five of them to get the victory 11-9 over the Waterloo Bucks.

The Express got rained out during the second inning in Sunday night’s game against the Madison Mallards. With the Mallards having the night off, that gave the Express a chance to increase their lead on them.

Waterloo took the lead early in the game. After five innings the Express were down 4-1. They battled back to score three runs in the top of the sixth, but in the bottom of the inning they gave the lead back up.

In the top of the eighth the Express tied the game again. But Waterloo exploded for four runs in the bottom and looked to be well on their way to a victory.

The Express were not going to go down without a fight though. The offense exploded to score six runs and steal back the lead from Waterloo. With the two run lead, closer Devan Kline (Central Michigan) came on for the Express to nail down the save.

Kline has been perfect on the year in save opportunities and it wasn’t any different Monday night. Kline pitched a perfect ninth inning and is now 10-10 in save opportunities.

Joseph Lopez (South Mountain CC) started pitching for the Express. Lopez went 4.1 innings and allowed four runs. Drew Kendrick (UTPB) allowed the four runs in the eighth but earned the victory for the Express.

Several Express hitters had two hits on the night and seven of the nine starters collected at least one hit. Robbie Knight (Creighton) led the team with three RBIs on the night.

The Express take on Waterloo again Tuesday night and then return home for an off day Wednesday. The off day will allow them to get ready for what is now a three game series with the Mallards Thursday and Friday.

Thursday’s double-header will begin at 5:30 p.m. while Friday nights game will begin at 6:35 p.m.

Express game in Waterloo postponed
June 24, 2009 - Tuesday night's scheduled game between the Eau Claire Express and Waterloo Bucks was postponed due to poor field conditions in Waterloo. This counts as Eau Claire's fifth postponed or suspended game of the season.

The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader in Waterloo on July 27. The teams will play two seven inning games, with the first beginning at 6:05 PM. The Express are off today and return home on Thursday to take on the Madison Mallards. Thursday will feature the remainder of Sunday's suspended game followed by a shortened seven inning game afterward. The doubleheader will start at 5:30, with gates opening at 4:30.

Express to play three in the next two days
June 24 - The Eau Claire Express and Madison Mallards will play three games in over the course of the next two days. Thursday will feature a double-header with the first game beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday will be a normal game time of 6:35 p.m.

The wrong information was relayed to the Leader-Telegram saying that the double-header would be on Friday night. So please disregard that information.

Express sweep doublheader against Madison
June 25

Express fall short in extra innings
June 16 - Lately the Eau Claire Express have found ways to win even if it was not their night. However, Friday night they simply could not find a way to pull it out as they lost to the Madison Mallards in 12 innings 3-2.

The Express defeated the Mallards Thursday night in a doubleheader and were looking to sweep the first half season series against them. Early on it did not look good for the Express. Gera Sanchez (New Mexico JC) started on the mound and struggled early. He was able to go 5.1 innings and only allowed one run, but he labored through those innings.

It did not help that he was not getting any offensive support. The offense appeared lifeless against the Mallards. But in the fifth inning the Express tried to get back in the game. Drew Heithoff (Augustana) was hit by a pitch. He advanced to second on an error by the first baseman on a pick-off attempt and eventually scored on a wild pitch. That tied the game 1-1.

In the sixth, the Express took the lead 2-1. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) hit a ball to the outfield and tripled to lead off the inning. Rafael Neda (New Mexico) hit a sacrifice fly to score Pinckard and give the Express the lead.

Just when it looked like the Express might find a way to win another crazy game, Joe De Pinto (USC) had another idea. De Pinto took a two out pitch from reliever Ryan Kiel (Marshall) and crushed it onto the football field to tie the game.

Neither team was able to take a lead in regulation so the game went to extra innings. The Mallards were never really able to mount a threat in the first couple extra innings, but the Express missed a couple chances.

In the tenth, Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) hit a one out double. He did not get farther than second base however, and the Express went to the eleventh. Andy Leonard (UIC) walked with one out. He stole second base and the catcher’s throw went off the shortstop’s glove so Leonard advanced to third. With only one out, the Express were not able to get a clutch hit and drive Leonard in.

Madison took the lead in the twelve on a two-out, two-strike single from Jimmy Parque (St. John’s). The Express were not able to answer in the bottom and the Mallards stopped the first half sweep.

A loss for the Mallards tonight would have all but taken them out of contention for the first half crown. But with Express loss, the race still remains tight between four teams. Battle Creek won earlier in the day and now moves to only 1.5 games back of the Express. The La Crosse Loggers lost so they remain four games back and the Mallards move to three games back.

With six games remaining in the first half the intensity is rising. Every game now matters for all four teams as they try to earn the first half crown and reserve their spot in the Northwoods League playoffs.

The Express will travel to Green Bay Saturday and Sunday to take on the Bullfrogs for a two game set. They return home Monday and Tuesday to take on the Mankato Moondogs who are also in the hunt to win their first half division crown. Finally the Express wrap up the first half Wednesday and Thursday at Wausau when they take on the Wisconsin Woodchucks.

Express play extra's again, this time get better result
June 27

Express clinch first half title with win

Express clinch first half title with win
June 28

Playoff ticket information
June 29

Express drop two in a row
June 30

Express lose after clinching division
June 29

Losing streak ends at two
July 1

Express lose first half finale
July 2

First half review
July 4

Express drop doubleheader
July 4

Express struggle on Fourth of July
July 4

Losing streak continues for Express
July 6

Express suffer sixth loss in a row
July 7

Express drop seventh game in a row
July 8

Trading card night part 3 put on hold
July 9 - Due to some difficulties, the third night of trading card night's has been pushed back to a later date. A date will be announced at a later time for the official trading card night.

Details will be posted on the Web site when they become available. So continue to check back for more details soon.

Express snap losing streak
July 9

Express win two in a row
July 10

Express drop shootout
July 11

Come back bid falls short for Express
July 13

NWL Alumni Granderson and Zobrist Set for All-Star Debut
(ROCHESTER, MN) The Northwoods League will experience another first Tuesday as two NWL alumni will participate in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Detroit Tigers outfielder Curtis Granderson and Tampa Bay Rays utility man Ben Zobrist are the first pair of NWL alumni named to a Mid-Summer Classic. Pitcher George Sherrill (Kenosha ’97-’98) of the Baltimore Orioles was the first and only NWL alumnus selected in 2008 until Granderson and Zobrist were honored. Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon, who will lead the American League squad, selected Granderson and Zobrist to the team as reserve outfielders.

Granderson seemingly had a case to make the team in 2007, when he became one of just four players in history to post at least 20 doubles, triples, home runs and stolen bases in the same season. This year, the 28-year-old's home-run power and defensive prowess put him onto the roster in a crowded AL outfield. Granderson finished the first half with 18 home runs to go with a .254 batting average and 43 RBIs for the AL Central leading Tigers. Defensively, only Torii Hunter among AL center fielders has more putouts without an error this year than Granderson's 198. His highlights include a game-saving catch at the fence to rob Grady Sizemore of what would've been a go-ahead home run in the ninth inning of a 1-0 win on May 8 at Cleveland. Granderson played for the Mankato Mashers in 2001 and hit .328 in 44 games and stole 15 bases.

Zobrist has already set career highs with 17 homers, 52 RBIs, 50 runs scored and 11 stolen bases in 2009. The switch-hitter has been a valuable asset for the Rays having started games in the outfield, third base, and shortstop since the injury to Rays starting 2nd baseman Aki Iwamura he has taken over the regular 2nd base duties. He has slugged three grand slams and leads the MLB with three pinch-hit homeruns. Zobrist spent the summer of 2003 with the Wisconsin Woodchucks and finished third in the NWL in batting with a .319 average. He led the league in runs scored (53) and was second in hits (72) in helping the Woodchucks capture the NWL championship.

The 80th Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be held on July 14th at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. The game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and Sportsnet HD and televised around the world by Major League Baseball International, with pregame ceremonies beginning at 8 p.m. ET.
Former NWL Umpire from the 2003 season, Matt Schauffert, was behind the plate for the MLB Futures Game Sunday at Busch Stadium. The game featured the top minor league players from all 30 major league teams. The teams were comprised of 25 man rosters from the United States and the World with the U.S. Futures team winning 7-5 over the World Futures. Schauffert, who is in the Class AA Southern League, will also officiate the State Farm Home Run Derby Monday night.

Express rout Bucks to break losing streak
July 14

Devan Kline ready to start pro career
The Eau Claire Express began the season searching for a closer. Kole Calhoun (Arizona St.) was the closer the previous two years, but since he was playing in the College World Series he was not going to arrive until later in the season.

Devan Kline (Central Michigan) came to the team and wanted to step into the closer role. He did much more than step in and fill the closer role, he flourished. Kline converted 13 of 13 saves and was dominant in the ninth inning.

Kline pitched so well, that he started to gain attention from the professional teams. Even though the Major League Baseball draft came and went without his name being called, Kline still got attention.

The San Francisco Giants organization showed an interest in Kline and scouts came to a few Express games to watch him pitch. Kline impressed them enough that he was offered a contract. Over the past weekend, Kline signed the contract and is now ready to begin his professional career.

In the spring Kline pitched for Central Michigan and he fared alright, but his numbers were certainly not overwhelming. Kline finished the season with a 7.40 ERA and appeared in 18 games. Kline did not have a defined role with the team however, and was occasionally used as a starter.

But with the Express, things were clearly different. It was obvious that Kline found his calling as a closer. He had a defined role where he knew he was getting the ball with a lead in the ninth inning and he flourished. Kline finished his short summer season with a 1.27 ERA and allowed only three runs. Opponents only hit .135 against Kline this summer.

Kline will certainly be missed in the Express bullpen. With Kline, every game was an eight inning game for the Express because they knew that the ninth belonged to Kline if there was a lead.

Everyone with the Express will miss Kline and his ability, but we certainly wish him the most success in his professional baseball career.

New players look to help Express
If it feels like this is a different Express team playing right now from the first half, it’s because it pretty much is. Players have come and gone for several different reasons. So when players leave the team, they have to be replaced.

Jason Ganek (UIC), Matt Klein (NE JC) and Chevy Tollefson (MATC) are three players that have recently joined the team to replace players. Ganek has been around for awhile now, but he came to help try and replace Joe Bonfe. Klein and Tollefson have been added to add to a pitching staff that has simply been depleted.

Klein is a lefty who has pitched two innings out of the bullpen but made his first start last night. He was very solid in his first start too. He went seven innings and allowed only one run to earn the win.

Tollefson is a hometown player that played his high school ball at Eau Claire Memorial. He began the summer playing for the Eau Claire Cavaliers. Tollefson was mostly used as a starter for the Cavaliers but will be looked upon to bolster the bullpen for the Express.

The Express have lost numerous players for several different reasons. Nick Greenwood was on the opening day roster but never showed up because he was drafted in the Major League Baseball draft. The draft also claimed Chris Odegaard and Bonfe who were integral parts of the team early on.

Several players were lost due to summer school. Drew Kendrick, Cole Nelson, Rafael Neda and Ryan O’Sullivan all left the team to attend summer school. O’Sullivan was the team’s shortstop last year but actually never even made it to Eau Claire this summer.

Injuries have also plagued the Express. Robbie Kilcrease left the team after making only one start because of arm problems. Opening day starter Gera Sanchez has been injured the past couple weeks and is probably on his way out of town to seek treatment. Catcher Aaron Fujiki has also battled injury all summer and has been in and out of the lineup this summer.

Before the season ends, it is likely that more players will join the Express. Right now pitchers are at a premium so the search for players is still on. Regardless of who comes in, they will be looked upon to help the team as they push toward the playoffs.

Friday July 17 game
Friday night there will be many different promotions and give-aways at Carson Park. It is Parks and Recreation night so all kids participating in a Parks and Rec. program will receive free admission when wearing their Parks and Rec. t-shirt or wristband.

They will give away water bottles and also throw out t-shirts at times throughout the game.

Along with Parks and Recreation Night, it is also Youth Baseball Night. All youth baseball players will receive free admission with a jersey top and if they are accompanied by a paying adult.

Luther Midelfort Express Care will give away magnets to adults and inflatable baseballs to kids.

Bucks return favor to Express
July 15

Bremer makes Express history, tosses first no-hitter
July 16

Playoff tickets on sale now!
Eau Claire, Wis.

Express come from behind, defeat Woodchucks
August 3

Calhoun hits walk-off homer for Express win
July 17

Express drop final two before All-Star break
July 20

South defeats North in 2009 All-Star Game
The South Division emerged victorious despite a late rally from the North to claim the 2009 Northwoods League All-Star title.

Things started off well for the South as lead-off man Kurtis Muller (Madison ; Iowa) became the first base runner of the game in the top of the first. Keith Castillo (Alexandria; Southern California) put a stop to any early runs, though, with a tough catch in the North's bullpen. The North made some noise in their half of the first inning with Rochester's Rance Roundy (UNLV) giving the ball a ride out to the warning track, but the game remained scoreless through the first frame.

Both teams recorded their first strikeouts in the second inning as Dennis O'Grady (Brainerd Lakes Area; Duke) gave up a walk to Battle Creek Bomber Josh Valle (Marshall) before striking out Aaron Gates (La Crosse; Pepperdine) to end his scoreless inning of work. Zach Varce (Green Bay; Portland) had his work cut out for him in the bottom of the second as he faced Mankato MoonDog, Danny Miller (Minnesota State-Mankato) who is on pace to break the MoonDog and Northwoods League single season walk records. Varce struck out Miller, gave up a double to Keith Castillo that went over center fielder, Kurtis Muller's head, and struck out Mankato's Kyle Knudson (Minnesota) to end the inning.

Zach Robertson (Rochester; Iowa) and Steven Gruver (La Crosse; Tennessee) continued the pitchers' duel despite a little excitement when former Thunder Bay Border Cat and current Alexandria Beetle, Mike O'Neill (Southern California) slapped a shot over third base. O'Neill's adrenaline carried him toward second, but the throw from Eau Claire's Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) was quick and O'Neill was tagged out without a slide.

The South Division put up their first run in the fourth as a slew of Battle Creek Bombers stood in at the plate. Jimmy Tanner (Battle Creek; South Carolina-Upstate) and Josh Valle (Battle Creek; Marshall) were on base for Greg Fujii (Battle Creek; San Jose City College) whose hit knocked in Tanner. Valle was thrown out trying to score from first. Cody Winiarski (Madison; Madison Area Tech) pitched another scoreless inning for the South.

After yet another scoreless inning in the fifth, the Madison Mallards' All-Stars followed Battle Creek's lead in the sixth. Jerrud Sabourin (Madison; Indiana) snuck a hit in between the center and right fielders for a double before Home Run Derby winner, Harold Riggins (Madison; NC State) roped a shot down the third base line for a double, scoring his teammate. Keith Castillo made another impressive catch at first, leaping for a line drive, and after Mike Gedman (Brainerd Lakes Area; Massachusetts) replaced James Wise (Mankato; Washington State) on the mound, the North got out of the sixth inning trailing by two. Mike O'Neill and Rance Roundy both single for the North in the bottom of the sixth, but Kurtis Muller gunned down O'Neill as he tried to score to keep the North Division off the scoreboard.

Nolan Fadness added an RBI-double in the seventh for the South, scoring Riley Henricks (Green Bay; Portland). A wild pitch scored Kurtis Muller, still with no outs in the inning. A groundout, strikeout swinging, and a fly out get the North out of a dangerous position, leaving Fadness on third. The North Division still couldn't put together a string of hits in the bottom of the seventh. A line drive straight at pitcher Bryce Shafer (Wisconsin; Valparaiso) was caught in self-defense.

The North Division finally took off in the bottom of the eighth. A strange hop led to a Josh Valle error at third allowing Derek Hamblen to get on base. Hamblen advanced to second on a wild pitch from Green Bay's Dixon Anderson (California-Berkley). Border Cat, Adam Courcha (New Mexico) recorded the first RBI for the North All-Stars after Mike O'Neill reached on an infield single. Rance Roundy added another RBI to cut the South's lead in half.

Drew Smith (Brainerd Lakes Area; Barton County) and Arik Sikula (Rochester; Marshall) combined for a scoreless ninth inning; Sikula with two strikeouts. The North had some contact in the bottom of the inning but fell short with the final score of 4-2.

The victory Tuesday marks the second year in a row the South Division has won the mid-summer showcase. These two victories follow on the heels of three straight North Division wins.

Express pitcher Rudy Jaramillo started the game and pitched a hitless inning. Eau Claire's Nolan Fadness started and played the entire game in left field, collecting two hits and one RBI in five at-bats.

Three weeks remain in the Northwoods League season. The divisional series runs August 11-13 with the Championship series set for August 14-16.

Day game on July 29 to broadcast on AM 1150
There will be a change in the radio broadcast for the next Express home game beginning at noon on Wednesday July 29. That first game of the day/night doubleheader on that day will be broadcast on AM 1150 rather than AM 790. Internet streaming will not be available for that game through the AM 1150 website. However, the webcasting of the game will still be available through the Express website and will include audio.

The 6:35 game on Wednesday will be broadcast on AM 790 WAYY. Internet streaming will be available as usual through www.wayy790.com for the nightcap.

Express begin road trip with sweep
July 24

Express win two at Battle Creek
July 25

Express take advantage of Green Bay miscues to win 7-5
July 23- Maybe all the Express needed to get out of their slump was a few days off. A well-rested Eau Claire Express team returned from the Northwoods League All-Star break with a 7-5 victory over the Green Bay Bullfrogs at Joannes Stadium.

Eau Claire took advantage of an early Bullfrog error to take a 3-0 lead after the first inning. Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) reached on an error, stole second and scored on a single by Kole Calhoun (Arizona St.) to start things off. Calhoun then stole second and scored on a Jason Ganek (UIC) single for the second run. The final run of the first inning was the result of a single by Dominic Piazza (Yavapai).

The second inning was more of the same for the Express, as they scored three more times to take a 6-0 lead. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor), Calhoun and Ganek each drove in a run to extend the lead. Eau Claire would add one more run in the ninth on an Andrew Leonard (UIC) single.

Express starter Matthew Klein (NE JC) was solid for the first six innings of the game, allowing only two earned runs during that time. He ran into trouble in the seventh inning, throwing five wild pitches and allowing three more earned runs to cut the lead to one. Klein pitched 6.2 innings and gave up five runs on the evening.

Ian Campbell (Yavapai) came on in the seventh in relief and ended up pitching 1.1 scoreless innings. Pinckard came in to pitch the ninth and picked up his second save on the season.

The Express wrap up their two-game set with the Bullfrogs tomorrow evening, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05. Make sure to catch the game on News Talk 790 AM with Scott Montesano. Scheduled to start on the mound for Eau Claire is Tyler Bremer.

Eau Claire returns home next Wednesday, July 29 for a day/night doubleheader against the Green Bay Bullfrogs. The first game will begin at 12:00 P.M. and will feature $2.00 admission. The nightcap is “Live United Night” sponsored by Xcel Energy. First pitch for that game is scheduled for 6:35 P.M.

Express drop their first game since All-Star break
July 26

Express drop double-header to Waterloo
July 27

Final trading card night re-scheduled
The third and final set of Eau Claire Express trading cards will be available at the game on Sunday August 9. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM.

It is Eau Claire County Humane Association and Festival in the Pines Night at Carson Park for the second-to-last home game of the regular season. Businesses sponsoring the night include Festival in the Pines, Pet Food Plus, Embark Northside Pet Hospital, Eau Claire Animal Hospital and Westgate Animal Hospital.

Several prize packs and t-shirts will be given away at the game along with the trading cards, so make sure to get out to the park to get some of these great items! Gates will open at 5:00 PM on that day.

Express split day-night twin bill
July 29

Former MoonDog Everidge Makes MLB Debut
(BOSTON, MA) Oakland Athletics first baseman Tommy Everidge made his Major League debut Tuesday night in the A’s come-from-behind, 9-8, 11-inning victory against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The former Mankato MoonDog started at first base for the A’s and batted 7th going 1-for-6 in the game. His one hit was a big one as he opened the scoring in Oakland’s three-run 9th inning with a two-out RBI double high off the Green Monster in left-centerfield against Red Sox star closer Jonathan Papelbon. Everidge later scored on an infield single by Mark Ellis.

Everidge, who bats and throws right-handed, has steadily performed throughout his six years in the Athletics organization, but didn’t make it to Triple-A until June 9th of this year. Since then he’s been on a tear, batting .382 with nine home runs, and 32 RBI in 43 games for the Sacramento River Cats. He was called up on Tuesday to replace A’s first baseman Daric Barton who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring injury. In 689 career minor league games, Everidge hit .280 with 155 doubles, 105 home runs, and 495 RBI.

For the MoonDogs in 2002, the 6’0”, 240 pound Everidge played in 56 games predominantly at first base and DH. He finished his summer in the Northwoods League with a .197 batting average, eight doubles, two home runs, and 22 RBI. In 2004 he was drafted by the Athletics in the 10th round out of Sonoma State University in California where he starred for three seasons.

Everidge becomes the 56th Northwoods League player to make it to the big leagues and the fourth Mankato player to do so, but the first MoonDog. The previous three, Curtis Granderson, Jack Hannahan, and Paul McAnulty, were all Mankato Mashers.

The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The league is in the final three weeks of its 16th season of action. NWL Playoffs will begin on August 11th.

Express defeat Bullfrogs in crazy game
July 30

Express defeat Woodchucks for third in a row
July 31

Express beat Woodchucks for four straight
August 1

Express win streak comes to an end
August 2

Express drop close game with Loggers
August 5

Loggers dominate Express from the start
August 6

Express play waiting game
August 9

Express victorious in tune up game
August 9

Playoffs set
August 9

Playoff Preview
With the summer winding down and football right around the corner, the Northwoods League regular season has come to an end. This year however, the Eau Claire Express will continue their season in the playoffs as they try to become Northwoods League champions. Playoff action begins on Tuesday and the Express will take on the La Crosse Loggers.

The Express won the South Division first half championship, while La Crosse recently wrapped up the second half championship. In the Northwoods League, the winners of the first half and the second half make the playoffs. The two teams will square off in a best-of-three series starting in La Crosse Tuesday night. Game 2 will be in Eau Claire Wednesday night while Game 3 would be back in La Crosse.

It is fair to say that the Express team that won the first half has received a major make over. Players have been lost to injury, summer school and professional baseball. Some college coaches have also called and shut their players down for the summer telling them to go home. That caused the Express to struggle in the second half. But regardless, they still match up well in a short series as long as they can come up with some timely hits, and limit both the physical and mental errors.

On the mound, the Express will most likely go with Jon Ringenberg (Baylor) in Game 1 and then hand the ball to Tyler Bremer (UC Davis) in Game 2. Ringenberg established himself as the ace when Rudy Jaramillo (New Mexico) left at his coach’s request. Bremer threw a no-hitter earlier this season and has really emerged as a top pitcher for the Express. Trent Blank (Baylor) would likely pitch the third game of the playoffs.

The bullpen has taken a hit as closer Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) has been limited with arm soreness. Jason Ganek (UIC) may step into a more important role if Pinckard is not able to go. Ganek would likely combine with Kole Calhoun (Arizona St.) for the final two innings. Ian Campbell (Yavapai) has been a bullpen workhorse this year and will likely be counted on for some important innings in the playoffs. Ryan Kiel (Marshall) has been another key pitcher in the Express bullpen, but he may be counted on to start a game should the Express advance far enough.

Offensively the Express are trying to get healthy as well. Ganek has been out with a wrist injury, Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara) has been sidelined for a couple weeks now, Dominic Piazza (Yavapai) has an ankle injury and Robbie Knight (Creighton) is out with a groin injury. If Knight is not able to go, the Express offense and defense would take a big blow.

Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) will be looked upon to spark the offense as the lead off man. Pinckard, Calhoun and Nate Baumann (Augustana) will be in the middle of the order and looked at to drive in the runs. Andy Leonard (UIC), Matt Fritz (Bradley), Drew Heithoff (Augustana) and Bobby Rinard (Yavapai) will be on the bottom half of the order but will need to come through with some clutch hits to get the offense going. Aaron Fujiki (San Diego St.) will most likely do the catching with Piazza injured. But Piazza may still be able to go come Tuesday.

The Loggers were in a heated race to clinch the division title. That means that they had to use some of their top pitchers the past couple of days. Their ace Steven Gruver (Tennessee) pitched on Sunday so at the earliest he would be available to pitch Game 3. Their No. 2 pitcher Richie Erath (Florida Gulf Coast) pitched Saturday and might be able to go in Game 2 or 3 for the Loggers. That sets up well for the Express in the pitching match ups.

The Express pitchers will have to be on their game though, because the Loggers can hit. Catcher Robert Brantly (UC-Riverside) leads the team with a .346 batting average. Chris Engell (San Diego) is hitting .297, Tony Mueller (Winona St.) is at .295, Aaron Gates (Pepperdine) is at .290 and Justin Preckajlo (North Florida) is hitting .283. So it is going to be crucial for the Express pitching staff to maintain the Logger bats.

The Loggers and the Express have played several exciting games this season. The Loggers won the season series 6-2 over the Express and have won five straight against them. The Express have not been in the playoffs since 2007, which was their first playoff appearance in franchise history. The Loggers have not been in since 2004 when they were swept in the division series by the Madison Mallards.

Game 1 in La Crosse will be Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. Game 2 will be in Eau Claire at Carson Park at 6:35 p.m. If necessary, Game 3 would be back in La Crosse at Copeland Park at 7:05 p.m.

Northwoods League Names Postseason All-Star Team
(ROCHESTER, MN) The Northwoods League announced its 2009 Postseason All-Star Team on Monday. In addition to the 25 players that were selected to the honorary team, Rochester shortstop Corey Jones was named as the Most Valuable Player and Wisconsin right-hander Bryce Butt was named Pitcher of the Year as voted by the League’s coaches and members of the media. Rochester led all teams with five players selected plus they took home three of the individual awards. Rochester pitcher Zach Robertson was named as a postseason all-star for his second consecutive season.

Rochester Honkers shortstop Corey Jones (Cal State Fullerton) brought home the NWL’s top honor as League MVP. Jones caught attention for his league-leading home run total (13), but also had very solid all-around offensive numbers. He enters the final day of the regular season sixth in hitting (.321), third in runs batted in (42), fourth in hits (76), second in on-base percentage (.417), and the league-leader in slugging percentage (.536). Wisconsin Woodchucks righty Bryce Butt (Ohio) is the winner of the inaugural NWL Pitcher of the Year Award. He’s been dominant on the mound, first as a reliever and for most of the season as a starter, having compiled a 7-0 record and a league-leading 1.07 ERA with four complete games.

Rochester Honkers left-hander Zach Robertson (Iowa) is the only two-time postseason all-star on this year’s list. The third-year Honker recently broke the record for career strikeouts in the NWL (251) and is having another fine summer going 5-3 with a 2.95 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 77 innings.

The University of Iowa stands out by placing three of their players on the NWL Postseason All-Star Team. In addition to Robertson, outfielders Ryan Durant of Mankato and Kurtis Muller of Madison, each in the top-five in batting, made the list. There were two players apiece from Cal State Fullerton, UNLV, and Wisconsin-Oshkosh, a division three program.

Rochester’s first-year field manager Rusty McNamara (California-Riverside) is the 2009 Manager of the Year after leading the Honkers to the second half championship in the North Division and the best overall record in the NWL. His assistant coach Joe Cotton (Bowling Green State) was selected as Coach of the Year. Other awards include a couple new categories. St. Cloud’s Joe Faber Field was voted the ballpark with the Best Playing Surface. Alexandria Beetles third-year broadcaster Andrew Tichy was recognized as the Play-by-Play Announcer of the Year.

To view the entire list follow the link below.

Express drop heartbreaker in regular season finale
August 10

Loggers use long ball to defeat Express
The Eau Claire Express jumped out to an early lead. They took a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the third inning and things were looking promising. That all changed in the bottom of the third when the Loggers hit their first of three home runs that helped defeat the Express 5-2 in Game 1 of the South Division playoffs.

In the second inning, Nate Baumann (Augustana) was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. Brooks Pinckard (Baylor) bunted him over to second base and Andy Leonard (UIC) knocked him in for the early 1-0 lead.

In the top of the third inning, Matt Fritz (Bradley) was thrown out at second base when he tried to stretch a single into a double. But Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) then walked and stole second base. With two outs, Kole Calhoun (Arizona St.) drove Fadness in with a base hit for a 2-0 Express lead.

The La Crosse offense struck in the bottom of the third innning when Austin Knight (Dallas Baptist) hit a two run home run to tie the game for the Loggers. The Loggers then added three more runs scoring one run each in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings. In the fifth inning Logger catcher Robert Brantly (UC-Riverside) hit a solo home run and Aaron Gates (Pepperdine) hit a solo homer in the sixth for the Loggers.

Starting pitcher Jon Ringenberg (Baylor) did not make many mistakes on the night, but the Logger hitters capitalized on the few he did. Ringenberg went six innings and gave up four runs, all of which were earned. On the other hand, Loggers starter Tony Mueller (Winona St.) went seven strong innings and kept the Express hitters off balance all night.

Once the Loggers took the lead, they appeared to be in control all night and it made things difficult for the Express to come back. The Logger crowd was very loud and they had a good crowd to support their team.

Game 2 will feature Express pitcher Tyler Bremer (UC Davis) against Madison Boer (Oregon). Bremer will be looked upon to shut down the tough Logger offense while the Express offense will need to score more than two runs off of Boer to get the victory and stay alive in the playoffs.

If the Express are able to put everything together tonight and defeat the Loggers, the two teams would meet again for a third and decisive Game 3. The game would be in La Crosse and it would start at 7:05 p.m.

Season comes to end in heart breaking fashion
August 12

2009 Express season review
August 18

NWL Announces Rawlings Finest in the Field
Rochester, Minn The Northwoods League has announced the recipients of the 2009 Rawlings Finest in the Field Award. The annual award recognizes the top fielders at each position.

The 2009 Northwoods League South Division Champion La Crosse Loggers had three players earn the award. The tandem of middle-infielders Robert Abel (San Francisco) at second base and Austin Knight (Dallas Baptist) at shortstop combined to commit just 17 errors during La Crosse’s franchise-best season to allow each to have the top fielding percentage at their position. Logger centerfielder Boomer Collins (Nebraska) was the only outfielder that played enough games to qualify that didn’t commit an error the entire season. Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers teammates Hunter Nolen (Northern Colorado) and Will Piwnica-Worms (Duke) claimed the hardware at catcher and outfielder, respectively. Green Bay first baseman Nick O’Shea (Minnesota) and Madison pitcher Matt Jansen (Purdue) each were second-year NWL players that picked up their first Rawlings Finest in the Field Award. There was a tie at pitcher so Green Bay’s Craig Gullickson (Clemson) also receives an award. Third baseman Jayson Langfels (Eastern Kentucky) of Alexandria and outfielder Chad Wright (Kentucky) of Wisconsin earned the other two awards.

The winners are selected based on final fielding statistics compiled by league statistician Sports-Ticker, a Cheshire, Connecticut based sports statistical service company. The honorees receive a special Rawlings baseball glove mounted on an engraved trophy base. The 2009 Rawlings Finest in the Field Award recipients and their field percentages are below.

Catcher Hunter Nolen, Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers, Univ. of Northern Colorado, .997
First Base Nick O’Shea, Green Bay Bullfrogs, University of Minnesota, .988
Second Base Robert Abel, La Crosse Loggers, University of San Francisco, .978
Shortstop Austin Knight, La Crosse Loggers, Dallas Baptist University, .974
Third Base Jayson Langfels, Alexandria Beetles, Eastern Kentucky University, .961
Outfielder Boomer Collins, La Crosse Loggers, University of Nebraska, 1.000
Outfielder Chad Wright, Wisconsin Woodchucks, University of Kentucky, .993
Outfielder Will Piwnica-Worms, Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers, Duke University, .991
Pitcher Craig Gullickson, Green Bay Bullfrogs, Clemson University, 1.000
Pitcher Matt Jansen, Madison Mallards, Purdue University, 1.000

To qualify for an award a player needs to appear in at least two-thirds (46) of the scheduled games at a given position, with the exception of catcher which is one-half (34) of the scheduled games. For pitchers, the individual that had the most total defensive chances without committing an error earns the number one ranking.

The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The Northwoods League recently completed its 16th season of play.

Express season tickets now on sale
The 2009 summer was another memorable one for Eau Claire Express baseball. The Express qualified for the playoffs for the second time in team history and finished with a 36-32 overall record. Despite the loss to the La Crosse Loggers in the first round of the Northwoods League playoffs, the season still brought many memories. The highlight of the season very well might have been Tyler Bremer’s no-hitter vs. the Battle Creek Bombers on July 16.

The 2010 season will surely bring more memories to Carson Park. Make sure to reserve your seat for all the action by purchasing season tickets, now on sale at the Express office. Benefits of purchasing season tickets include a 20% cost savings off face value of the tickets and a guaranteed reserved spot for all games. New benefits for 2010 include a 10% merchandise discount with your season ticket card and a ticket for the Northwoods League home run derby and All-Star Game, which will be held in Eau Claire next summer.

To purchase your season ticket package, call Andy Neborak at the Express office at 839-7788, e-mail by clicking the link below or stop down at our office located at 108 E. Grand Avenue in downtown Eau Claire. Ticket locations and prices are listed below. Each season ticket package will have an additional $5.00 shipping and handling charge.

Box Seats- $200

Reserved Grandstand- $150

General Admission- $125

All-Star hats now available!
Each summer, the top performers in the Northwoods League are selected to play in a mid-season All-Star game. The location of this event changes each year, with a selected NWL affiliate hosting the festivities. The summer of 2010 brings the Northwoods League All-Star Game to Carson Park. This gives you the opportunity to see top prospects from each division face off in a home run derby, followed by the game itself. You won’t want to miss this chance to see what is sure to be several future Major Leaguers play in Eau Claire.

Official All-Star Game baseball caps have recently arrived at The Depot and are now available for sale. These embroidered flex fit hats cost $20 and would be a great holiday gift idea for any baseball fan. Stop by the Express office at 108 E. Grand Avenue to purchase your All-Star hat or any other Express merchandise. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 AM

Bremer part of Baylor’s 2010 recruiting class
Eau Claire Express pitcher Tyler Bremer (Yavapai) has been announced as one of seven student-athletes set to join the Baylor Bears’ baseball program in the fall of 2010. The right-hander is currently attending Yavapai College after one year at UC Davis.

Bremer appeared in nine games (seven starts) for the Express in 2009. In 41 innings pitched, he had a 3-1 record to go along with a 2.85 earned run average. On July 16, Bremer put his name in the Express record books, throwing the first no-hitter in team history against the Battle Creek Bombers.

The Berkeley, Calif. native spent his freshman year with the UC Davis Aggies. Bremer made six appearances (three starts) and finished with a 0-1 record and 2.85 ERA.

Neda named top 100 prospect for 2010
Former Eau Claire Express catcher Rafael Neda (New Mexico) has recently been named the number 63 rated college player for 2010 by the College Baseball Blog. The CBB is counting down to the College Baseball season by naming one prospect per day until they reach number one.

Neda played 21 games for the Express this past summer, finishing with 67 at-bats. The New Mexico standout batted .284 with two home runs and 14 runs batted in during his time in Eau Claire.

As a freshman, Neda had an immediate effect on the Lobos lineup. He appeared in 50 games, batting .323 with six home runs and 45 RBI. The Mountain West Conference named him Freshman of the Year and to the second team All-MWC. The Obregon, Sonora, Mexico native also took home the following national awards: Louisville Slugger All-American, Pro-Line Athletic/National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Division I Freshman All-America First Team, Baseball America freshman All-America Second Team, and Ping!Baseball All-Freshman Second Team.

Neda followed up his impressive freshman season with an even better year in 2009. He led the Mountain West Conference in batting average at .415, which ranked him 32nd in the nation. In 55 games, he hit seven home runs and drove in 49 runs. These numbers led to Neda being named to the Mountain West Conference First Team.

If Neda continues his success this spring for New Mexico, he is sure to be drafted early in the 2010 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. To see the entire CBB rankings, click on the link below.

Become a fan of the Express on Facebook
The Express are on Facebook! Visit the Express page and become a fan to ensure that you are up to date on all team information.

The Express fan page includes an updated team roster during the season along with various pictures. Updated game and promotional information will be posted on the page as it becomes available.

Alumni updates, along with apparel and ticket deals will be posted on the page for all fans to see. Log on to your Facebook account and search for the Express in the top right corner of your homepage to become a fan and show your support of Eau Claire Express baseball!

Northwoods League franchise unveiled as 'Willmar Stingers'

Willmar, Minn. The newest member of the Northwoods League from Willmar, MN is proud to announce they will be called the Willmar Stingers. The Stingers logo features a bee holding a bat and appears ready to hit a baseball wrapped behind the Stingers nickname with Willmar in a font below. The logo and team colors will be black and yellow and were unveiled Wednesday night at the Holiday Inn Conference Center with special guest major league pitcher Chris Jakubauskas. Also on hand for the event was graphic designer/creator of the logo Justin Schaller, who resides in Eau Claire, WI. Team owners Ryan Voz and Marc Jerzak are excited about the new name and the buzz that the “Name the Team” contest created. “We were very pleased with the turnout of names entered into the contest where there were over 800 names suggested.” We wanted a fun name, keeping with the Northwoods theme and the name Stingers stood out to us,” Voz said. Robert Malmgren of Willmar submitted the winning entry and was the proud winner of a pair of Stingers Season Tickets for a lifetime. Former Northwoods Leaguer and current Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Chris Jakubauskas took pictures and signed autographs for new Willmar fans. Jakubauskas played in the Northwoods League for the St. Cloud River Bats in 1999. This past season he made his Major League debut with the Seattle Mariners against the Minnesota Twins on April 8th. He finished his rookie season with 8 starts, 1 complete game, 27 relief appearances, 93 innings pitched and a 6-7 record. The Pirates recently purchased his rights. To date, 60 former Northwoods League players have gone on to play Major League Baseball including nine players making their MLB Debut in 2009. The Stingers will play the 34-home game schedule at Bill Taunton Stadium at Baker Field, where the capacity is currently 1,050. The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The 17th season of Northwoods League baseball will begin in early June 2010. Willmar joins Alexandria, Brainerd, Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, and St. Cloud as Minnesota cities in the NWL; Eau Claire, Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, and Wausau from Wisconsin; Waterloo, Iowa; Battle Creek, Michigan; and Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Calhoun joins Neda on top 100 prospect list
Former Eau Claire Express player Kole Calhoun (Arizona State) has recently been named the number 40 rated college player for 2010 by the College Baseball Blog. The CBB is counting down to the College Baseball season by naming one prospect per day until they reach number one.

Calhoun was a force in the Express lineup the past three summers. He is the Express career leader in seven offensive categories, which include home runs, runs batted in, runs scored, at-bats, walks, hits and doubles. The Arizona State Senior also pitched for the Express in his three seasons and is the club’s career leader in saves with 24. Calhoun was honored as the Northwoods League Co-MVP after the 2007 season, his first in Eau Claire.

The Buckeye, Ariz. native starred in the College World Series for Arizona State last spring, finishing with an astonishing .563 batting average, three home runs and 11 runs batted in. That capped off an impressive first season for Calhoun with the Sun Devils in which he batted .313 with 12 home runs and 56 RBI. He was honored as part of the All-College World Series team, All-Tempe Regional team and was an honorable mention All-Pac 10 selection.

To see the entire College Baseball Blog rankings, click on the link below.

NWL Announces Date for the 2010 All-Star Game

Rochester, Minn.- The Northwoods League announced today that on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 the Eau Claire Express will host the 2010 Northwoods League All-Star Game at historic Carson Park in Eau Claire, WI. The announcement comes as the league’s schedule is being finalized for the upcoming 17th season of Northwoods League play. The Northwoods League All-Star Game has been an annual staple since 1995, the second summer of Northwoods League baseball. Eau Claire will become the 11th different Northwoods League city to host the event. The game, featuring the top players from each division, will follow the annual home run derby on the night of July 20th. Earlier that day dozens of scouts from Major League Baseball organizations will gather at Carson Park for the Northwoods League player scouting combine. The two-day event will kick off Monday night, July 19th with a banquet to honor the all-stars. The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. On Wednesday, the Northwoods League expects to make an official announcement of the league’s expansion to a 16th city.

NWL expands to Wisconsin Rapids

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.- The Northwoods League is officially expanding to Wisconsin Rapids and will be calling historic Witter Field home. The team will be owned by Steve Schmitt, who owns the Madison Mallards in the NWL, and Vern Stenman who has operated the Madison franchise since its inception in 2001. The General Manager of the team will be Liz Kern, who has been the Mallards Customer Service and Ticket Sales Manager the past three years, becoming the Northwoods League’s first female GM in its 16-year history. The expansion franchise becomes the league’s 16th team.

In 2001, Schmitt and Stenman took over the expansion Mallards after three professional teams had failed in Madison and have since transformed the franchise into being the widely-regarded most successful summer collegiate team in the country, drawing 6,005 fans per game in 2009 which was nearly twice the next closest team in the country (La Crosse, WI). The 2009 attendance ranked the Mallards 31st amongst all minor league teams in the country (including summer collegiate, independent and affiliated professional) in per-game attendance while operating in the 84th largest media market in the country. In 2004 the team drew a summer collegiate baseball record crowd of 10,061 fans and in August of 2007, Madison surpassed the One Million mark in franchise attendance, when ten-year-old John Olsen of Elkhorn, Wisc. walked through the gates of the ballpark affectionately known as the “Duck Pond.”

The Mallards have also been competitive on the field appearing in the playoffs in five of the last seven summers and competing in three NWL Championship Series’, winning the title in 2004 over the Duluth Huskies. Over 51 former Mallards have been drafted and competed in professional baseball.

Kern, a 2006 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, was an outfielder on the softball team and will be moving to Wisconsin Rapids permanently in January. She has managed the Mallards customer service working with over 600 business clients and has been responsible for renewing over 95% of those accounts annually. Kern joined the Mallards as a part-time employee in 2004 and has seen an increased amount of responsibility every year since that time.

Witter Field hosted minor league baseball until 1983 when the Wisconsin Rapids Twins of the Midwest League departed for Kenosha, WI. Since then the field’s primary tenant has been the Wisconsin Rapids Legion program who has done an admirable job maintaining the historic field. The Legion teams will continue to have access to the ballpark during the term of the lease and the NWL team is excited about working with the Legion and all other area teams.

“The Wisconsin Rapids Legion program is one of the best in the country and we couldn’t be more excited to be coming to a market that already has a great passion for baseball-we look forward to helping build that passion in Rapids for years to come," said GM Kern.

The ownership group will detail a plan to install 400 permanent former-County Stadium seats at Witter Field for 2010 as part of a partnership with the city of Wisconsin Rapids.

A "Name the Hometown Team" contest will run through the middle part of January with the winner receiving season tickets for 2010. Those wishing to submit entries should visit Rapidsbaseball.com. Team name ideas can also be submitted via email to info@rapidsbaseball.com.

Ticket pricing, team name and logo will be unveiled at a press conference in January. Fans can get priority seat selection by placing a $25 deposit by visiting Rapidsbaseball.com, calling the office at 715-424-5400, or at the press conference tonight.

Tonight's press conference will be streamed live from the Centralia Center at http://www.livestream.com/rccatv beginning at 6 p.m.

The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The 2010 Northwoods League season will begin on Wednesday, June 2nd.

Rafael Neda named to 2010 Pro-Line Athletic Pre-Season All-America Team

Article courtesy of the University of New Mexico website

Albuquerque, NM- University of New Mexico junior and former Eau Claire Express catcher Rafael Neda was named to the 2010 Pro-Line Athletic Pre-Season All-America Team as announced by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association today. Neda, the third team catcher, was one of two Mountain West Conference players to make the list. San Diego State's Addison Reed was the first team relief pitcher.

"Rafael Neda is one of the best players in the country," head coach Ray Birmingham said of Neda. "He is outstanding in every way and he gets better every day. He will be another Lobo playing in the big leagues."

Last season Neda led the Lobos in hitting at .415 and was one of four Lobos to hit over .400. He hit seven round-trippers with 49 RBI and was ranked in the top-10 in the MWC in seven offensive categories (.504 on-base percentage - first, 85 hits - tied for fourth, .611 slugging percentage - fifth, 19 doubles - tied for fifth, 10 hit by pitches - tied for sixth, 57 runs scored - tied for eighth, 129 total bases - tied for ninth).

The native of Obregon, Sonora, Mexico is a two-time All-Mountain West Conference honoree and a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American.

Express rank #7 in summer collegiate attendance

The Eau Claire Express are among several Northwoods League teams to appear on ballparkbiz.com’s Summer Collegiate Top 50 in per-game attendance for the 2009 season. In all, there were over 500 teams in over 70 leagues in North America whose attendances were analyzed.

Eleven of the Northwoods League’s 14 teams in 2009 made the top 50 ranking, led by Madison and La Crosse in the top two spots. They were followed by Eau Claire (7), St. Cloud (13), Waterloo (17), Wisconsin (19), Mankato (30), Rochester (33), Duluth (39), Green Bay (40) and Battle Creek (49).

No other collegiate summer league had more affiliates appear on the list than the Northwoods League. The Coastal Plain League also had 11 teams make the ranking, but their per-game numbers as a whole were less than the Northwoods League.

The study done by ballparkbiz.com is a good indicator of the success and growth of the Northwoods League in its 16 years of existence. The league will begin its 17th season of play in early June 2010.

Granderson to be 'face' of Northwoods League Philanthropic Efforts

Rochester, Minn. - The Northwoods League and the Northwoods League Foundation announced today that they have reached agreement with alumnus Curtis Granderson to be the “face” of its philanthropic and alumni relation efforts for the next two years. The agreement calls for the Northwoods League and The Northwoods League Foundation to work in conjunction with Granderson to help promote his Grand Kids Foundation while also working to bring awareness to the newly formed Northwoods League Foundation and engaging Northwoods League alums.

“The Northwoods League helped develop me into an All-Star at the highest level of professional baseball. I am honored that they would ask me to assist with promoting the Northwoods League Foundation, but also promote my Grand Kids Foundation, which works to improve inner city education. I look forward to a strong relationship that grows all of these entities,” said Granderson.

Granderson will be promoting the Grand Kids Foundation on all Northwoods League web casts the next two seasons and a link will feature the Foundation on the Northwoods League website.

“We could not have a better representative in the baseball world than Curtis and the fact that he is one of our former players only makes this union more beneficial,” said Northwoods League President Dick Radatz, Jr.

Granderson, who in 2001 graced Northwoods League ballparks as a member of the Mankato Mashers, was recently traded to the New York Yankees from the Detroit Tigers where he was a member of the American League All-Star team in 2009. In October, the Major League Baseball players bestowed Granderson with their highest honor by voting him as the 2009 Marvin Miller Man of the Year.

Northwoods League releases 2010 schedule

Eau Claire, Wis- The Northwoods League today released the official 2010 schedule. The Eau Claire Express will begin their sixth season of Northwoods League play on June 2 in La Crosse. Eau Claire's home season begins the following day, as the Loggers travel to Carson Park to complete the split two-game set. First pitch for that game will be at 6:35 PM.

The league’s recent expansion to 16 teams will result in a 70-game regular season schedule in which teams will only play within their own division. Regular season play begins on Wednesday, June 2 and concludes on Monday, August 16. Divisional playoffs will begin August 17 and match up the first and second half winners of each division in a best-of-three format. Winners of the divisional round will compete for the NWL Championship beginning on August 20, also in a best-of-three series. The Express will host the 2010 All-Star Game at Carson Park on Tuesday, July 20.

For the sixth consecutive year, Eau Claire will play at home on July 4. This year’s game will begin at 6:05 PM and concludes a three-game home series with the Waterloo Bucks. All Monday through Saturday games will begin at 6:35 PM. Sunday games are scheduled for a 6:05 PM start.

The addition of the Willmar Stingers to the North Division and the Wisconsin Rapids franchise to the South Division brings each division to eight teams. Each team will play the other seven teams in their division ten times, with five coming in each half of the season. Eau Claire will play 21 of its 35 home games in the first half, which will wrap up on Thursday, July 8 at home versus Green Bay. The longest homestands of the season are four games and occur on June 17-20 and July 1-4.

To purchase season tickets, please contact Andy Neborak by calling 839-7788 or by stopping by the Express office in downtown Eau Claire. Single-game tickets will soon become available to purchase on our website with a print-at-home option.

2010 Express Schedule

"Opening Night" sponsored by Maverick Media

First 500 families receive a 2010 Express magnetic schedule!

"Feed my People Night" sponsored by the Pain Clinic of Northwestern Wisconsin and BioLife Plasma Services

Feed My People will be taking non-perishable food donations outside the front gate. The first 200 fans to bring a donation to the ballpark will receive a free general admission ticket to the night's game, compliments of the Pain Clinic of Northwestern Wisconsin!

The first 500 kids will receive a frisbee compliments of BioLife Plasma Services!

"Trading Card Night" sponsored by Chippewa Valley Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

The first 500 fans in attendance will receive the first set of Express player trading cards, compliments of Oakleaf Surgical Hospital and Chippewa Valley Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

$1 hot dog night!!

"Trading Card Night" sponsored by Oakleaf Surgical Hospital

The first 500 fans in attendance will receive the first set of Express player trading cards, compliments of Oakleaf Surgical Hospital and Chippewa Valley Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

$1 hot dog night!

Cesspool Cleaner Company Night

Promotional information coming soon!

Check out new Express alumni page

If you are looking for updates on your favorite former Express players that are now playing Minor League Baseball, be sure to check out the new and improved alumni page on the Express website!

Each Express alum that is playing baseball professionally will have their name linked to re-direct you to their updated statistics. This will give you an easy way to keep up on how the players you enjoyed watching at Carson Park are performing at the next level!

Additional updates will be coming soon to the page and will note which players have been drafted by Major League organizations. Next to the name of the drafting organization you will find the years the player played in that team's system, the player's current level in the system (A, AA, AAA, MAJ), or if they went unsigned.

These improvements will make the Express website the place to go to get all of your alumni updates. Keep checking the Express website, as the first commitments to the 2010 roster will become available soon.

Eau Claire begins their 6th season in the Northwoods League on Wednesday, June 2 in La Crosse. They play their home opener the following day against the Loggers, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 PM.

Express Alumni Page

"Turn Back the Clock Night" sponsored by RCU

The Express will wear 1952 replica Eau Claire Bears jerseys.

Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce Night sponsored by Gibson's Water Care; Rhom Construction; The Clairemont and Weld, Riley, Prenn and Ricci

Promotional information coming soon!

Charter Night

Promotional information coming soon!

Eau Claire County Humane Association / Festival in the Pines Night

Sponsored by: Embark, Pet Food Plus, Eau Claire Animal Hospital, Northside Pet Hospital, Westgate Animal Hospital and Festival in the Pines

Rafters officially become 16th team in Northwoods League

In front of a standing room only crowd at Hotel Mead in Wisconsin Rapids, the newest member of the Northwoods League unveiled their name and identity. The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters will call Witter Field home starting this summer. From Friday, January, 15th thru Wednesday, January 20th the team held an online vote to determine the name of the franchise. The top three selections are as follows:

Rafters - 29%

River Rats - 23%

Boggers - 22%

Total of 1,650 votes!

The identity of the team incorporates all three of the top vote getters. Rafting was a prominent activity on the Wisconsin River, primarily as part of the logging industry in the delivery of logs to the various mills along the river. The creature riding the raft is a "River Rat." The team will create a mascot based on the River Rat and will host a "Name the Mascot" contest. "River Rats" was the nickname of the people who operated rafts on the Wisconsin River en-route to the mills. Finally, the team's primary color will be Cranberry Red, a tribute to the strong cranberry industry in the area.

The winner of the "Name the Hometown Team" contest is Brian Schmidt of Wisconsin Rapids. He will receive a pair of season tickets for the 2010 season. Twelve people submitted Rafters as their idea for the name of the team during the first phase of the contest and they will each receive a 9-game pack for the 2010 season. Various other prizes were awarded for fans creativity with the name they submitted.

The Rafters will play their first series in Eau Claire on Friday and Saturday, June 4 and 5. The following day, the Express will make their first trip to Witter Field in Wisconsin Rapids to take on the Rafters.

AHMC Asset Management Night

Promotional information coming soon!

WQOW TV-18 Night

Free stress balls will be given away at the gate!

Cales named top reliever

Eau Claire, Wis. - After each season, MLB.com compiles statistics of all levels of Minor League Baseball to hand out their Minor League Baseball Yearly Awards. The awards for the 2009 season included former Eau Claire Express player David Cales, who is currently working his way through the Chicago Cubs' system. Cales was named as the top reliever in the entire Class A Advanced level of Minor League Baseball for his performance during his time with the Daytona Cubs.

Cales played at three levels in the minors during the past season, starting with the Class A Advanced Daytona Cubs. In 37 appearances in the Florida State League, he went 3-0 with an earned run average of 0.78 and 14 saves. The Chicago, Ill. native also spent time with the Cubs' Class AA team in Tennessee. Cales made 16 appearances with the Smokies, going 3-0 with a 5.40 ERA. His season included a late-season appearance with the Class AAA Iowa Cubs of the Pacific Coast League in which he gave up one earned run in 1.2 innings pitched.

Cales pitched and played infield for the Express during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. In 74 games as a position player, he batted .245 with 12 doubles and 33 runs batted in. He also spent some time on the mound, making 20 appearances there and went 3-2 with a 1.20 ERA. In 30 innings pitched, Cales struck out 42 batters while only walking six.

For more information on Cales' successful season, click on the link below to be re-directed to an article on MLB.com.

MLB.com Article

"Relay for Life Night" / "Youth Baseball Night" sponsored by Marshfield Clinic

All youth baseball players will receive free admission when wearing their jersey top.

$1 hot dog night!!

The Express will wear purple hats and use pink bats. The purple hats will be for sale at Carson Park.

Edward Jones Night

Promotional information coming soon!

"YMCA Night" sponsored by The Leader Telegram

All YMCA members receive free admission with their membership card!

Knight recognized by rivals.com

Eau Claire, Wis. - Prior to the college baseball season, rivals.com does a preview of each conference. This preview includes information on each team, projected order of finish, an All-Conference team, along with the league's top pitcher and hitter. This year's preview of the Missouri Valley Conference included former Express and Creighton outfielder Robbie Knight. The Senior was named as a member of the Pre-Season All-Conference team and was selected as the MVC's top hitter. Creighton was projected to finish third in the conference.

Knight had a successful juinor season for the Jays, leading the team in batting average, on-base percentage, walks, runs, plate appearances and doubles. His .344 average was sixth in the MVC and helped him in being named second team All-MVC. Knight was one of the team's leaders, as he was only one of two Jays to start all 56 games.

The Omaha, Neb. native played in 2008 and 2009 with the Express and was one of the team's most consistent performers. Knight's career numbers rank him in the top-5 in eight offensive categories. His 27 doubles and 19 times being hit by a pitch both rank second in Express history.

Knight's leadership and performance will certainly be missed by the Express this summer. Keep an eye on the Express website for updates on how Knight and other former Express players fare during their college seasons.

Missouri Valley Conference Preview

Eau Claire Area Youth Baseball Registration

Eau Claire Express Baseball is proud to partner with the Eau Claire Youth Baseball Leagues to offer week-long registration for the 2010 season beginning Monday, February 22nd. All Eau Claire Little Leagues - American, Lowes Creek and National - will be holding registration for T-Ball, Rookie, Coach Pitch, Minor and Major League divisions. If your child will be between the ages of 5 and 12 years old on April 30, 2010, you are eligible to sign your child/children up for these leagues. Eau Claire Babe Ruth - Preps for 13 year olds, Junior Babe Ruth for 14 and 15 year olds - will also be holding registration at this time.

Express staff will be on hand Monday (2/22) through Friday (2/26) from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday (2/27) from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration will take place at the Express offices, located at 108 E. Grand Avenue.

All registration forms will be available at the office, but we ask that parents bring a copy of their child(ren)'s birth certificates for age verification. We will NOT keep a copy on file. Cash or check only please.

For more information, please visit the page below.

http://www.eauclaireexpress.com/youth_league/

Express looking for summer interns

The Eau Claire Express baseball organization is seeking current college students pursuing a career in the sporting industry for summer internships. Positions are available in the areas of marketing, stadium operations, food and beverage, media relations, video production and photography.

The Express, an affiliate of the Northwoods League, offer interns the opportunity to work hands-on with the team in an exciting, fast paced environment. In addition to learning about daily operations, including customer relations, communication and ticket and apparel sales, our interns are given the opportunity to specialize in their field of study.

The Express season is a fun-filled 70-game schedule that includes 35 home games at Carson Park, a league all-star game and possible home playoff games. The paid internship will begin in mid May and run until the late August, depending on the playoff situation. Self-motivation, strong communication skills, an energetic attitude and the ability to work well under pressure are a must.

If interested in applying for a position, please mail or email a resume, cover letter and references to Andy Neborak at the Express office. Applications will be accepted until February 27. For further information on the specific internship positions, click on the link below to be re-directed to our internship page.

Internship Page

Express announce first 2010 roster commitments

Eau Claire, Wis. - Eau Claire Express field manager Dale Varsho announced today the first three verbal commitments to his 2010 roster. All three players return from a 2009 team that qualified for the Northwoods League postseason. UIC Flames teammates Jason Ganek and Andy Leonard are set to return along with Yavapai pitcher Tyler Bremer.

Ganek (left) is a 6-foot-3-inch, 185-pound infielder and pitcher for the Flames. The junior joined the Express at about mid-season last year, seeing time as both a position player and a pitcher. He finished with a .203 batting average to go along with one home run and 11 runs batted in. Ganek saw more success on the mound, finishing with a 2.16 earned run average and three saves in eight appearances. In 2009, Ganek played exclusively at third base for the Flames. He started each regular season game there and led the team with a .333 batting average and three triples. He ranked second on the team with 35 runs scored and 32 RBI's. At the conclusion of the season, he was honored as part of the All-Horizon League Second Team. UIC begins their 2010 spring season this Friday.

Leonard (center) is a 5-foot-10-inch, 165-pound junior shortstop. He was a major contributor to the Express last summer, as he led the team in games played (60), at-bats (233) and RBI's (30). The Palos Heights, Ill. native was one of Eau Claire's most complete players, as he excelled defensively at shortstop as well. Leonard's success with the Express was a carry over from a good spring season for the Flames in which he led the team with 64 hits and 22 doubles. He was instrumental in UIC's runner-up finish in the Horizon League Tournament, as he was named to the All-Tournament Team.

Bremer (right) is a 6-foot-2-inch, 205-pound right-handed pitcher. The sophomore at Yavapai tossed the first no-hitter in Express history last summer on July 16. Bremer's historic outing was part of a solid first season with the Express in which he had a 3-1 record and 2.85 ERA in 41 innings pitched. Bremer spent his freshman season at UC Davis and is slated to join the Baylor Bears in 2011 as a junior. Yavapai recently began their spring season, in which Bremer is 0-2.

The Express will open their 2010 season in La Crosse on June 2. The following day, the Loggers will travel to Carson Park for the Express home opener. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 and the game is sponsored by Maverick Media. Make sure to continue checking the Express website in the coming weeks as the 2010 roster will continue to develop.

2010 Express Roster

Single game tickets now on sale

Eau Claire, Wis. - The Eau Claire Express front office announced today that single-game tickets are now on sale for the 2010 season. The Express schedule will feature 35 regular season home games this season as a result of expansion in the Northwoods League. In addition, Eau Claire will host the 2010 Northwoods League All-Star Game that is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 20. Tickets for that event are also available at the Express office.

Regular season ticket prices will remain the same as they were in 2009, with general admission seating at $5.00, reserved grandstand at $6.00, reserved box at $8.00 and the fan deck at $30.00. Tickets for the All-Star Game will be on sale at the regular season rates.

To purchase tickets, stop by the Express office at 108 E. Grand Avenue in downtown Eau Claire or call 839-7788. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Coming soon will be the opportunity to purchase Express tickets at www.eauclaireexpress.com with Eau Claire's new online ticketing system. Features of this new system include a print-at-home option on all tickets and the ability to view reserved section seating before purchasing tickets. The system will be up and running on the Express website in the coming days.

Eau Claire begins their sixth season of Northwoods League play on the road in La Crosse on June 2. The following day, the Loggers will travel to Carson Park to take on the Express in their home opener. First pitch for that game is scheduled for 6:35 PM.

2010 Express Schedule

"Free Hot Dog Night" Sponsored by ServiceMaster of Chippewa Valley

The first 500 fans in attendance will receive a free hot dog and hot dogs will be discounted to $1 all night!

ServiceMaster will be distributing rally towels at the front gate!

Luther Midelfort Express Care Night

The first 1,000 fans will receive a beach ball, compliments of Luther Midelfort Express Care Clinics!

"Guaranteed Win Night" / "Military Night" sponsored by the Wisconsin Army National Guard

If the Express do not win, all fans in attendance will receive a general admission ticket for the July 3 game versus the Waterloo Bucks!

The Express will wear camouflage jerseys to honor our service men and women.

Gordy's County Market Night

Gordy's will hand out pump perks at the game!

"Parks and Rec Night" / "Big Brothers Big Sisters Night" / "Church Night" sponsored by AT&T and Peace Church

All Eau Claire Parks and Recreation participants will receive free admission with their Parks and Rec t-shirt or wristband.

$1 hot dog night!!

Fans bringing non-perishable food donations for to B-Side Community will receive free admission.

"Breast Cancer Awareness Night" sponsored by Marshfield Clinic

The Express will wear pink jerseys and hats and will use pink bats. Free bookmarks and re-usable tote bags will be given away at the gate!

"Chippewa Falls Night" sponsored by Gordy's County Market, The Chippewa Herald and Gordy's True Value

Promotional information coming soon!

"Fathers Day" sponsored by Ramada

All dads will receive free admission when attending the game with their child(ren).

Promotional information available soon!

Metropolis Resort Night

Promotional information coming soon!

Wisconsin Lottery Night

All fans 18 and older will receive a Pick 3 number as they enter the stadium. Fans with any combination of the three numbers drawn will receive a prize pack, courtesy of the Wisconsin Lottery!

"Scouts Night" sponsored by Sleep Inn & Suites

Promotional information coming soon!

Express secure four more commitments

Eau Claire, Wis. - The Eau Claire Express roster continues to develop, as the team announced four more commitments to the 2010 roster today. University of Illinois-Chicago teammates Steve McGuiggan and Nathan Orf join the Express along with Nebraska Cornhusker teammates Josh Scheffert and Chris Williams. Field Manager Dale Varsho's roster now stands at seven.

McGuiggan is a 5-foot-11-inch, 210-pound outfielder for the UIC Flames. The junior from Apple Valley, Minn. began his career with a bang, batting .370 while leading the team in hits (85), triples (5) and multi-hit games (27). His outstanding freshman season earned him several postseason honors, one of which was being named to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American Team. McGuiggan experienced a slight drop off as a sophomore, finishing with a .254 batting average and team-leading totals in stolen bases (18) and runs scored (37). In seven games this spring, McGuiggan has collected ten hits in 29 at-bats, good for a .345 batting average.

Orf is a 5-foot-8-inch, 165-pound sophomore at UIC. The catcher had a standout freshman season, collecting 48 hits in only 36 games. His .429 batting average contributed to his various postseason honors, which included being named to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American Team. Orf has a double in his only at-bat early on this season.

Scheffert, a 6-foot-2-inch infielder and pitcher, was a dominant two-way player at Lincoln (Neb.) Southeast High School. He pitched and played shortstop, collecting a 6-2 record and a 0.96 earned run average on the mound while batting .416 and driving in 32 runs as a batter. Scheffert has appeared in five of the Cornhuskers' seven games early on this season, driving in six runs in 16 official at-bats.

Williams, a 6-foot-2-inch freshman pitcher, is a native of Omaha, Neb. The right-hander led his high school team to a state title as a senior, winning nine games with an impressive 1.63 ERA. Williams is likely to work out of the Huskers' bullpen with the opportunity to work himself into a setup role. He has yet to appear in a game early on in Nebraska's season.

The Express will open their 2010 season in La Crosse on June 2. The following day, the Loggers will travel to Carson Park for the Express home opener. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 and the game is sponsored by Maverick Media. Continue checking the Express website in the coming weeks as the 2010 roster will continue to develop.

2010 Express Roster

"4th of July" sponsored by Whiskey Dicks Grill and Bar

Come out to Carson Park to enjoy an Express game followed by the City of Eau Claire's annual 4th of July Fireworks show! Buy your ticket to the game and secure a great seat for the fireworks afterward!

Additional promotional information coming soon!

Fan Appreciation Night

Come out to the last Express regular season home game of the season. There will be a variety of prizes given away as the Express thank you for another successful season!

"Live United Night" sponsored by Xcel Energy

The first 500 fans in attendance will receive the second set of Express trading cards!

"Menomonie Night" sponsored by Menomonie Turf & Timber, TMS Tire & Auto and Turf Works LLC

Promotional information coming soon!

"Career Development Center Night" sponsored by Eau Claire Ford

Promotional information coming soon!

Three more hop on the Express train

Eau Claire, Wis. - Eau Claire Express field manager Dale Varsho announced the next three verbal commitments to his roster today. Baylor right-hander Trent Blank is set to return from the 2009 team and will be joined by Yavapai teammates Ty Forney and Devon Zenn. The 2010 roster now stands at ten.

Blank, a 6-foot-2-inch right-handed pitcher, appeared in ten games (seven starts) for the Express in 2009. He finished with a record of 3-1 and a 4.43 earned run average. The sophomore has logged 14.2 innings this spring for the Bears and has a 2-1 record and 4.30 ERA in four appearances (two starts). Blank appeared in 15 games with four starts as a freshman at Baylor.

Forney is a 5-foot-10-inch sophomore infielder at Yavapai. The Gilbert, Ariz. native played in 57 games as a freshman, batting .357 with 38 runs batted in. He has followed up his impressive freshman season with a strong start this spring, as he is batting .301 and leads the team with nine stolen bases through 22 games. His nine steals have already surpassed his total of seven in 2009.

Zenn is a 5-foot-11-inch freshman for the Roughriders. In 19 games this spring, the infielder is batting .316 and is a perfect 5-for-5 in stolen bases. He is tied for the team-lead with 11 walks and leads the team with a .469 on-base percentage. Zenn appeared in 21 games as a senior at Benicia (Calif.) High school and had a .400 batting average. He was drafted out of high school by the Los Angeles Angels in the 27^th round of the 2009 June Amateur Draft, but chose to attend school and play collegiate ball at Yavapai.

The Express will open their 2010 season in La Crosse on June 2. June 3 will mark the Express home opener, as the Loggers travel to Carson Park. Game time is 6:35 and the first 500 fans in attendance will receive a 2010 magnetic schedule, compliments of Maverick Media. Single-game tickets for all Express home games, including the NWL All-Star Game, are now available at the Express office.

2010 Express Roster

Online ticketing and flex plans now available

Eau Claire, Wis. - The Eau Claire Express are happy to announce that online ticket purchasing and reserved grandstand flex plans are now available on the website. You can find links to purchase your tickets online on both the homepage and tickets page.

Beginning this season, the Express are partnering with Glitnir Ticketing to offer online ticket purchasing in the reserved, general admission and fan deck seating areas. Features include a print-at-home option on all tickets and the ability to view reserved section seating before purchasing tickets. This convenient new option will allow you to browse available seating, purchase and then print your tickets without having to make a trip down to the Express office. Your print-at-home tickets will be able to be scanned at the gate so you will never have to wait in line to purchase tickets!

Another new addition this season is reserved grandstand flex plans. These ticket plans allow you to select which Express games you would like to attend at a reduced cost. Available are six game plans for $33 and ten game plans for $50. If you enjoy coming to Express games but find yourself too busy during the summer to purchase a season ticket plan, this is a great alternative for you. As an added bonus, all fans purchasing flex plans this season will receive a ticket to the Northwoods League All-Star Game at no additional cost. Plans can be purchased online or at the Express office.

All tickets and plans are available for the quickly approaching 2010 season. The Express will begin the season on the road in La Crosse on June 2. The conclusion of their two-game series with La Crosse will take place at Carson Park the following day, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 PM. The first 500 fans in attendance will receive magnet schedules, compliments of Maverick Media.

Single-game online sales

Flex plan online sales

Express add five more

Eau Claire, Wis. - Eau Claire Express field manager Dale Varsho announced one returning player and four new additions to his 2010 roster today. Returning from late in the 2009 season is Eau Claire native and South Mountain Community College freshman Will Fadness. He will be joined by pitchers Steven Florez, Austin House and Bobby Mares of New Mexico and Pulama Silva of Yavapai. The Express roster now stands at 15.

Fadness is a graduate of Eau Claire Memorial High School and is the starting catcher at South Mountain. In 18 games this spring, he ranks second on the team with a .356 batting average, is tied for the team lead with six doubles and leads the Cougars with ten runs batted in. Will last year became the fourth Fadness to play for the Express, joining brothers Ty (2005), Mickey (2007) and Nolan (2008-2009).

Florez is a 6-foot-1-inch, 185-pound freshman for the Lobos. The right-hander had an outstanding career at Las Cruces High School, ranking fourth in New Mexico state baseball history with 175 strikeouts. He was named to the All-State and All-District teams from 2008-2009. Florez has not yet pitched this spring for New Mexico and is likely to be red-shirted this season.

House, a 6-foot-4-inch pitcher, has been used mainly out of the bullpen this spring for New Mexico. In seven appearances, the freshman is 1-0 with one save and a 4.03 earned run average. House was drafted in the 25^th round by the Boston Red Sox out of High School, but chose instead to attend college.

Mares, a 6-foot right-hander, has begun his freshman season mainly as a starting pitcher. In three appearances, including two starts, he is 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA. As a high school senior, Mares was the All-City and All-District Most Valuable Player and was the winning pitcher in the Texas State Championship game.

Silva is a 5-foot-10-inch, 175-pound sophomore. The right-hander is Yavapai's closer, with 12 saves in 20 appearances thus far. His performance has been nothing short of dominant, as he has 48 strikeouts in 29 innings pitched to go along with a 0.93 ERA. Silva was equally impressive as a freshman, finishing with a 0.84 ERA, 17 saves and 41 strikeouts in 32 innings pitched.

The Express will open their 2010 season in La Crosse on June 2. June 3 will mark the Express home opener, as the Loggers travel to Carson Park. Game time is 6:35 and the first 500 fans in attendance will receive a 2010 magnetic schedule, compliments of Maverick Media. Single-game tickets for all Express home games, including the NWL All-Star Game, are now available at the Express office and online at www.eauclaireexpress.com.

2010 Roster

E.O. Johnson Office Technologies Night

One lucky winner will receive a flat screen TV and the first 400 fans will receive a can cooler, compliments of E.O. Johnson Office Technologies!

Nolan Fadness to return to the Express

Eau Claire, Wis. - A familiar face will be returning to play at Carson Park this summer. The Eau Claire Express announced today that Eau Claire native and UW-Oshkosh outfielder Nolan Fadness has verbally committed to return for a third season. Field Manager Dale Varsho's roster now stands at 16.

Fadness, a 5-foot-8 inch junior, has been a versatile member of the Express the past two summers. The Eau Claire Memorial graduate has played all three outfield spots along with putting time in at second base. He was the only Express player to be named to both the mid-season and post-season Northwoods League All-Star teams in 2009. Fadness finished the season with a .317 batting average and team-leading totals in hits (73), at-bats (230), runs (50), walks (33), and stolen bases (28).

In ten games for the Titans this spring, Fadness is batting .353 with 11 runs scored and four stolen bases. He has also driven in seven runs, and six of his 12 hits on the season have gone for extra bases. UW-Oshkosh has a 5-5 record early on in their season.

The Express will open their 2010 season in La Crosse on June 2. June 3 will mark the Express home opener, as the Loggers travel to Carson Park. Game time is 6:35 and the first 500 fans in attendance will receive a 2010 magnetic schedule, compliments of Maverick Media. Single-game tickets for all Express home games, including the NWL All-Star Game, are now available at the Express office and online at www.eauclaireexpress.com.

25 NWL Alumni Open Season in Big Leagues

Rochester, Minn. - With the start of the baseball season officially happening last night and almost every team in action today, 25 former Northwoods League players open the season on a big league roster.

St. Louis Cardinals reserve outfielder Allen Craig (Alexandria '03/05) is the only of the 25 players that enters the season with no Major League experience. The 2006 eighth round draft pick hit .322 with 26 home runs and 83 RBI in Triple-A last season.

Four of the players are with new teams in 2010. Outfielder Juan Pierre (Manitowoc '96) is now the starting centerfielder for the Chicago White Sox and Curtis Granderson (Mankato '01) patrols centerfield for the New York Yankees. Granderson hit a home run in his first at-bat for the Bronx Bombers last night. Right-hander Max Scherzer (La Crosse '04) holds the third spot in the Detroit Tigers' starting rotation. Mike McCoy (Brainerd '00) earned a reserve role as a utility player with the Toronto Blue Jays.

A pair of relief pitchers join McCoy on the Jays' roster. Righties Jeremy Accardo (Alexandria '01) and Casey Janssen (Wisconsin '01) give the Blue Jays three former Northwoods Leaguers. The Los Angeles Dodgers also have three NWL alumni on their squad with outfielder Andre Ethier (Rochester '02) and relief pitchers George Sherrill (Kenosha '97-98) and Jeff Weaver (Dubuque '95).

Three Major League teams have two former NWL players on their roster. Second baseman Clint Barmes (Kenosha/Waterloo '98-99) and outfielder Ryan Spilborghs (Madison '01) both suit up for the Colorado Rockies. The Chicago Cubs have a pair of pitchers with lefty Tom Gorzelanny (St. Cloud '01) and righty Justin Berg (Wisconsin '03). In Seattle, the Mariners have right-handed relief pitcher Mark Lowe (Wisconsin '02-03) and infielder Jack Hannahan (Mankato '99), but Hannahan opens the season on the 15-day disabled list.

Elsewhere, outfielder Robb Quinlan (Dubuque/St. Cloud '96/98) is back with the Los Angeles Angels after spending the entire offseason as a free agent and receiving a minor league contract to rejoin the Angels. Side-arming reliever Pat Neshek (Wisconsin '00) returns to the Minnesota Twins after missing all of the 2009 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Outfielder Josh Willingham (Austin '98-99) is with the Washington Nationals, All-Star second baseman Ben Zobrist (Wisconsin '03) is looking for another big year with the Tampa Bay Rays, right-hander Doug Mathis (Duluth '04) earned a bullpen spot with the Texas Rangers, left-handed specialist Daniel Herrera (La Crosse '05) is in the Cincinnati Reds' bullpen, Nick Hundley (Alexandria '04) is the starting catcher for the San Diego Padres, Casey McGehee (St. Cloud '01) is the opening day third baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Jason Jaramillo (St. Cloud '02) is the backup catcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Express have one former player in the big leagues. Jordan Zimmermann ('06) debuted for the Washington Nationals last April. He is not currently on their active roster as he is on the disabled list recovering from Tommy John surgery during the 2009 season. Zimmermann is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2010 season.

The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. Opening day for the NWL is June 2^nd. The Express will open their home season on June 3 versus the La Crosse Loggers. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM.

Express add a pair

Eau Claire, Wis. - Eau Claire Express Field Manager Dale Varsho announced the latest verbal commitments to his roster today. Joining the 2010 squad are University of Arkansas outfielder Jacob Morris and Central Michigan pitcher Dietrich Enns. The 2010 roster now includes 18 verbal commitments with opening day a month and a half away.

Morris, a 6-foot-3-inch freshman, is using 2010 as a redshirt season for the Razorbacks. He transferred to Arkansas after spending one semester at Arizona State University. Morris had an outstanding career at Coppell (Tex.) High School, which led to the Washington Nationals drafting him in the 35^th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. He was named to the Aflac All-American Team as a junior and to the Under Armour All-American Team after batting .340 as a senior. A multi-sport star, Morris also played football and was part of a state finalist relay on the track team.

Enns is a 6-foot-1-inch pitcher at Central Michigan University. The left-hander has worked mostly out of the bullpen in his freshman season for the Chippewas, posting a 3-0 record and a 1.71 earned run average in nine appearances (one start). His 28 strikeouts rank third on the team and his opponents' batting average of .174 is the lowest on the team for anyone that has pitched more than three innings thus far.

The Express will open their 2010 season in La Crosse on June 2. June 3 will mark the Express home opener, as the Loggers travel to Carson Park. Game time is 6:35 and the first 500 fans in attendance will receive a 2010 magnetic schedule, compliments of Maverick Media and Bridge Stop. Single-game tickets for all Express home games, including the NWL All-Star Game, are now available at the Express office and online at www.eauclaireexpress.com.

2010 Roster

Pinckard named to stopper watch list

Irivine, Calif. - Baylor sophomore right-handed pitcher Brooks Pinckard has been named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award watch list, as announced by the association Thursday.

Pinckard was a key member of the Eau Claire Express the past two seasons. Last year, he batted .286 with a team-leading four triples. His 18 stolen bases ranked second on the team. He made seven appearances on the mound, finishing with a 2-0 record and 0.77 earned run average with two saves.

Pinckard, who has assumed the role of closer out of the Baylor bullpen, is one of 45 pitchers across the nation and one of six players from the Big 12 Conference named to the midseason watch list.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the Division I national saves leader and four other relief pitching standouts will be selected as finalists and released on June 2, prior to the start of the NCAA tournament. The winner of the sixth-annual Stopper of the Year Award, who will be chosen by the NCBWA All-America Committee, will be announced on the opening day of the College World Series on June 19.

Pitchers from the Big 12 Conference won the award in its first two seasons in 2005 and 2006. In addition to Pinckard, the conference is represented on the watch list by James Allen of Kansas State, Brett Bochy of Kansas, Ryan Duke of Oklahoma, Chance Ruffin of Texas and John Stilson of Texas A&M.

A native of Buda, Texas, Pinckard has pitched in 11 games this season and converted all nine save opportunities on the season. He has allowed just one earned run in 15.1 innings for a 0.59 ERA, and his nine saves are the most ever by a Baylor sophomore.

Nick Cassavechia was the last Baylor pitcher named to the Stopper of the Year Award watch list. He was selected in 2007 and 2008.

The Bears return to action this weekend when they travel to Manhattan, Kan. for a three-game set against Kansas State. The Wildcats enter the weekend in second place in the Big 12 Conference. Shawn Tolleson is expected to start Friday night's game for Baylor. He'll be opposed by senior right-hander Ryan Daniel. To keep track of how Pinckard and the rest of the Bears are doing this spring, click on the link below for updated statistics.

2010 Baylor Spring Statistics

Three freshmen join the Express

Eau Claire, Wis. - With opening night for the Express only five weeks away, field manager Dale Varsho announced three more additions to his roster today. Baylor utility men Logan Vick and Cal Towey join Long Island right-hander Evan Zerff to bring Eau Claire's roster to 21.

Vick, a 5-foot-11-inch freshman, has started all 41 games this spring for the Bears. He is batting .325 with six home runs in 151 at-bats. Vick leads the team with 42 runs scored and 43 walks and is tied for the team lead with 11 doubles.

Towey is a 6-foot-1-inch, 200-pound freshman at Baylor. He had a slow start to his first collegiate season, but has rebounded nicely to raise his batting average from .080 to .217 in the past three weeks. In 46 at-bats, Towey has two triples and ten RBI's.

Zerff, a 5-foot-9-inch right-handed pitcher, leads Long Island University with 19 appearances out of the bullpen this spring. The native of Canada has a 2-2 record and leads the staff with a 3.08 ERA. Zerff has two of the team's three saves thus far.

The Express will open their 2010 season in La Crosse on June 2. June 3 will mark the Express home opener, as the Loggers travel to Carson Park. Game time is 6:35 and the first 500 families in attendance will receive a 2010 magnetic schedule, compliments of Maverick Media and Bridge Stop. Single-game tickets for all Express home games, including the NWL All-Star Game, are now available at the Express office and online at www.eauclaireexpress.com.

2010 Roster

Calhoun named ASU athlete of the week

Former Eau Claire Express outfielder/pitcher Kole Calhoun was named Arizona State University male athlete of the week yesterday. Calhoun has helped the Sun Devils to a 3-0 record so far this week.

Calhoun is heating up again at a crucial point in the season. This week alone, he has gone 6-11 at the plate with two home runs and three runs batted in. The Sun Devils are currently in first place in the Pac-10 Conference with a 34-5 record. Arizona State is currently ranked #2 in the USA Today / ESPN Top 25 Coaches Poll.

Calhoun played three seasons with the Express. He was named co-MVP of the Northwoods League in 2007, his first in Eau Claire. That season, Kole batted .274 with five home runs and 29 RBI's. He also served as the team's closer, finishing with a 3-0 record and a 0.38 earned run average in a team-leading 19 appearances. He struck out 45 batters in 24 innings pitched and saved 14 games for the Express.

Arizona state travels to UCLA for a three-game set against the fifth-ranked Bruins this weekend. Fifteen games remain on the regular season schedule for the Sun Devils.

Arizona State Baseball Website

"Ladies Night"/"Bloomer Night" sponsored by Angelus Salon and Spa and PMI, LLC.

First 100 ladies receive a free rose!   Prizes will be raffled off during the game!

"Junior Achievement Night" sponsored by Sonic

Promotional information coming soon!

Pinckard Named to Olerud Award Watch List

Lubbock, Tex. - Brooks Pinckard was the only player from the Big 12 Conference among the 25 players named to the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award watch list, as announced by the College Baseball Foundation Monday.

The Olerud Award recognizes a player who makes an impact both on the mound and at the plate. The inaugural award will be presented in Lubbock, Texas, on July 2 as part of the College Baseball Awards Show.

Pinckard was a key member of the Eau Claire Express the past two seasons. Last year, he batted .286 with a team-leading four triples. His 18 stolen bases ranked second on the team. He made seven appearances on the mound, finishing with a 2-0 record and 0.77 earned run average with two saves.

Pinckard, a sophomore from Buda, Texas, has made significant contributions to the 2010 Baylor squad as the Bears' center fielder and closer. In 34 games, Pinckard is hitting .328 with 11 doubles, two triples and one home run. He leads the team with 12 stolen bases and ranks third with 32 runs scored.

Though he pitched in just 13 games as a freshman, Pinckard had no trouble jumping into the spotlight as the Bears' closer in 2010. He converted each of his first nine save opportunities, setting a record for most saves ever by a sophomore at Baylor.

Through his first 16 appearances on the mound, Pinckard has a 1-3 record with a 1.44 ERA in 25.0 innings pitched. He allowed just one earned run through his first 13 appearances, and all three of his losses have come in extra-inning games when he's been asked to pitch more than 2.0 innings.

Due to an injury, Pinckard hasn't seen action as a position player since April 24, but he's made three appearances on the mound since then, and he is expected to return to the Baylor lineup in the near future.

Baylor Spring Stats

Three from 2009 team return for Express

Eau Claire, Wis. - Three familiar faces will return to Carson Park to play for the Express this summer. Field Manager Dale Varsho today announced the return of Santa Clara outfielder Lucas Herbst along with Augustana teammates Nate Baumann and Drew Heithoff from the 2009 roster. With the Express opener just under three weeks away, the roster now includes 23 players.

Herbst, a sophomore outfielder and pitcher, is batting .286 with three home runs and 12 runs batted in covering 46 spring games. His five triples lead the team and his nine stolen bases rank second. Herbst had an injury-filled 2009 season with the Express, finishing with a .295 batting average in 22 games played. He did steal six bases without being caught in his limited action.

Baumann, a junior outfielder, has put up some gaudy statistics this spring for Augustana. In 55 games played, he is batting .441 with 14 home runs, 60 RBI's and 40 stolen bases. The Marshall, Minn. native was recently named the NSIC player of the week after batting .630 with five home runs and 16 RBI's during the week ending May 1. Baumann began last season with the Express on a ten-day contract before being signed for the remainder of the season. He finished fourth on the team with a .286 batting average while also hitting three home runs.

Heithoff is a junior infielder from Yankton, SD. In 55 games played with the Vikings, he is batting .328 with 11 doubles and 38 stolen bases. Like Baumann, Heithoff began his career in Eau Claire as a ten-day player that eventually signed a full contract. He tied for the team lead appearing in 60 games and compiled a .262 batting average and 11 doubles in 195 at-bats.

The Express will open their 2010 season in La Crosse on June 2. June 3 will mark the Express home opener, as the Loggers travel to Carson Park. Game time is 6:35 and the first 500 families in attendance will receive a 2010 magnetic schedule, compliments of Maverick Media and Bridge Stop. Single-game tickets for all Express home games, including the NWL All-Star Game, are now available at the Express office and online at www.eauclaireexpress.com.

2010 Roster

Mickey Fadness Collects WIAC Hitter Of The Week Award

UW-Oshkosh catcher Mickey Fadness (Sr. • Eau Claire) was named the WIAC Baseball Hitter of the Week for games played May 3-9.

Fadness, a first-time honoree, hit .529 (9-17) with nine runs batted in and four runs scored as UW-Oshkosh won three of its four games against UW-La Crosse on May 8-9.

Fadness compiled a slugging percentage of .706 and an on-base percentage of .619. He also tallied three doubles and one stolen base while handling all 13 of his fielding opportunities without an error.

In a 7-1 win over UW-La Crosse on May 8, Fadness went 1-for-5 at the plate with a double. He then went 3-for-3 at the plate with one run batted in and a double in the Titans' 12-3 victory over the Eagles in the nightcap.

Against UW-La Crosse on May 9, Fadness concluded his UW-Oshkosh career by going 2-for-4 at the plate with two runs batted in during an 11-7 win and 3-for-5 at the plate with four runs batted in during a 10-inning, 9-8 loss.

Fadness played briefly for the Express in 2007 before sustaining an injury. He played 23 games early-on in that season, batting .236 with four RBI's in 72 at-bats. The Eau Claire native attended Eau Claire Memorial High School.

UW-Oshkosh Spring Statistics

Harmon Killebrew To Address Northwoods League All-Star Banquet

Eau Claire, Wis. - The Eau Claire Express is proud to announce that National Baseball Hall of Fame member Harmon Killebrew will be the guest speaker at this year's Northwoods League All-Star banquet. The banquet, scheduled for Monday, July 19^that the Florian Gardens, will precede the league's 16^th annual all-star game which will be played at Carson Park on Tuesday, July 20^th.

Killebrew, an eleven-time American League all-star and the league's Most Valuable Player in 1969, was scheduled to speak at this year's Eau Claire Baseball Hall of Fame dinner this past February, but was unable to attend due to emergency surgery. A native of Payette, Idaho, he became one of the most feared power hitters of the 1960's, belting 40 homers in a season eight times, and hitting the most home runs of any player during the '60's.

Blessed with exceptional upper-body strength, Killebrew was known not just for home run frequency but also home runs of great distance. He hit the longest measured home runs at the ballparks in Minnesota and Baltimore, and was the first of just four batters who hit a baseball over the left field roof at the old Tigers Stadium in Detroit. On June 3, 1967, Killebrew hit a 520-foot home run, the longest measured home run ever hit at the Twins' Metropolitan Stadium and the longest in Twins history. That event is commemorated at the Mall of America, which includes a plaque marking home plate, and one red-painted seat from the Met which was placed at the location and elevation of the landing spot of the home run.

Killebrew hit 573 home runs in his career while driving in 1,584 runs. In 1984, he was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame, becoming the first Minnesota Twin to be so honored. In 1999, he was ranked 69^th on the Sporting News list of 100 Greatest Baseball Players, and was nominated as a finalist for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. The street along the south side of the Mall of America, the former site of Metropolitan Stadium and the initial home of the Twins, has been named "Killebrew Drive in his honor. In 1974, his uniform number 3 became the first of five numbers the Twins have retired. The Twins also honored Killebrew by naming one of the stadium entry gates at the new Target Field in his name.

Tickets for both the all-star banquet ($50) and game (starting at $5) are available at the Express Depot, 108 E. Grand Avenue or by calling (715)839-7788. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.eauclaireexpress.com. Banquet tickets will also be available for purchase at the Eau Claire Parks and Recreation offices, located at the Hobbs Ice Center, or from any member of the Eau Claire Baseball History Committee. Beginning with the Express home opener, Thursday, June 3, tickets may be purchased at the Carson Park baseball stadium ticket office. A portion of the proceeds from the banquet will go to the Eau Claire Baseball Hall of Fame.

Pre-season Express tailgate party scheduled for June 1

Eau Claire, Wis. - May 26, 2010 - Eau Claire Express baseball at Carson Park is just over one week away. To help you get ready for the 2010 season, United Bank is hosting a pre-season tailgate party in their parking lot on June 1 from 4-7 PM. The bank is located at 3625 Gateway Drive across from Kohl's.

The Express, Gordy's County Market and United Bank are teaming up to provide baseball fans of the Chippewa Valley with the chance to meet some of the Express players and win great prizes the day before the 2010 season begins! The Gordy's Guru will be there grilling the all-new Eau Claire Express brat, which will be given away along with a can of Coke for FREE to all that attend! The Express brat will be available exclusively at Gordy's County Market and Carson Park baseball stadium.

The Big Cheese, WECL 92.9 FM, will be broadcasting live from the United Bank parking lot and will help give out prizes every ½ hour throughout the event. A grand prize drawing will be given away at 7 PM that includes two fan deck vouchers to a regular season Express game (excluding July 4), a gift certificate to Gordy's County Market and a $200 savings bond at United Bank.

Other prizes given away will include $10 Gordy's gift cards and Express home opener tickets for June 3. United Bank will also be giving young Express fans a unique opportunity. The bank will be paying the $10 Trax Kids Club registration fee to all kids that sign up for a Junior Savings account with a $5 initial deposit and join the Junior Savers Club. This offer will be valid beginning on June 1 and will go through June 5.

You can bank on great baseball and delicious brats on Tuesday June 1 from 4-7 PM at United Bank! Mark your calendars for a great chance to meet the newest members of the Eau Claire Express, win some great prizes and get the chance to purchase your new Eau Claire Express merchandise. And don't forget, you can try the new Express brat for FREE!

Former Express player Kole Calhoun named Pac-10 Player of the Week

Arizona State senior co-captain outfielder Kole Calhoun has been named the Pac-10 Player of the Week, the conference announced today. It is the seventh time this season that a Sun Devil has won a weekly award from the Pac-10 Conference. Calhoun joins Zack MacPhee (twice), Drew Maggi and Riccio Torrez as Players of the Week, while Brady Rodgers and Jake Borup have each been named Pitcher of the Week.

It is the first career Pac-10 Player of the Week honor for Calhoun and the 95th all-time for Arizona State, most in the Pac-10. Calhoun was also named a Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week by Collegiate Baseball.

Calhoun led the Sun Devils to a win over Arizona and a 2-1 series win over Oregon State last weekend. The senior outfielder was 6-for-12 at the plate for a .500 batting average. In four games, Calhoun had three home runs, drove in seven runs, walked six times, slugged an impressive 1.333 and had an on-base percentage of .667. In Friday's 10-4 win over the Beavers, Calhoun reached base safely in all five of his plate appearances, including hitting a home run and driving in three. On the season, Calhoun leads the team in home runs (13), which ranks second in the Conference.

Calhoun, along with teammates Raoul Torrez and Josh Spence, graduated from Arizona State University last week.

Nate Baumann named 2010 NSIC Baseball Player of the Year

Nate Baumann was picked by the league coaches as the 2010 NSIC Baseball Player of the Year. Baumann led the NSIC in hitting (.476), slugging percentage(.857) and runs scored (55). He was second in total bases (108), tied for third in hits (60) and was fourth on the team with an on-base percentage of (.537), (147) plate appearances, and homeruns (11). His 41 runs batted in placed him seventh in the league. He was also picked as the NSIC Player of the Week on May 6th after he batted .630 for the week with five homeruns.

In 47 games last year for the Express, Baumann batted .297 wtith 17 RBIs and tied for first on the team with 3 homeruns.

Jensen signs with the Express for 2010 Season

Touted as one of the top pitchers in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, George Jensen played his 2009 season at the Des Moines Area Community College. In 25 apperances with the Bears, Jensen went 5-1 with a 5.73 ERA.

Express Players Past and Present Honored with Big 12 Awards

Eight Baylor baseball student-athletes earned All-Big 12 Conference honors this week. Former Express player Brooks Pinckard was named to the first team as a utility player, while current Express player Logan Vick earned second-team honors.

A native of Buda, Texas, Pinckard excelled in his roles as both the Bears' everyday center fielder and closer. Pinckard ended the regular season hitting .323 with 11 doubles, three triples and two homeruns. He's also collected 25 RBI and ranks third on the team with 38 runs scored. His 17 steals in 19 attempts are the most by a Baylor player since Chase Gerdes stole 17 bases during the 2007 season.

On the mound, Pinckard converted 10 of 12 save opportunities. His 10 saves are the most ever by a Baylor sophomore, and his 1.53 ERA in Big 12 play ranks fourth on Baylor's all-time list for relief pitchers. Pinckard also picked up the win and had a two-out, two-run, walk-off single on Friday to clinch the Bears' spot in the Big 12 Championship.

Vick, a true freshman from Kerrville, Texas, finished the regular season with a .335 batting average, 15 doubles, eight home runs, 51 runs scored and 20 RBI. Vick led the Big 12 with 50 walks - 12 more than any other player - and his on-base percentage of .543 ranked sixth in the league. He set the Baylor freshman record for walks in a season and was five away from tying the all-time record.

Express Drop Season Opener to Loggers 4-0

The Express opened the 2010 Northwoods League Season with a loss last night to the La Crosse Loggers 4-0. The Loggers scored three runs in the first inning, all unearned. The Express tightened up their defense, only allowing one more run for the rest of the game. Calvin Drummond had an excellent start for the Loggers, going five innings and holding the Express to only two hits. The Express's Steven Florez had a solid outing, giving up only two hits in six innings, but an error in the first proved to be the difference. Chris Williams came on in relief of Florez, giving up one hit and an unearned run in two innings of work. Nolan Fadness and Ty Forney had the lone hits for the Express. The teams continue their series tonight in Eau Claire.

Express respond in a big way beating the Loggers 14-0

The Eau Claire Express responded in a big way tonight after dropping their opening game in La Crosse. The team didn't disappoint their fans in the home opener at Carson Park in a dismantling of the Loggers 14-0.

After only recording two hits and being shutout in their first game, the Express exploded with 12 hits and 14 runs in an impressive victory. The offense showed up early and often for the Express, scoring one run in the first and four in the third.

They then alternated three run innings in the fourth, sixth and eighth. Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh), Ty Forney (Yavapai), Jacob Morris (Arkansas) and Drew Heithoff (Augustana) all had two hits in game and scored eight runs collectively. Andy Leonard (UIC) added to the offensive onslaught in the eighth inning with a three run home run.

The Loggers were shut down the entire game by the Express defense led by winning pitcher Felix Cardenas. Cardenas (UTPB) went seven strong innings, allowing no runs, giving up only four hits, striking out five batters and only walking one.

The Express begin a three game series tomorrow with the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters at Carson Park. The Rafters are new to the Northwoods League this year and dropped their first two games to the Waterloo Bucks. The series starts tomorrow at Carson Park, first pitch at 6:35 pm.



The Eau Claire Express outlast the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters 3-2 in first ever meeting

The Eau Claire Express recorded their second win of the season and their first against the expansion Wisconsin Rapids Rafters. The first ever meeting between the two teams, the battle at Carson Park proved to be an exciting one.

Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) started things off for the Express in the first inning with a lead off home run to deep right field. The Rafters answered with a run of their own in the third after Michael Smith (University of North Florida) blasted a two-out double, scoring Rapids left-fielder Derek Brown (Spring Arbor University). It was anybody's game through the first five innings, with each team's starting pitchers allowing only a combined five hits and solid team defense played by both sides. Eau Claire's George Jensen (DMACC) had a stellar performance allowing only two hits in six strong innings of work. The Express's bats were quieted by Rafters pitcher George Lott (University of North Florida) and excluding Fadness's home run, Lott only gave up a pair of singles and held Eau Claire at bay until the sixth inning.

Ty Forney (Yavapai) reached base on an error in the bottom of the sixth and Steve McGuiggan (UIC) followed with a single. Forney proceeded to steal third and McGuiggan reached second on a wild pitch, setting the table for Express first-basemen Devon Zenn (Yavapai). Zenn delivered with a clutch two run single which allowed Eau Claire to seize momentum and the led.

Action slowed until the top of the ninth when Evan Zerff (Long Island) came on in relief of the Express's Drew Freie (DMACC) in the save attempt. Rafter short-stop Matt Cornwell (Oglethorpe University) reached on an error, followed by a pop fly for the first out of the inning. Unfortunately Zerff had a hard time getting the last two. The next two Rapids batters worked the count and reached base on back-to-back walks. With already another base runner inherited from Freie and two of his own, Zerff found himself in a tight situation. The Express persevered though and Zerff forced a ground out to end the game.

Jensen was the night's winning pitcher and Brad Douthit took the loss for Wisconsin Rapids. The teams continue their series with game two tonight at Carson Park, first pitch at 6:35 p.m.

Express Vs. Rafters Rained out

The Eau Claire Express vs. the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters was cancelled tonight due to rain. Stop down at the Depot to exchange tickets for upcoming game vouchers. Rescheduling details soon to come.

Express Shutout Rafters for Third Straight Win

The Eau Claire Express won their third straight in a row tonight at Witter Field in Wisconsin Rapids. The Express shutout the Rafters 7-0 sweeping the team's first ever series. Wisconsin Rapids drops to 0-4 in the team's inaugural season in the Northwoods League and the Express move into second place with a 3-1 record in the South Division, a half game back of the Waterloo Bucks.

Matt McDaniel got the win for the Express, pitching six shutout innings and allowing only three hits. Eau Claire scored first in the third inning after Drew Heithoff led-off with a triple. Nolan Fadness then drove Heithoff in with a RBI single and the Express blew the game open in the middle innings, scoring four in the fifth and two in the sixth. Fadness and Steve McGuiggan both tallied two RBIs in the game and Express first-basemen Devon Zenn added one of his own.

The Express return home to Carson Park tomorrow to take on the Wisconsin WoodChucks, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. The WoodChucks are coming off a 3-2 victory over the Green Bay Bullfrogs. Both teams look to keep pace with the Waterlloo Bucks and stay atop the Northwoods League South Division.



Express continue winning ways with 5-0 shut out of Woodchucks

The Eau Claire Express continued their winning ways, shutting out the Wisconsin Woodchucks 5-0 tonight at Carson Park. The Express came into the night on a three game winning streak and just one game out of first place. The Woodchucks on the other hand, previously tied for second with the Express, drop to the middle of the South Division at 3-2 on the season.

Eau Claire scored earlier on in the third inning when Express shortstop Ty Forney (Yavapai) reached on an error and later scored on a Nolan Fadness (UW- Oshkosh) ground out. Starting pitcher Brad Goldberg (Costal Carolina) led the Express defense with six shut out innings of work. Goldberg only allowed four hits and struck out six during his time on the mound. However, he did find himself in a less than favorable situation in the sixth inning when Woodchuck first-basemen Brandon King (Fresno City College) led off with a single, followed by a walk to Rob Lind (Georgia State). Goldberg managed to get the next batter to pop out, but proceeded to give up a single. With the bases loaded and Wisconsin looking to seize momentum, Goldberg induced a 1-2-3 double play to end the inning and the Woodchuck's rally.

In the bottom of the sixth, Express first-basemen Josh Scheffert (Nebraska) blasted a RBI double to score Jacob Morris (Arkansas) and give Eau Claire a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the eighth, Eau Claire tacked on some insurance runs when catcher Garret Custons (Air Force) hit a two run RBI single putting the game out of reach for the Woodchucks. Goldberg gets the win for the Express and Jerad Eickhoff (Olney Central College) takes the loss for the Woodchucks.

Eau Claire moves into a first place tie with the La Crosse Loggers atop the South Division at 4-1. The Express travel to Wausau tomorrow and continue their series with the Woodchucks, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Probable starters for both teams are Steven Florez for Eau Claire, and Troy Marks for Wisconsin.

Express Game Rained Out Again

The Eau Claire Express vs. the Wisconsin Woodchucks was rained out today. The Express look to continue their four game winning streak tomorrow night against the Madison Mallards at Carson Park, first pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Tomorrow night is E.O. Johnson Office Technologies night at Carson Park. One lucky winner will receive a flat screen TV and the first 400 fans will receive a can cooler, compliments of E.O. Johnson Office Technologies!

June 5 game to be made up July 6

Eau Claire, Wis. - June 8, 2010 - The Eau Claire Express today announced makeup information for the game this past Saturday that was postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader the next time the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters come to town on Tuesday, July 6.

Two seven-inning games will be played on that date beginning at 6:05 PM, with gates opening at 5:00 PM. If you have a ticket for the July 6 game, you may attend the first game by presenting your ticket at the Carson Park ticket gate. Those fans with tickets for the June 5 game may stop down at the Express office in downtown Eau Claire to exchange that ticket for one of equal or lesser value.

The Express return home tomorrow for a two-game set with the Madison Mallards at Carson Park. Tomorrow's game is sponsored by E.O. Johnson Office Technologies and will feature a can cooler giveaway along with the chance to win a flat screen TV. Thursday's game is "Feed my People Night" sponsored by the Pain Clinic of Northwestern Wisconsin and BioLife Plasma Services. The first 500 kids in attendance will receive a frisbee courtesy of BioLife. In addition, the first 200 fans to donate a non-perishable food item to Feed my People that night will receive a free general admission ticket to the game, courtesy of the Pain Clinic.

Calhoun highlights former Express players drafted in top 30 rounds

Former Eau Claire Express outfielder Kole Calhoun (Arizona State) highlights the class of former Express players that were drafted in the first 30 rounds of the Major League Baseball Draft. The Los Angeles Angels chose the Arizona State Sun Devil in the eighth round (264^th overall). In all, six former Express players have been drafted thus far along with one on this year's roster.

Cal State- Long Beach shortstop Devin Lohman was the Express alumnus selected highest when the Cincinnati Reds picked him in the third round (94th overall). Lohman, who played for the Express in 2007, was followed by Calhoun and three other members of the 2009 roster. The Milwaukee Brewers selected New Mexico catcher Rafael Neda in the 10^th round with the 309^th overall pick. Four picks later, Auburn left-hander Cole Nelson was selected by the Detroit Tigers. Nelson appeared briefly for the Express at the beginning of last season. Brooks Pinckard, who played all over the field for the Express from 2008-2009, was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 18^th round (550^th overall). Pinckard found a home this spring in Baylor's bullpen as their closer while also playing outfield. Pete Gehle, who played for the Express during the 2007 season, was selected 818^th overall (28^th round) by the Chicago White Sox.

The Cleveland Indians selected Yavapai outfielder DeMarcus Tidwell in the 28th round (840th overall). Tidwell is on this year's roster and will wear an Express uniform if he decides not to sign a professional contract with the Indians.

The final day of the draft is tomorrow. To keep up to date on any and all former Express players selected, follow the draft tracker by clicking on the link below.

2010 MLB Draft Tracker

Express beat Mallards 2-1 for fifth win in a row

The Eau Claire Express continued their winning ways tonight at Carson Park in a 2-1 victory over the Madison Mallards. The win is Eau Claire's fifth in a row and third at home, bringing the team's record to 5-1 on the season. The Express take sole possession of first place in the South Division and Madison falls to the middle of the pack and drops to 3-3 after starting the season 2-0.

Runs came at a premium tonight and the Mallards scored first after starting Express pitcher Steven Florez (New Mexico) struggled with his command early on. Florez gave up two quick walks in the first and Madison short-stop Justin Scanlon (Madison College) scored on a fielding error. Florez eventually found his rhythm, but it was too late and due to the new Northwoods League pitching rules, he was forced from the game after only one inning of work.

Ian Campbell (Corpus Christi) came on in relief in the second and shut down the Mallards for five straight innings. Campbell allowed just five hits and held Madison at bay until the Express were able to get their bats going in the bottom of the sixth.

Ty Forney (Yavapai) led off the inning and reached base on a throwing error by Madison short-stop Travis Parker. Nathan Orf (UIC) and Steve McGuiggan (UIC) hit back-to-back singles, scoring Forney and tieing the game 1-1. Later on in the inning Express right-fielder Nate Baumann (Augustana) hit an RBI single and Eau Claire took the lead.

Drew Feie (DMACC) came on in the ninth for the Express and ended a Mallard rally after back to back singles by Chris Barker (UNC- Greensboro) and Ryan Levine (Virginia). Feie forced Madison right-fielder Kyle Gaedele to pop-out to second, sealing the Eau Claire victory.

Ian Campbell collects the win for the Express, while Matt LaMothe (Valparaiso) takes the loss for the Mallards. The teams continue their series tomorrow night at Carson Park, first pitched schedule for 6:35 p.m.

Express pitchig impressive in sixth win in a row

The Eau Claire Express defeated the Madison Mallards 3-1 tonight for the second straight time in two days. The win was Eau Claire's sixth in a row and fourth at Carson Park, bringing the team's season record to 6-1. Madison falls to 3-4 and find themselves in the midst of a two game losing streak. After starting the season 2-0, the Mallards have lost three of their last four and hope to end their road woes this weekend in a return home to Warner Park. The Express begin a six game road trip tomorrow night against the Battle Creek Bombers and if Eau Claire's pitchers continue to dominate like they have at home, the road stint should be a successful one.

George Jensen (DMACC) took the mound for the Express tonight and added to the list of quality outings by Eau Claire pitchers. He allowed just four hits, no earned runs, and struck out eleven in seven impressive innings of work. Jensen retired the first six batters he faced and struck out the side in the second.

The Express got on the board first in the bottom of the fourth after Devon Zenn (Yavapai) singled and scored Eau Claire center-fielder Steve McGuiggan (UIC). Jensen's only blemish of the night occurred in the top of fifth when Madison third-basemen Travis Paker (St. Louis) singled and later scored on a throwing error after a RBI double by Adam Davis (Illinois).

The score stayed tied until the bottom of the sixth when McGuiggan crushed the Matt Heaslip (Kankakee CC) offering to deep center-field for a solo home run, giving Eau Claire the lead 2-1. Later on in the inning Jacob Morris (Arkansas) singled and was driven home on a RBI double by Express catcher Garrett Custons (Air Force). The two run lead would be all that closer Drew Freie (DMACC) would need. Freie made short work of the Mallards and ensured the victory on a 5-4-3 double-play.

Jensen tallied his second win of the season, while Heaslip took the loss for Madison. Eau Claire retains sole possession of first place in the Northwoods League South Division, but the team's first real test comes in the form of a six game road trip that begins tomorrow night in Battle Creek. The Express return home to Carson Park June 17^thto take on the Wisconsin Woodchucks, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Former Express player Kole Calhoun earns accolades

Kole Calhoun was named Tempe Regional Most Outstanding Player after recording two hits, including a solo home run, his 16th of the season and third in the three games of the Regional in a victory over Hawaii Sunday. The Sun Devils will host the winner of the Fayetteville Regional in Super Regional play beginning either Friday or Saturday at Winkles Field- Packard Stadium at Brock Ballpark.

Express return home June 17th to take on the Wisconsin Woodchucks

The Eau Claire Express return home from their six game road stand June 17th to take on the Wisconsin Woodchucks. The night's sponser's will be TV-18 and Gordy's County Market. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m., stop down at Carson Park and cheer on your Eau Claire Express.

Another Record Draft for the Northwoods League

Rochester, Minn. - The Northwoods League experienced another successful Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. The 2010 MLB Draft saw the most Northwoods League players ever drafted in a single draft class. There were 162 former NWL players drafted in the 50 round draft this past week. Of all the 162 players, 26 more draftees then 2009, 15 were taken in the first 5 rounds.

Former La Crosse Logger, Chris Sale, was the highest pick of NWL player's in the 2010 draft going to the Chicago White Sox at 13^th overall in the first round. Former Mankato MoonDog and Brainerd Area Lakes Lunker, Mike Kvasnicka, was drafted with the 33^rd pick by the Houston Astros as a compensation pick of the 1^st round. The 2^nd round saw three players drafted including former Alexandria Beetle Ryan LaMarre (Cincinnati-62), Mankato MoonDog Jacob Petricka (Chicago WS-63) and Duluth Huskie Jordan Smyly (Detroit-68). This marks the seventh consecutive draft that a Northwoods League alumnus has been selected in either the first round or the compensation round that followed.

Past NWL Most Valuable Player award winners Corey Jones and Kole Calhoun were drafted in the 7^th and 8^th rounds, respectively. Jones, a former Rochester Honker in 2009, was drafted by the Detroit Tigers with the 223^rd pick overall (7^th round). Calhoun, a 2007 co-MVP for the Eau Claire Express, was picked by the LA Angels in the 8^th round.

Other Express players selected in the draft include Devin Lohman (2007, 3rd round), Rafael Neda (2009, 10th round), Cole Nelson (2009, 10th round), Brooks Pinckard (2008-2009, 18th round), Pete Gehle (2007, 27th round), DeMarcus Tidwell (2010, 28th round), Tyler Bremer (2009, 36th round), Ryan Kiel (2009, 37th round) and George Jensen (2010, 46th round).

The Rochester Honkers had 21 former players selected in the draft. The highest Honker selected was right-fielder, Austin Wates (2008), who was selected 90^th overall in the 3^rd round. The Mankato MoonDogs had 20 players drafted while the Duluth Huskies had 19.

Another notable NWL alum selected was former 2009 Batting Champion and La Crosse Logger, Rob Brantly, who was selected by the Detroit Tigers with the 100^th pick overall in the 3^rd round.

The Northwoods League plays more games than, draws more fans than, and plays in venues superior to any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America. The NWL's 17^th season is currently underway.

Express win 7th in a row

The Eau Claire Express pushed their winning streak to seven games in a row last night in a victory over the Battle Creek Bombers 7-4. The Express continue to dominate the Northwoods League South Division improving their season record to 7-1 and widening their lead over second place Waterloo by two games. With the loss, the Bombers fall to the bottom of the South and to 3-6 on the season.

Felix Cardenas gets the win for Eau Claire and improves to 2-0 on the season. Cardenas went six innings, giving up only two hits and no earned runs. His ERA drops to a meager .69 on the season and Dietrich Enns recorded his first save for the Express. Chad Jensen takes the loss for Battle Creek and falls to 0-1 on the season. Devon Zenn, Will Fadness, Josh Scheffert, and Andy Leonard all recored RBI's in the game. The teams continue their series tonight at C.O. Brown stadium.

Express stay red hot and win 8th in a row

The Eau Claire Express defeated the Battle Creek Bombers last night 9-4. With the victory, Eau Claire pushed their winning streak to eight, the longest in the Northwoods League this season. The Express are 2-0 so far on their six game road trip and look to continue their success today in game three of the series at C.O. Brown Stadium.

Matt McDaniel recorded the win for Eau Claire and Dietrich Enns tallied his second save of the season. McDaniel gave up just three hits in seven innings of work. Dan Holcomb took the loss for the bombers.

The Express scored early and often, putting runs on the board in each of the first five innings of the game. Eau Claire put on a hitting clinic collecting 14 hits total. More than a handful of Express players got in on the action with Nolan Fadness, Devon Zenn, Josh Scheffert, Nathan Orf, Will Fadness, and Nate Baumann all recording RBIs on the night.

Today's probable pitchers are Steven Florez for the Express and Joe Battestelli for the Bombers.

Battle Creek snaps Express eight game win streak

The Eau Claire Express lost 7-5 last night in Battle Creek. The defeat was Eau Claire's second on the season and snapped the team's eight game winning streak. With a 8-2 record overall, the Express still retain sole possession of first place in the Northwoods League South Division and stay two games ahead of second place Waterloo. Battle Creek improves to 4-7 on the season and keeps pace with the other teams in the middle of the South.

Battle Creek jumped out to an early lead with a pair of singles and a double that scored three runs in the first. The Bombers kept the pressure on scoring two more runs in the second to put the Express in a 5-0 hole.

Eau Claire finally got on the board in the top of the fourth when Devon Zenn blasted a triple, scoring two runs and making the score 5-3. The Bombers retaliated in the bottom of the fifth with two runs of their own pushing their lead back up to five. The Express tacked two more runs up in the sixth and seventh, but four errors on the night made the comeback difficult and Bomber's closer Chris Howard ended the Express rally.

Brad Goldberg take the loss for the Express and Joe Battestelli gets the win for Battle Creek. The Express are off Monday, but Travel to Athletic Park to take on the Wisconsin Woodchucks on Tuesday for a two game series.

Express take on Green Bay Bullfrogs June 18th

The Eau Claire Express open a three game home stand Friday June 18th against the Green Bay Bullfrogs. Father's Day, sponsered by Ramada Inn, Dads recieve free admission when accompianed by their children. Stop on down too Carson Park June 20th and treat your father to a quality ballpark experience and some Eau Claire Express Baseball.

Express split double-header with Woodchucks

The Eau Claire Express split a pair of games yesterday against the Wisconsin Woodchucks. In the first game of the double-header at Athletic Park, Eau Claire loss 3-7 but quickly rebounded in the second with a 7-4 victory. The split brings Eau Claire's record to 9-3 on season and the Express still hold sole possession of first place in the Northwoods League South Division. The Waterloo Bucks sit just one game back of the Express with a 9-5 record. The Woodchucks pull within 2.5 games of first place and improve their record to 7-6 overall.

In the first game the Woodchucks jumped out to an early lead scoring four runs in the bottom of the second. Wisconsin's Jamie Bruno led off the inning with a home run followed by a Grant Dozar single. Express pitcher Steven Florez struck out the next two batters, but the Woodchucks would score three more runs in the inning, all with two outs. Wisconsin scored single runs in the third, fourth, and fifth innings bringing their total to seven for the game.

The Express were only to muster a bit of offense in the fourth inning on back to back doubles by Devon Zenn and Nate Baumann. Eau Claire's offense was quieted the rest of the game by Woodchucks pitcher Troy Marks. Marks recorded the win for Wisconsin why Steven Florez took the loss for the Express.

In game two of the night, Eau Claire didn't wait for Wisconsin to make the first move and scored three runs in the first inning. The Woodchucks scored one of their own in the bottom of the first and another in the fourth.

The Express took control of the game in the top of the fifth. Devon Zenn started the rally with a single and Ty Forney reached on a throwing. After a Woodchuck pitching substitution, Jacob Morris welcomed the new pitcher with a double scoring both Zenn and Forney. Eau Claire catcher Garrett Custons drove in Morris with a RBI single and Andrew Leonard followed with a single of his own. DeMarcus Tidwell capped off the offensive onslaught with a RBI single and the Express took a commanding 7-2 lead. Wisconsin would score two more runs in the sixth and seventh, but the damage was already done.

Harvey Martin records the win for the Express and Cory Hall takes the loss for the Woodchucks. The teams continue their series today at Athletic Park with George Jensen throwing for Eau Claire and Bobby Alcala taking the mound for Wisconsin.

Express beat Woodchucks 4-1

The Eau Claire Express defeated the Wisconsin Woodchucks 4-1 tonight at Athletic Park. This was the third game in the series after the teams split a double-header last night. The win is Eau Claire's tenth of the season and most by any Northwoods league thus far. The Express stay two games ahead of second place Waterloo, while the Woodchucks stay in the middle of the pack in the South Division at 7-7.

The game stayed scoreless until the top of the fourth when Eau Claire center fielder Steve McGuiggan hit a solo home run, his second of the season, giving the Express a 1-0 lead. Wisconsin answered in the bottom of the fifth with a run of their own and the game remained tied until the top of the seventh when Eau Claire second basemen Drew Heithoff hit a RBI double. The Express added one more run in the eighth and that was all closer Dietrich Enns needed.

Enns came on in relief for starter George Jensen in the seventh. Jensen had another stellar performance for the Express, going seven strong innings and allowing only one earned run on five hits. This was his third win of the season and his ERA has reached a minuscule .90. Jordan Luvisi took the loss for the Woodchucks. The teams continue their series tomorrow at Carson Park, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Woodchucks deliver first Express loss at home

The Eau Claire Express suffered their first loss at home last night in a defeat at the hands of the Wisconsin Woodchucks 9-5. With the loss, the Express fall to 10-4 on the season and 7-3 in their last ten games. Eau Claire still retains their slim 1.5 game lead over the Waterloo Bucks and with the win, the Woodchucks pull within 2.5 games of first place. Eau Claire and Wisconsin split the four game series, with each team stealing a victory on their opponent's home turf.

The Woodchucks struck first last night when Brock Stassi (Nevada) hit an RBI single scoring Wisconsin right fielder Jamie Bruno (Tulane). Wisconsin scored again in the top of the fourth when Woodchuck's catcher Sharif Othman blasted a 2 run home run putting the Express in a 3-0 hole.

By the time Eau Claire got their bats going, the Express found themselves in a 4-0 deficit. In the bottom of the fifth inning Express catcher Garrett Custons (Air Force) led off with a double and later scored on a throwing error. The Woodchucks countered with a four run sixth inning pushing their lead to 8-3.

Matthew McDaniel (San Diego State) took the loss for the Express and moves to 2-1 on the season. McDaniel went five innings, giving up seven hits, and four earned runs. Don Lisi records the win for the Woodchucks and improves to 2-0 on the season. Lisi went five innings, giving up just three hits and no earned runs.

The Express open up a three game series at Carson Park tonight against the Green Bay Bullfrogs. Green Bay is coming off a 3-2 victory over the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters and the Bullfrogs are 5-5 in their last ten games. Probable starting pitchers for the night are Felix Cardenas (UTPB) for the Express and Tim Shibuya (UC- San Diego) for the Bullfrogs. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Express lose second straight game at home

The Eau Claire Express lost their second straight game at home last night to the Green Bay Bullfrogs 8-3. Eau Claire's second loss at Carson Park this season drops the team's record to 10-5 and their lead in the South Division is now only one game over the Waterloo Bucks. With the win, the Bullfrogs leap into the middle of the pack in the South with a 7-8 record. Green Bay is on a two game winning streak and return to Carson Park tonight for game two of the series.

The Express started slow for the second straight night in a row. Excluding the lone run scored in the bottom of the second inning on a Ty Forney (Yavapai) RBI single, Eau Claire didn't score again until the bottom of the ninth. The Expres's offense has been enemic the last two games at Carson Park, with the team scoring a combined eight runs compared to their opponent's seventeen.

The Express pitching started out on shaky ground again last night with Felix Cardenas (UTPB) struggling with his command. Cardenas went 3.2 innings giving up 4 runs, 2 earned, 1 hit and walking 6. The Bullfrogs pitching on the other hand was solid through out. Kris Edwards (St. Thomas) had 6 strong innings of work. Edwards gave up 7 hits, struck out 3, but only gave up one run which was unearned.

The lone bright spot in the game for the Express was a two run home run in the bottom of the ninth by Express right fielder Steve McGuiggan (UIC). The bomb was McGuiggan's third on the season.

The teams continue their series tonight in game two at Carson Park, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. The Express look to bounce back and snap their two game losing streak. The series concludes Sunday. Fathers Day promotion sponsored by Ramada Inn, fathers get into the game for free when accompanied by their child/children.

Express lose third straight game at home

The Eau Claire Express lost their third straight game in a row last night to the Green Bay Bullfrogs 2-1. The loss drops Eau Claire's record to 10-6 on the season and 5-5 in their last ten games. The Express's lead in the South Division is now just a slim .5 game over the surging Wisconsin Woodchucks. The Bullfrogs have started to climb up the South Division standings, and with the win Green Bay improves to 8-8 on the season and 7-3 in their last ten games.

Last night's game was a pitchers duel, with neither team able to score a run until the bottom of the seventh inning. Nathan Orf (UIC) led off the inning and reached base on a throwing error. After stealing second base and moving over to third on a wild pitch, Orf scored on a Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara) RBI single.

Green Bay answered with two runs of their own in the top of the eighth on a Brad Zapenas single. With the score 2-1 in favor the Bullfrogs the stage was set for some late inning drama.

Nathan Orf and Steve McGuiggan (UIC) hit back to back singles and Lucas Herbst was hit by a pitch which loaded the bases. With only one out and the bases loaded the Express looked to be in prime position to win the game or at least tie. Unfortunately, neither was the case. Eau Claire right field Nate Baumann (Augutana) worked the count, but eventually hit into the 1-2-3 double play to end the game.

The Express look to avoid the sweep today in game three of the series at Carson Park, first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. Father's Day, sponsored by the Ramada Inn, promotion includes free admission to fathers accompanied by their children.

The Express bounce back and avoid the sweep against the Bullfrogs

The Eau Claire Express defeated the Green Bay Bullfrogs last night in Carson Park 9-4. With the win, Eau Claire snaps its' three game losing streak and improves to 11-6 on the season. The Express's lead in the Northwoods League South Division stays at a slim .5 game over the Wisconsin Woodchucks. Three other teams in the division are just 2.5 games back, and with their home stand over the Express will have to do their winning on the road this week. Eau Claire begins a four game road trip today starting in Battle Creek.

In last night's action, the Express offense finally came alive after two lack luster performances against the Bullfrogs. DeMarcus Tidwelll (Yavapai) led off the game with a single and later scored on a Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara) triple. Herbst scored on a Steve McGuiggan (UIC) single and McGuiggan came home on a Will Fadness (South Mountain CC) single. Eau Claire's momentum would be short lived because Green Bay answered with two runs in the top of the second. It looked like this would be a tight game through out, but the Express offense wouldn't be denied.

In the bottom of the third Nathan Orf (UIC) and McGuiggan were both hit by pitches. Express catcher Will Fadness hit a double scoring both players, and Fadness would eventually score on a Andy Leonard (UIC) RBI double. The Express scoring wasn't done yet.

In the bottom of fourth Express first- basemen Herbst led off with a double and scored on Cal Towey's (Baylor) RBI single. McGuiggan blasted his fourth home run of the season and the Express's lead ballooned to 9-2. The Bullfrogs would put up two more runs in the sixth and seventh, but Eau Claire's lead and momentum proved to be insurmountable.

Steven Florez (New Mexico) got back on track giving the Express 6.2 solid innings of work. Florez gave up eight hits and struck out four in last night's appearance. With the win he improves to 1-2 on the season with a 4.70 ERA. Brad Schreiber (Purdue) took the loss for Green Bay. The Express play tonight in Battle Creek, first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Eau Claire return home to Carson Park June 25^th to take on the Madison Mallards.

Express lose to Bombers 2-1

The Eau Claire Express lost a close game last night in Battle Creek. The Bombers defeated the Express 2-1 in the first game of the four game road trip. Eau Claire falls to 11-7 on the season and are tied for first place in the Northwoods League South Division with the Wisconsin Woodchucks. The Woodchuck's game was suspended last night due to rain. The La Crosse Loggers sit just a .5 game back of both teams in the South Division and host the Green Bay Bullfrogs tonight at Copeland Park. After reeling off eight straight wins, the Express are 4-6 in their last ten games.

Last night's game contained little offense on both sides, with neither team scoring a run until the fifth inning. Eau Claire struck first when right-fielder Jacob Morris (Arkansas) forced a walk and stole second base. He then took third on a passed ball and latter scored on a wild pitch. The Bomber's retaliated with a run of their own in the bottom of the fifth and another in the bottom of the sixth.

The game ended with the score 2-1 in favor of the Bombers. Scott Marinier (Central Michigan) took the loss for the Express. Eau Claire starting pitcher Rudy Jaramillo (New Mexico) went 5 innings, giving up five hits and one run. James Jones (Louisiana Monroe) recorded the win for the Bombers. The teams continue their series tonight at C.O. Brown Stadium.

Today's Express game to broadcast on ESPN 1150 AM

Today's Express game in Waterloo, scheduled to start at 1:05 PM, has been moved to ESPN Radio 1150 AM. As a result, web streaming of the game will be unavailable. The Express pregame show will begin airing at 12:45 PM.

If the internet is your only way to tune in to today's game, you can still pull the web broadcast off of the Northwoods League site at www.northwoodsleague.tv. From there, click on "watch a live home game" under the Waterloo Bucks heading. You will then get the video broadcast along with commentary from their radio broadcaster.

The game today begins a two-game set in Waterloo. The Express return home on Friday to begin a three-game series against the Madison Mallards. Friday's game is sponsored by Luther Midelfort Express Care, who will be giving out beach balls to the first 1,000 fans through the gate. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM, with gates opening at 5:30.

Chippewa Valley Chiropractic Alliance and Thrivent Night

Prizes will be raffled off all night and there will be a frisbee giveaway at the gate!

Express beat Battle Creek 7-1

The Eau Claire Express were victorious in Battle Creek last night 7-1. The Express improves to 12-7 on the season and move into sole possession of first place in the Northwoods League South Division, a .5 game ahead of the Wisconsin Woodchucks. The Bombers fall to 7-12 on the season and 4-6 in their last ten games.

Eau Claire's bats came alive last night with the team collecting sixteen total hits. The offense came early and often with the Express scoring two in the first inning on two Bomber errors and three in the second on a Nolan Fadness (UW- Oshkosh) home run.

Battle Creek managed only one run in the contest due to a quality start from Eau Claire pitcher Ian Campbell (Corppus Christi). Campbell went seven solid innings for the Express, giving up six hits and one run. He improves to 2-0 on the season with a 0.00 ERA.

The travel to Waterloo tonight to take on the Bucks, first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Eau Claire defeated by Waterloo 8-3

The Eau Claire Express lost last night in Waterloo 8-3. With the loss the Express fall to 12-8 on the season and are tied for second place with the La Crosse Loggers in the Northwoods League South Division. La Crosse and Eau Claire are just a .5 game back of the Wisconsin Woodchucks and the Express find themselves in unfamiliar terriotry, having led the South Division for most of the season thus far. Waterloo improves to 12-9 and sit just 1 game back of first place. The Bucks are 6-4 in their last ten, while the Express continue to trade wins with losses and are just 4-6 in their last ten games.

In yesterday's contest the Bucks scored early in the second inning on a 2 run double. After that the scoring for both teams ceased until the top of the sixth when Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) and Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara) led off the inning for the Express with back-to-back singles. Fadness later scored on a DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai) sac-fly and Herbst was brought home on Express first-basemen Devon Zenn's (Yavapai) RBI single. Eau Claire added another run in the seventh on a Cal Towey (Baylor) home run, but two three run innings in the seventh and eighth for Waterloo sealed the victory for the Bucks.

Matthew McDaniel (San Diego State) took the loss for the Express, going six innings and giving up five earned runs. McDaniel falls to 2-2 on the season with a 3.75 ERA. Scott Lieser (St. Cloud State) recorded the win for the Bucks. The teams continue their series today in Waterloo. The Express return home tomorrow for a three game series against the Madison Mallards.

Express lose to Bucks

The Eau Claire Express were defeated last night 8-5 by the Waterloo Bucks. With the loss the Express fall to third place in the Northwoods League South Division. 12-9 overall, Eau Claire returns home tonight after going 1-3 on their road trip. Waterloo improves to 13-9 on the season and seize sole possession of second place in the South.

The Bucks scored early and often last night putting up runs in the first, second, third, and fourth innings. The Express scored three in the third after Andy Leonard (UIC) hit a 2 run single. Eau Claire short-stop Ty Forney (Yavapai) later scored after Will Fadness (South Mountain CC) forced a bases-loaded walk.

The Express scored two more runs in the fifth and sixth, but the Bucks answered with a three run seventh. The game ended 8-5 in favor of Waterloo. Dietrich Enns (Central Michigan) took the loss for the Express. Paul Twining recorded the win for Waterloo. The Express return home to Carson Park tonight to open up a three game series against the Madison Mallards.

Express game suspended due to rain

Eau Claire's game against the Madison Mallards was suspended tonight in the bottom of the second inning due to rain. The game will pick up where it left off tomorrow at Carson Park, first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m. Following the suspended game the teams will play a seven inning contest and fans who pay for the first game will be able to stay for the second seven inning contest at no extra charge. There will be a half hour break between games and fans who have tickets from the previous night's rain out can exchange tickets for another game of equal value. Stop in or call the Express Depot with further questions.

Express win first game of double-header second game suspended

The Eau Claire Express won the first game of a double-header tonight against the Madison Mallards 8-7. The second game which was scheduled for 9:00 p.m. was suspended due to weather. Game two will be played tomorrow at Carson Park at 3:30 p.m. with the original game taking place right after. Fans that purchase tickets for the first game of the double-header will be able to stay for the second contest at no additional charge. For questions concerning suspended games or tickets vouchers please call the Express office or stop down at the Depot.

Express split double-header with Mallards

The Eau Claire Express split their double-header against the Madison Mallards yesterday, with Madison winning the first contest and Eau Claire claiming victory in the second. The first game of the day was a continuation from the night before due to the inclement weather that persisted all weekend. Both games were seven inning contests due to Northwoods League rules and with the split, the Express improve to 14-10 on the season and fall into a three way tie for second place in the South Division. Just a half game separates the top four teams in the South, with the Wisconsin Woodchucks claiming sole possession of first place at 15-10. The Mallards fall to 9-14 on the season and are just 3-7 in their last ten games.

The first game of the day picked up in the bottom of the second inning with the score 3-0 in favor of Madison. Eau Claire got on the board in the bottom of the third when Express first-basemen Josh Scheffert (Nebraska) blasted a three run home run to tie the game. Momentum seemed to swing in favor of Eau Claire and both teams would score runs in the fifth to keep the score tied at 4-4 going into the seventh.

The Mallards started the inning with a strikeout and three straight singles from Adam Davis (Illinois), Brent Warren (Oregon State) and Josh Parr (Illinois). Madison third-basemen Stephen Bruno (Virginia) followed the singles by hitting into a fielder's choice that scored Davis making the score 5-4 in favor of the Mallards. Express pitcher Rudy Jaramillo (New Mexico) struck out the last batter of the inning and Eau Claire went into the bottom of the seventh down by just one run.

Express short-stop Ty Forney (Yavapai) led off the inning and was hit by a pitch. Steve McGuiggan followed Forney and hit into the 1-6-3 double play for the first two outs of the inning. Eau Claire right-fielder Nate Baumann (Augustana) ended the game on a 6-3 putout. Madison closer Matt Heaslip (Kankakee CC) needed just four pitchers to get the save and seal the victory for the Mallards.

Rudy Jaramillo took the loss for the Express, pitching five innings and giving up four runs, two earned. Rusty Shellhorn (Washington St.) recorded the win for Madison.

In game two of the double-header the Express seemed determined to avoid letting another close game slip away. Felix Cardenas (UTPB) took the mound for Eau Claire and completely shutdown the Madison offense. Cardenas went six innings, allowing only one run, three hits and striking out five. Unfortunately the Express offense was also quiet until the sixth inning. Eau Claire scored one run in the third on a Logan Vick (Baylor) RBI single, but Madison would answer in the sixth with a run of their own. With the score tied at 1-1 going into the bottom of the sixth the Express needed someone to step up.

Nolan Fadness (UW- Oshkosh) led off the inning with a single and Cal Towey (Baylor) reached base when he was hit by a pitch. The stage was set for Express first-basemen Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara) and he delivered with a clutch three run home run over the right-field wall giving Eau Claire the lead 4-1.

That's how the game ended because Express closer Evan Zerff (Long Island) entered the in the seventh and shut down the Madison rally, sealing the victory for Eau Claire. Zerff recorded his second save of the season and Cardenas tallied his third win. Grant Gordon (Missouri St.) took the loss for the Mallards.

After a long weekend of rain delays and game suspensions, Eau Claire wins the series two games to one. The Express have the day off today, but return to action tomorrow at Carson Park in a pivotal game against the La Crosse Loggers. The Loggers are tied with the Express for second place in the South Division at 14-10 and both teams look to break away from the pack at the top of the South. Tomorrow's game is sponsored by the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Express win close game behind Campbell's stellar performance

The Eau Claire Express defeated the La Crosse Loggers tonight at Carson Park 1-0. After the win the Express improve to 15-10 on the season and remain tied with the Green Bay Bullfrogs for second place in the Northwoods league South Division. With the victory Eau Claire knocked the Loggers out of a three way tie for second place in South and with the loss the Loggers drop to 14-11 on the season and sit a game and a half back of first place. The Express travel to La Crosse tomorrow to continue their series with the Loggers.

Tonight's contest was the definition of a pitchers duel with both team's starters delivering solid performances. The action started early when La Crosse left-fielder Matt Moyninan (San Diego) was ejected from the game for running over Express catcher Nathan Orf (UIC). Orf managed to hang onto the ball during the collision and the play seemed to energize the entire Express squad.

The lone run of the game came in the bottom of the second inning when Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara) scored on Devin Zenn's (Yavapai) ground-out into a fielder's choice. Eau Claire's inactivity on offense didn't matter tonight due to Express starter Ian Campbell's (Corpus Christi) dominate performance. He threw eight solid innings, gave up just three hits, no runs, and struck-out eight. With the win Campbell improves to 3-0 on the season and he is yet to give up an earned run in any contest. Express closer Evan Zerff (Long Island) recorded his third save of the season, while Stayton Thomas (Texas) took the loss for the Loggers.

The Express return home Thursday night to Carson Park for game three of series with the Loggers, first pitch scheduled for 6:35.

Express defeat Loggers 7-2

The Eau Claire Express defeated the La Crosse Loggers at Copeland Park last night 7-2. With the victory Eau Claire improves to 16-10 on the season and retain sole possession of first place in the Northwoods league South Division. The top of the South is jammed packed with four teams all within two games of first. After the loss the Loggers fall to 14-12 on the season and sit two games back of the Express.

Last night's contest was chalk full of Eau Claire offense with the Express scoring runs in first, second, third and fifth innings. DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai) led off the game with a double to left-field and eventually scored on La Crosse error. Later on in the inning Logan Vick (Baylor) scored on Nathan Orf's (UIC) RBI single and the Express took a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the second inning the Express loaded the bases, but only managed one run on Logan Vick's RBI single to left-field. Eau Claire tacked on three more runs in the third inning on NorthWoods League batting leader Drew Heithoff's (Augustana) 2 run single. With the score 6-0 in favor of the Express La Crosse attempted to rally in the bottom of the fourth with two runs of their own, but by then Eau Claire starter Matt McDaniel (San Diego St.) was on cruise control. McDaniel went eight innings, scattered twelve hits and allowed just two earned runs in his fifth appearance of the season. With the victory McDaniel improves to 3-2 on the season with a 3.38 ERA. Tyler Farley took the loss for the Loggers.

The teams return to Carson Park tonight for game three of their series, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. The Express open a three game series this weekend at Carson Park against the WaterLoo Bucks. The Bucks are currently 15-12 and tail the Express by a game and a half.

Express sweep series with Loggers

The Eau Claire Express were victorious last night at Carson Park, defeating the La Crosse Loggers 3-2. With the victory Eau Claire sweeps the series with the Loggers and improve to 17-10 on the season and 6-4 in their last ten games. Eau Claire retains sole possession of first place in the Northwoods League South Division, but the top of the South remains clustered with four other teams still within three games of first place. With the loss the Loggers fall to 14-13 on the season, 4-6 in their last ten and three games back of the first place Express.

Most of the scoring occurred in the early innings tonight with La Crosse getting on the board in the first after Juan Avila reached on an error and Logger catcher Chris O'Dowd brought him home on a RBI double. The Express answered in the bottom of the second after Nate Baumann (Augustana) hit a two run RBI single scoring Josh Scheffert (Nebraska) and DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai). Eau Claire scored one more run in third inning when Will Fadness hit a RBI single scoring Express center-fielder Steve McGuiggan (UIC).

The three runs would be all Express starter Dietrich Enns (Central Michigan) needed. Enns delievered another impressive start from the Eau Claire pitching staff, throwing eight complete innings and allowing just one run. With the win Enns improves to 1-1 on the season with a 1.71 ERA. Evan Zerff (Long Island) recorded his fourth save of the season for the Express and has become Eau Claire's go to closer. Tony Muller took the loss for La Crosse.

The Express prepare for a three game series against the Waterloo Bucks beginning today at Carson Park, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Express lose to Waterloo

The Eau Claire Express lost to the Waterloo Bucks last night 7-5. With the loss at Carson Park, Eau Claire drops to 17-11 on the season and their lead in the Northwoods League South Division is just a slim half game over the Wisconsin Woodchucks. The top of the South Division remains packed with four teams all within two and a half games of first place. Waterloo improves to 16-13 on the season and trail the Express by just a game and a half.

In last night's contest the Express were derailed by sloppy play through out the game. Eau Claire committed four errors and didn't get going offensively until the late innings. Waterloo took the lead early scoring two runs in both the second and third innings. The Express answered in the bottom of the fourth inning after Nolan Fadness (UW- Oshkosh) led off the inning with a double and later scored when Logan Vick (Baylor ) into a fielder's choice.

The Bucks scored one run in the sixth and two in the seventh pushing their lead to 7-1. Eau Claire finally started to score runs with one run in the seventh, but ended the inning with the bases loaded. Eau Claire loaded the bases again in the eighth and managed three runs, but the rally was too little to late and the game ended 7-5 in favor of Waterloo.

Brad Goldberg (Coastal Carolina) took the loss for the Express. Goldberg threw six innings, giving up five earned runs on five hits. Goldberg falls to 1-3 on the season with a 3.95 ERA. Jared Wagoner (Butler) recorded the win for Waterloo. The teams continue their series tonight at Carson Park, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Express to appear at The Community Table

Eau Claire, Wis. - July 3, 2010- The Eau Claire Express is happy to announce the team will be serving a meal at The Community Table on Thursday, July 8. The meal will take place from 11:15am until 1pm. The team will be preparing the meal, serving all guests, and cleaning the facilities after the meal. The team mascot, Trax, and several staff from the Express office will also be attending.

This will be the team's first appearance at the local non-profit. The Community Table serves hot meals to those in need of food and hospitality. The Community Table also enlightens the public on the needs of our community as the number of people they serve continues to grow each year. TCT serves over 100 meals a day, 365 days a year. They recently moved into a new location at 320 Putnam Street, Eau Claire WI. For directions visit their website at www.thecommunitytable.org or call at (715) 835-4977.

The whole team is expected to be at the event. They will be serving from 11:15am to 1pm at The Community Table located at 320 Putnam Street.

Express win game two against the Bucks

The Eau Claire Express were victorious last night over the Waterloo Bucks 6-1. With the win the Express have a two game cushion over the rest of the competition in the Northwoods League South Division. Four teams are within two and a half games of first place Eau Claire and game three of the series with Waterloo tonight will have serious ramifications in the South Division. With the loss last night the Bucks fall to 16-14 on the season and two and a half games back of first place.

Runs came in bunches in last night's contest and Eau Claire got on the board in the bottom of the first when Nolan Fadness (UW- Oshkosh) scored on Will Fadness's (South Mountain CC) ground-out. Waterloo tied the game in the top of the fourth, but the moment of the game came in the bottom of the fifth when Express center-fielder Steve McGuiggan (UIC) hit his fifth home run of the season pushing the score to 4-1.

Eau Claire tacked on three more insurance runs in the bottom of eighth and the game ended 6-1 in favor of the Express.

Rudy Jaramillo (New Mexico) recorded the win for Eau Claire, improving to 1-1 on the season with a 1.71 ERA. Jaramillo went seven innings, giving up one run on eight hits. Scott Marinier (Central Michigan) tallied his first save of the season last night and Corey Witkowski (Barry) took the loss for the Bucks.

Whiskey Dicks sponsers today's 4^th of July celebration at Carson Park and the first 2,000 fans into the stadium receive a free bag of peanuts. Gates open at 5 p.m. with the first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. A firework extravaganza put on by the City of Eau Claire is scheduled immediately following tonight's game, so stop on down to Carson Park and celebrate America's birthday.



Express lose to Bucks 8-3

The Eau Claire Express were defeated by the Waterloo Bucks last night 8-3. With the loss Eau falls to 18-11 on the season and 6-4 in their last ten games. The Express remain at the top of the Northwoods League South Division but four other teams remain within two games of first place. With the victory Waterloo improves to 17-14 on the season and pull within a game and a half of the first place Express.

Despite the rainy weather, fans packed the stands of Carson Park for this year's 4^th of July celebration. In game three of the series between the two teams Waterloo jumped out to an early lead in the top of the second after a two run home run. The Express answered in the bottom of the fourth when Nathan Orf (UIC) scored on a passed ball and Eau Claire tied the game the next inning after Express first-basemen Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara) blasted a solo home run.

The game remained close until the top of the seventh inning when Waterloo batted around the order. The Bucks scored five runs on four hits and went deep into the Express bullpen. Waterloo knocked out Eau Claire starter Felix Cardenas (UTPB) and proceeded to hit around until reliever Bobby Mares (New Mexico) was replaced by Harvey Martin, (Central Michigan) who ended the Buck's offensive onslaught.

The Express scored one run in the bottom of the seventh but the damage had been done and the game ended 8-3 in favor of Waterloo. Felix Cardenas took the loss for the Express. Cardenas falls to 3-2 on the season with a 1.84 ERA. Zach Cooper (Central Michigan) recorded the win for Waterloo.

The Express were supposed to have a game with the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters today in Marshfield, Wisconsin but the game was postponed due to rain. Eau Claire returns home to Carson Park tomorrow night to take on the Rafters in a double-header.

Express sweep double-header with Rafters

The Eau Claire Express swept the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters last night in a double-header at Carson Park. With both victories the Express improve to 20-12 on the season and push their lead in the Northwoods League South Division to two full games. Eau Claire is 7-3 in their last ten games and welcomes the Green Bay Bullfrogs to Carson Park tonight for a pivotal series that could decide the South. The Bullfrogs are 18-14 on the season and trail first place Eau Claire just two games.

Last night's contests proved to be exciting with the Express winning in the bottom of the seventh in both games. In game one against the Rafters the Express scored early on in the bottom of the second inning after Steve McGuiggan (UIC) was brought home on Devon Zenn's (Yavapai) ground-out into a fielder's choice. Rapids answered in the top of third with a run of their own.

Eau Claire responded in the bottom of the fourth when Andy Leonard (UIC) hit a RBI single scoring DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai). Later in the inning Devon Zenn scored on a Nolan Fadness (UW- Oshkosh) ground-out. The Rafters scored two runs in the top of the fifth tieing the game at 3-3.

The score remained tied until the bottom of the seventh when Express center-fielder Steve McGuiggan stepped to the plate. With two runners on base and the game on the line McGuiggan hit a three run walk-off home run. Josh Scheffert (Nebraska) recorded the win for the Express. Scheffert improves to 1-0 on the season with a 0.00 ERA. Dan Johnson took the loss for the Rafters.

In game two of the double-header the Rafters scored first in the top of the second inning. Eau Claire answered with two runs of their own in the bottom of the third after Andy Leonard (UIC) hit a solo home run and Nathan Orf (UIC) hit a sacrifice fly to score Ty Forney (Yavapai). Rapids tied the game in top of the fourth and Eau Claire retook the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning after Jacob Morris (Arkansas) hit a sacrifice scoring Nat eBaumann (Augustana).

The Rafters tied the game in the top of seventh inning setting up some late game heroics for the second time last night. Nathan Orf started the comeback after he hit a single giving the Express a base-runner to work with. Nolan Fadness entered the game as a pitch runner and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Steve McGuiggan drew a walk leaving Express catcher Will Fadness (South Mountain CC) with the duty of winning the game. Fadness delivered by hitting into a fielder's choice and allowing his brother Nolan to come home and win the game for Eau Claire.

Evan Zerff recorded his first win of the season for the Express and Tommy Organ took the loss for the Rafters. The Express begin their two game series against the Bullfrogs tonight at Carson Park, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Express game suspended due to rain

The contest between the Eau Claire Express and Green Bay Bullfrogs was suspended tonight due to rain. The game will pick up tomorrow and another seven inning game will follow. The double- header is scheduled to begin at 5:35 p.m. Tickets for tonight's rain out can be exchange for vouchers for tomorrow night's game at the Depot.

Express win first half South Division Title

The Eau Claire Express swept a double-header tonight against the Green Bay Bullfrogs. With the victories Eau Claire improves to 22-12 on the season and clinch the Northwoods League South Division title for the first half of the season. With the division title the Express are guaranteed a spot in the Northwoods League playoffs. The Bullfrogs drop to 18-16 on the season and are in sole possession of third in the South.

In a continuation from the previous night, the Eau Claire Express struck early in the bottom of the second inning after Andrew Leonard (UIC) hit a RBI single scoring DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai). The scoring ceased until the bottom of the eighth inning when the Express tacked on an insurance run after Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara) hit a RBI double scoring Eau Claire right-fielder Steve McGuiggan (UIC).

The game took a dramatic turn in the top of the ninth inning when the Bullfrogs' offense exploded for four runs on three hits and seemingly ending Eau Claire's chance of clinching the Northwoods League South Division. Fortunately the Express persevered through the storm and gave the fans at Carson Park an exciting finish. Andrew Leonard lead off the inning with a single and Ty Forney (Yavapai) followed with a double. Leonard scored on a wild pitch and Forney was driven home on a Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) RBI single. With the game tied at 5-5 and the bases loaded Express designated hitter Lucas Herbst stepped to the plate with the division on the line. Herbst delivered with a RBI single scoring Nolan Fadness winning the game for Eau Claire and clinching the South Division title for the first have of the season.

Scott Marinier (Central Michigan) recorded the win for Eau Claire. Marinier improves to 2-1 with 3.46 ERA. Ben Versnik took the loss for the Bullfrogs.

In game two of the double-header Eau Claire scored first again in the bottom of the first after Nate Baumann (Augustana) hit a RBI triple scoring Logan Vick (Baylor). The Bullfrogs answered with two runs of their own in the top of third, but the Express countered with a run in the bottom of third tieing the game. Eau Claire scored one more run in the bottom of the sixth after the Bullfrogs pitched committed a bauk to bring in a run.

Scott Marinier recorded his second win of the night for the Express. Keeler Brynteson took the loss for Green Bay. The Express travel to Green Bay for a weekend series with the Bullfrogs.

"Rooftop Ramblings" by Paul Schommer, Express PA Announcer

5 Express Players Named to NWL South All-Star Team- Congratulations to Drew Heithoff, Steve McGuiggan, Felix Caredenas, Ian Campbell, and Rudy Jaramillo who were named to the NWL South Division All-Star Team that was announced yesterday. It will be the first appearance for Heithoff, McGuiggan, Cardenas, and Campbell while Jaramillo will be making his second All-Star appearance following his selection in 2009. Heithoff leads the NWL in batting with a .420 average and also has a .481 slugging percentage to go with a .530 on-base percentage. McGuiggan is hitting .282 with 6 home runs (tied for 2nd in the NWL) and 17 RBI. Cardenas is 3-2 on the season with a 1.84 ERA and opponents are batting just .180 against "King Felix". Campbell is 3-0 with an ERA of 0.65 that would lead the league if he had enough innings pitched to qualify. Jaramillo is 2-1 with an ERA of 1.29. Together, these three lead an Express staff that collectively had an ERA of 2.51 and an opponents batting average of .229 entering last night's action. Again, congratulations to these five players. Be sure to catch them in action on Tuesday, July 20 when the NWL All-Star Game is played here at Carson Park with first pitch scheduled for 7:35. One final note regarding the All-Star game is that Express manager Dale Varsho will be leading the South All-Stars for the second straight year as a result of the Express winning the first half title.

Strong Start to Second Half- The Express are off to a strong 4-0 start in the second half of the 2010 NWL season after three convincing wins over the Green Bay Bullfrogs this past weekend and a 13-3 victory over the La Crosse Loggers last night. Last night's win put the Express winning streak at 8 which matches a streak they had earlier this season.

Playoffs?? Playoffs?!?- That's right Express fans, playoff baseball will return to Carson Park as the Express are your 2010 1st Half South Division Champions! They finished the first half with a record of 22-12, which was tops in the entire Northwoods League, and won the South by 3.5 games over Waterloo. This will mark the 3rd playoff appearance for the Express, with their previous apperances coming in 2007 (2nd Half South Division Champs) and 2009 (1st Half South Division Champs). Mark your calendars for August 17-19 as that is when the Divisional Playoffs will take place. More information will be forthcoming once the regular season is completed.

Jaramillo named NWL Pitcher of the Night- Express pitcher Rudy Jaramillo (New Mexico) was named NWL Pitcher of the Night for July 9 following his stellar performance for the Express in their 9-0 victory over the Green Bay Bullfrogs. Jaramillo went 7 innings allowing 0 runs on just 2 hits to gain the win. On the season, Jaramillo is 2-1 with a 1.29 ERA in 28 innings pitched. Jaramillo becomes the fourth Express pitcher to win the honor in 2010, joining teammates Matt McDanial (June 6), George Jensen (June 10), and Dietrich Enns (July 1). Interestingly enough, no Express hitters have been named NWL Player of the Night so far this season. Let's see if that can't change in the second half of the season.

Thank You Express Players!- Thanks to the Express players who prepared and served the daily meal at The Community Table in Eau Claire on Thursday, July 8. 116 meals were served by the team to members of the Eau Claire community- Great job, guys!! Special thanks to Express intern Molly DeCleene for all her work to set this event up.

Keys to the Second Half- Without question, this is the deepest Express team I have had the pleasure of watching in my five years with the organization. So, after winning the 1st half title, what needs to happen to duplicate that result in the 2nd half?

1. Stay Healthy! This is a long season and players must take care of themselves and hopefully avoid any long term or nagging injuries.

2. Keep the Roster Intact- In order to duplicate the 1st half results, the Express have to avoid having the kind of roster turnover that they have experienced in previous years.

3. Players Must Accept Roles- As I mentioned earlier, this is the deepest Express team I have seen. This is good and this is bad. The good thing is that you have depth so if there is an injury or you do lose a player, you have somebody who can step in and fill that spot. The bad thing is that everybody wants to play, ideally every day. This is going to be tough due to the depth that the Express have all around the field. If you have noticed, I don't think any player has played in every game so far in 2010. If all of the players realize that they are all good ballplayers (which I think they do) and accept their role on the team (which I hope they do), then this has the potential to be a very fun and memorable summer in Eau Claire for everybody, players and fans alike!!

Farewell to a Baseball Legend- This past Sunday, legendary New York Yankees Public Address Announcer Bob Sheppard died at the age of 99. Sheppard was the "Voice of Yankee Stadium" for 56 years from 1951-2007. Dubbed "the Voice of God" by former Yankees star Reggie Jackson, Sheppard insisted that as a public address announcer he be three things: clear, concise, and correct. I can only hope to live up to Mr. Sheppard's expectations as the public address announcer for the Express and I can't imagine spending 56 years on the job. Heck, that means I only have to last another 51 years to match him which would make me 90 years old! Possible? Who knows. While Sheppard may have passed away, his voice will live on. In fact, at tonight's Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter will not be introduced by the Angels PA Announcer, but rather by a recording of Sheppard's introduction of him which Jeter still uses at Yankee Stadium.

Express crush Loggers 13-3

The Eau Claire Express defeated the La Crosse Loggers tonight 13-3. With the victory the Express improve to 4-0 on the second half of the Northwoods league season. The Express hand the Loggers their first loss in the second half and La Crosse falls into sole posession of second place in the South Division at 3-1. Eau Claire remains at the top of the South, but 4 other teams are just two games back at 2-2.

In tonight's contest at Copeland Park the Express put the game away early. After La Crosse scored 1 run in the first inning and the with one of their own in top of the second, Eau Claire's offense caught fire in the top of the third. The Express scored 9 runs on 6 hits and batted around the order. Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara) started the onslaught with a solo home run. Express catcher Nathan Orf (UIC) followed with a double and Steve McGuiggan (UIC) reached on a dropped third strike. Josh Scheffert hit a double to left-field scoring Orf and Cal Towey (Baylor) reached on a walk. Jacob Morris (Arkansa) blasted a double to right- field, scoring McGuiggan and Scheffert, and the Express pushed their lead to 4-1.

After a pitching substitution Ty Forney (Yavapai), Nolan Fadness (UW- Oshkosh) and Lucas Herbst all reached on walks and Jacob Morris was forced home. Nathan Orf drew another walk, scoring Forney, and pushed the lead to 6-1 in favor of the Express. After back-to-back doubles by McGuiggan and Scheffert Eau Claire's lead reached 10-1 and the game was out of hand.

La Crosse scored 1 run in the fourth and fifth and the Express answered with two more in the eight, but at that point the game was already decided. The game ended 13-3 in favor of Eau Claire. Bobby Mares (New Mexico) recorded the win for the Express and with the victory Mares improves to 1-0 on the season with a 4.19 ERA.

The Express return home to Carson Park tomorrow to take on the Loggers in game two of the series, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Northwoods League Announces 2010 All-Stars

Rochester, Minn. - The Northwoods League announced the rosters for the 2010 All-Star Game that will be played Tuesday, July 20th at 7:35 PM Central in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.   The 2010 Home Run Derby will start an hour and a half before the All-Star Game. Preceding the Home Run Derby will be a Fan Fest, including player autograph signings, that will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.

The host South Division All-Stars will take on their North Division counterparts at Carson Park, home of the 2010 South Division First-Half Champion Eau Claire Express. The two-day event will begin Monday, July 19^th with the All-Star Banquet at Florian Gardens at 6:30 PM. Tuesday, July 20^th will kick off with a Fan Fest at 4:00 PM, followed by the Home Run Derby at 6:05 PM and the All-Star Game at 7:35 PM with fireworks after the game. The All-Star Game will be streamed over the internet on NorthwoodsLeague.tv.

The Thunder Bay Border Cats lead the way with six all-stars on the North Division team. The South Division First-Half Champion Eau Claire Express place five all-stars while the North Divisions First-Half Champion Rochester Honkers landed three All-stars. Headlining Thunder Bay's selectees is the Northwood's league leader in wins with six, Zak Miller (New Mexico). The second basemen for the South Division, Drew Heithoff (Augustana), currently leads the NWL in batting average at .420. The league's RBI leader with 34, shortstop Steve Nyistzor (Rutgers) of St. Cloud, is one of three River Bats on the North Division team. First Half home runs leaders Scott Schebler (Wichita State) of the Green Bay Bullfrogs and Steve McGuiggan (Illinois Chicago) of the Eau Claire Express will be playing for the South Division All-stars.

Two second-time All-Stars are on this year's South Division team. Infielder Harold Riggins (NC State) of the Madison Mallards and Rudy Jaramillo (New Mexico) of the Eau Claire Express return for their second NWL All-Star Game. Riggins won the 2009 NWL All-Star Home Run Derby while Jaramillo was the 2009 South Division starting pitcher.

Also making the team from Eau Claire are pitchers Ian Campbell (Corpus Christi) and Felix Cardenas (UTPB). Campbell has a perfect 3-0 record along with a miniscule 0.65 earned run average in five games (three starts). Cardenas has been nearly as good, with a 3-2 record and also impressive 1.84 ERA. The lefty has started all six games that he has appeared in thus far.

The University of Illinois and the University of California both have three players playing in the All-Star Game. Illinois has a pair of Madison Mallards in catcher Adam Davis and shortstop Josh Parr representing the South Division team. California will have two players on the North Division team led by Marcus Semien and starting pitcher Matt Flemer on the South Division team.

This year's All-Stars were chosen in a vote by the 16 member teams of the Northwoods League. Ballots were cast by each team's field staff and radio and media contacts. The complete list of All-Stars is below:

2010 Northwoods League All-Stars

North Division

Robbie Robinson

C

Mankato MoonDogs

JR

Valparaiso University

Chadd Krist

C

Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers

SO

University of California

Matt Dittman

1B

Rochester Honkers

JR

University of Illinois

Cody Asche

1B

Duluth Huskies

SO

University of Nebraska

Evan Mistich

2B

Thunder Bay Border Cats

SO

Panola College (TX)

Jordan Steranka

3B

Mankato MoonDogs

SO

Penn State University

Steve Nystizor

SS

St. Cloud River Bats

FR

Rutgers University

Marcus Semien

SS

Alexandria Beetles

SO

University of California

Isaac Ballou

OF

Willmar Stingers

FR

Marshall University

Jordan Smith

OF

Willmar Stingers

FR

St. Cloud State University

John Schultz

OF

St. Cloud River Bats

JR

University of Pittsburgh

Casey Lytle

OF

Duluth Huskies

JR

Kansas University

Tanner Nivins

OF

Thunder Bay Border Cats

FR

Stony Brook University (NY)

Sander Beck

RHP

Alexandria Beetles

SO

University of Maryland

Kyle Teague

RHP

Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers

SO

Oakland University (MI)

Nick Anderson

RHP

Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers

SO

St. Cloud State University

Robbie Collier

LHP

Duluth Huskies

JR

University of North Florida

Ben Hughes

RHP

Duluth Huskies

SO

St. Olaf College (MN)

Ian Kadish

RHP

Rochester Honkers

JR

Marshall University

Mike Strong

LHP

Rochester Honkers

JR

Oklahoma State University

Jason Wheeler

LHP

St. Cloud River Bats

SO

Loyola Marymount University

Garrett Yount

RHP

Thunder Bay Border Cats

SO

Rollins College (FL)

Zak Miller

RHP

Thunder Bay Border Cats

FR

University of New Mexico

Eric Brown

RHP

Thunder Bay Border Cats

JR

University of British Columbia

Drew Erwin

RHP

Thunder Bay Border Cats

JR

Nicholls State University

Charley Olson

RHP

Willmar Stingers

JR

Georgia State University

South Division

Adam Davis

C

Madison Mallards

SO

University of Illinois

Chris O'Dowd

C

La Crosse Loggers

FR

Dartmouth College

Harold Riggins

1B

Madison Mallards

SO

North Carolina State University

Drew Heithoff

2B

Eau Claire Express

JR

Augustana College (SD)

Mike Marjama

3B

La Crosse Loggers

SO

Sacramento City College

Josh Parr

SS

Madison Mallards

SO

University of Illinois

Brad Zapenas

SS

Green Bay Bullfrogs

SO

Boston College

Steve McGuiggan

OF

Eau Claire Express

JR

University of Illinois at Chicago

Scott Schebler

OF

Green Bay Bullfrogs

SO

Des Moines Area CC

Kyle Gaedele

OF

Madison Mallards

SO

Valparaiso University

Brandon King

OF

Wisconsin Woodchucks

SO

Fresno City College

Pat Stover

OF

Waterloo Bucks

FR

Santa Clara University

Cody Koback

OF

Wisconsin Rapids Rafters

SO

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Joe Battistelli

RHP

Battle Creek Bombers

FR

Eastern Michigan University

Felix Cardenas

LHP

Eau Claire Express

JR

University of Texas, Permian Basin

Ian Campbell

RHP

Eau Claire Express

JR

Texas A&M Corpus Christi

Rudy Jaramillo

LHP

Eau Claire Express

SO

University of New Mexico

Riley Tincher

LHP

Green Bay Bullfrogs

JR

U of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Brad Schreiber

RHP

Green Bay Bullfrogs

FR

Purdue University

Matt Flemer

RHP

La Crosse Loggers

SO

University of California

Tony Mueller

RHP

La Crosse Loggers

SO

Winona State University (MN)

Matt LaMothe

RHP

Madison Mallards

SO

Oakland University (MI)

Taylor Massey

LHP

Waterloo Bucks

SO

Weatherford College (TX)

Luke Putz

RHP

Waterloo Bucks

JR

University of Minnesota, Mankato

Jared Wagoner

RHP

Waterloo Bucks

JR

Butler University

Jayson McClaren

RHP

Wisconsin Woodchucks

SO

University of Nevada

NWL South Division Finals Game #1 Sponsored by Verizon Wireless and Gordy's County Market

The first Express playoff game will be at Carson Park on August 17th. Tickets on sale now!

Join us for the Orange Out at Carson Park! Wear your orange Express t-shirt or purchase a 2010 NWL Playoff T-shirt for $10!

Catch the Tailgate Party from 4:30 - 6:30. Thirsty Thursday beer prices, the Gordy's Express brat and a chance to win Gordy's gift cards playing yard games!

Also, 92.9 The Big Cheese will be broadcasting live starting at 4:30. Don't miss it!

Express game postponed due to rain

The Eau Claire Express were victorious last night in Carson Park defeating the La Crosse Loggers 9-8. With the victory the Express remain undefeated on the second half of the 2010 Northwoods League season and retain sole possession of first place in the South Division. With the loss La Crosse falls to 3-2 and 2 games back of first place. Eau Claire remains red hot since winning the first half of the season and pushes their win streak to 9 games.

The scoring in last night’s contest was sporadic with both teams scoring in the first inning, but unable to get on the board again until the fifth. La Crosse struck first with 1 run in the top first and Eau Claire scored 3 of their own after Nolan Fadness (UW- Oshkosh) led off with a double and eventually scored on DeMarcus Tidwell’s (Yavapai) RBI single. Logan Vick (Baylor) followed suit with a single of his own and his Baylor teammate Cal Towey hit a 2 run double making the score 3-1 in favor of the Express.

La Crosse took the lead in the top of fifth after the Loggers scored 3 runs on 2 hits. After scoring another run in the sixth La Crosse pushed their lead to 5-3 and seized the momentum. With their backs against the wall the Express came through with a 5 run sixth inning after Logan Vick and DeMarcus Tidwell started the rally with a pair of walks. Express right-fielder Jacob Morris (Arkansas) hit a 2 run RBI single and tied the game. Ty Foreny (Yavapai) followed with a 2 run double pushing Eau Claire’s lead to 7-5. After a pitching substitution Andrew Leonard (UIC) hit a RBI double of his own and the Express recaptured the lead. Eau Claire tacked 1 run on in the eighth and La Crosse put the pressure on in the ninth with two runs, but the game ended 9-8 in favor of the Express.

Matt McDaniel (San Diego St.) recorded the win and Dietrich Enns (Central Michigan) got the save for Eau Claire. McDaniel improves to 4-2 on the season with a 3.89 ERA. The Express traveled to Athletic Park today to take on the Woodchucks in game 1 of a 2 game series, but the contest was postponed due to rain.

2010 Northwoods League All-Star Game to take place at Carson Park

Eau Claire, Wis. - July 15, 2010- The Eau Claire Express are happy to announce further details on the 2010 Northwoods League All-Star Game will be taking place at Carson Park next week. This is the first year the Eau Claire Express will be hosting the All-Star Game. The All-Star festivities include a banquet for the selected players on Monday, July 19^th. On the day of the game, there will be a Fan Fest in front of Carson Park starting at 4pm. The Home run derby will begin at 6pm, with the game and fireworks to follow.

The banquet is taking place at Florian Gardens on Monday July 19^th. Tickets are on sale through Friday July 16^th and are $50 per person. The banquet will feature former Major League Baseball hall-of-famer Harmon Killebrew as a guest speaker.

The Fan Fest is taking place in front of the Carson Park ballpark on Tuesday July 20^th at 4pm. This will include a dunk tank in which children will have a chance to dunk Eau Claire Express players. Throws are 3 for $1. There will also be a speed pitch, two bounce houses and opportunities for autographs from All-Star players from both leagues. There will also be a number of local and league mascots playing games with those who attend. There will be a lot going on at the Fan Fest before the game, so be sure to come early.

The Home Run Derby starts at 6:05pm and will include eight participants. The derby is sponsored by the Leader Telegram and Bothun Automotive, and will include a chance to win a 2010 Jeep Wrangler. Other prizes include Country Jam Tickets, Bothum Oil Changes, Noah's Ark Passes and Eau Claire Express apparel. Everyone (18 plus) will be handed a raffle ticket at the gate from which eight lucky contestants will be selected. Of these contestants, three will be given the chance to hit a home run to win the Jeep Wrangler.

The All-Star Game starts at 7:35pm following the Home Run Derby. The game includes All-Star performers from both the North and South divisions of the Northwoods League. The South team will be coached by our very own Dale Varsho, and the North team will be coached by Ryan Ruiz. Eau Claire has six players on the South Division roster. Making their second All-Star appearances are Nolan Fadness and Rudy Jaramillo. Steve McGuiggan, Ian Campbell, Felix Cardenas and Drew Heithoff will be making their first NWL All-Star appearances. A fireworks show will follow the game.

Express lose both games of double- header

The Eau Claire Express lost a pair of games last night in Wausau. The Woodchucks delivered Eau Claire's first losses on the second half of the 2010 Northwoods League season and after the defeats the Express fall to 5-2 and share the lead in the South Division with the Woodchucks and the La Crosse Loggers. All three teams are 5-2 in their last ten games and Wisconsin is on a five game win streak.

In the first game of the double- header last night runs came at a premium. The Express struggled to score a run all game, collecting five total hits. Eau Claire did commit three errors in the contest, pushing their total to 66 on season which is second most in the league.

Ian Campbell (Corpus Christi) did his best to keep the Express in the game. Campbell pitched six solids innings, giving up four hits and one run. The lone run of the game came in the bottom of the fifth inning on a Brock Stassi (Nevada) home run. Campbell took the loss for the Express and falls to 3-1 on the season with .80 ERA.

Eau Claire's offense continued to struggle in the second game of the night, only scoring one run on six hits. Wisconsin struck first in the bottom of the second with one run and did the same in the third. The Express attempted to rally in the top of fifth after Ty Forney (Yavapai) hit a RBI single scoring Josh Scheffert (Nebraska). That's all the offense Eau Claire could manage. The game ended 2-1 in favor of the Woodchucks.

Brad Goldberg (Coastal Carolina) took the loss for the Express. Goldberg falls to 1-4 on the season with 3.79 ERA. Eau Claire opens up a three game series today at Carson Park against the Battle Creek Bombers. The Bombers enter the weekend 1-6 and are in last place in the South Division.

Express defeat Bombers 8-3

The Eau Claire Express were victorious last night against the Battle Creek Bombers 8-3. With the victory in Carson Park the Express improve to 6-2 on the second half of 2010 Northwoods League season. Eau Claire snapped a two game losing streak and keeps pace with the Wisconsin Woodchucks and La Crosse Loggers for first place in the South Division. Battle Creek falls to 1-7 on the second half of the season.

Eau Claire scored early and often in last night's contest, putting up runs in the first second and fourth innings. The Express forced four walks in the first and DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai) started the scoring after he reached on a walk, which scored Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara). Cal Towey (Baylor) hit a sacrifice fly and Eau Claire ended the inning with a 2-0 lead.

After back-to-back singles by Andrew Leonard (UIC) and Drew Heithoff (Augustana) in the bottom of the second Express catcher Nathan Orf (UIC) hit a two run single and Eau Claire added to their lead 4-0.

Eau Claire scored two in the fourth and eighth, but the way Express starter Rudy Jaramillo (New Mexico) pitched last night the extra runs weren't needed. Jaramillo was in control the entire game and went the distance, allowing just six hits and three earned runs. The Bombers were never given the opportunity to rally and with the victory Jaramillo improves to 3-1 on the season with a 1.70 ERA.

The teams continue their series tonight at Carson Park, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Express get victory in rain shortend game

The Eau Claire Express were victorious last night in a rain shortened game against the Battle Creek Bombers. The Express won 6-5 in seven innings and with the victory Eau Claire improves to 7-2 on the second half of the 2010 Northwoods League season. The Express are tied with the Wisconsin Woodchucks for first place in the South Division and the Woodchucks are on a seven game win streak at the moment. With the loss Battle Creek falls to 1-8 on the second half of the season.

The Bombers got on the board first in the top of the second inning with one run and the Express answered with two runs of their own in the third and fourth innings. Steve McGuiggan (UIC) hit a RBI single scoring Express second- baseman Drew Heithoff (Augustana), for Eau Claire's first run of the game. Drew Heithoff followed suit with a RBI single of his own in the bottom of the fourth giving Eau Claire the lead 2-1.

Battle Creek scored one run in the sixth and three in the top of the seventh recapturing the lead at 5-2. With the weather becoming a factor in the game, the Express were able to rally before the storm arrived in Eau Claire. Express center- fielder DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai) started the scoring after he hit a two run double scoring Ty Forney (Yavapai) and Drew Heithoff. Before the tornado sirens had a chance to sound Josh Scheffert (Nebraska) hit a RBI single scoring Cal Towey (Baylor) and the Express took the lead 6-5.

The game ended 6-5 in the bottom of the seventh in favor of the Express due to the severe weather that entered the area. Drew Freie (DMACC) recorded the win for Eau Claire and improves to 1-0 on the season with 2.61 ERA.

The teams conclude their series tonight at Carson Park, first pitch scheduled for 6:05.

Asche Powers North to All-Star Victory

The fans in attendance of the 2010 Northwoods All-Star Game at Carson Park in Eau Claire, Wisconsin were treated to a fantastic game. The North Division All-Stars took the game 7-5 over the South All-Stars in front of a crowd just shy of 4,000 fans. The North's Cody Asche (Nebraska) of the Duluth Huskies was the 'Star of Stars' in the game for going 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and two RBI and helping the North to victory.

The game began with South starting pitcher Tony Mueller (Winona State) of the La Crosse Loggers allowing two unearned runs to put the South behind 2-0. However, Mueller struck out four batters in the inning due to a dropped third strike. The South roared back with two runs in the bottom of the second to tie the game at 2-2.

Green Bay's Brad Zapenas led the South squad, knocking in a pair of runs as part of a 2-for-4 night. Eau Claire's Steve McGuiggan led the host Express, reaching base twice on a hit by pitch while scoring the game-tying run in sixth inning to make it a 5-5 game.

The North came back with a pair of runs in the seventh to go up 7-5. The South did manage to bring the tying run to the plate in the bottom of the ninth, but were unable to come up with a tying hit.

Five All-Stars had multi-hit games on the night. The South's Kyle Gaedele was 3-for-4 on the night while Mallard teammate Harold Riggins had a two hit performance. Brad Zapenas of the Bullfrogs also had two hits. The North's Jordan Steranka (Mankato) and Matt Dittman (Rochester) both had two hits to go along with Cody Asche's performance.

22 pitchers threw in the game with Arik Sikula (Marshall) earning the win while fellow Rochester Honker teammate and Marshall teammate Ian Kadish earned the save throwing a scoreless ninth inning for the North. Joe Battistelli (Eastern Michigan) took the loss for the South allowing two runs on two hits.

Fans in attendance were also treated to a Home Run Derby before the game which was won by Duluth Huskie Mark Threlkeld (Louisiana Tech). Threlkeld defeated Madison Mallard Kyle Gaedele (Valparaiso) in the final round with a towering shot to left field. Threlkeld hit nine homeruns in the three round format. Fans also saw a post-game fireworks show sponsored by the Leader Telegram and Bothun Automotive.

All Northwoods League teams are rewarded with a day off today, but resume play Thursday, July 22^nd. Visit a NWL park near you or follow your favorite teams and players at www.northwoodsleague.tv.

Threlkeld Wins 2010 Homerun Derby

The 2010 Northwoods Home Run Derby was hosted by the Eau Claire Express at Carson Park and was held Tuesday night. The Home Run Derby consisted of eight players across the Northwoods League and was headlined by 2009 winner Harold Riggins (NC State) of the Madison Mallards. Duluth Huskie Mark Threlkeld (Louisiana Tech) won the 2010 Home Run Derby over Madison Mallard Kyle Gaedele (Valparaiso) with a towering shot to left field in the final round.

The participants from the North Division were Duluth Huskies teammates Cody Asche (Nebraska) and 2010 champion Mark Threlkeld (Louisiana Tech), Rochester Honker Richie Jimenez (UNLV) and Thunder Bay Border Cat Tanner Nivins (Stony Brook).

The South Division participants were 2009 champion Harold Riggins (NC State) and Madison Mallard teammate Kyle Gaedele (Valparaiso), Green Bay Bullfrog Scott Schebler (Wichita State) and Steve McGuiggan (Illinois Chicago) of the host Eau Claire Express.

The Home Run Derby first round saw Threlkeld (4), Gaedele (2), Jimenez (1) and Nivins (1) all advance to the second round. The second round was the Mark Threlkeld and Kyle Gaedele show. The final round featured a North Division participant and a South Division participant in Threlkeld and Gaedele respectively.

Duluth Huskie Mark Threlkeld, who is currently tied for the league lead in homeruns, took the title by beating Mallard Kyle Gaedele for the 2010 Northwoods Home Run Derby title. Threlkeld hit nine homeruns on the night.

Below is the round by round breakdown of how each NWL hitter performed.

Round 1:
Richie Jimenez (Rochester) (UNLV) 1
Scott Schebler (Green Bay) (Wichita State) 0
Mark Threlkeld (Duluth) (Louisiana Tech) 4
Kyle Gaedele (Madison) (Valparaiso) 2
Tanner Nivins (Thunder Bay) (Stony Brook) 1
Harold Riggins (Madison) (NC State) 0
Cody Asche (Duluth) (Nebraska) 0
Steve McGuiggan (Eau Claire) (Illinois-Chicago) 0

Round 2:
Richie Jimenez 1
Tanner Nivins 2
Kyle Gaedele 4
Mark Threlkeld 4

Final Round:
Kyle Gaedele 0
Mark Threlkeld 1

Watch Mark Threlkeld of the Duluth Huskies in the second half of the NWL season at www.northwoodleague.tv and other various homerun hitters.

Playoff tickets now on sale

Eau Claire, Wis. - The Express front office announced today that tickets for the 2010 Northwoods League postseason have now gone on sale. Eau Claire qualified for the 2010 playoffs by winning the first-half South Division title with a 22-12 record. This guarantees that Carson Park will be the location of at least one playoff game. The date of this game will depend on how the overall records in the division end up, but the game will be played on either August 17 or August 18.

Ticket prices for the playoff games will increase slightly. General admission tickets are $6, reserved grandstand are $7 and reserved box seats are $9. Fan deck prices remain at $30 per ticket.

Seating is limited, as season ticket holders will have the first right of refusal for their regular season seats. All season ticket holders will be receiving an order form in the coming days with the opportunity to purchase their seats for the playoffs. Any seats not purchased by Friday, August 6 will be made available for purchase by the general public.

Tickets are available by calling the Express office at (715)839-7788 or by stopping by the office at 108 E. Grand Avenue in downtown Eau Claire. The office is open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the week and on weekend home game-days. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.eauclaireexpress.com.

Express split double-header with Mallards

The Eau Claire Express spilt a double-header with the Madison Mallards yesterday at Warner Park. After trading a victory for a loss the Express move to 9-3 on the second half of the 2010 Northwoods League season and remain in sole possession of first place in the South division. Eau Claire is 7-3 in their last ten games and their lead in the South is just one game over the La Crosse Loggers and Wisconsin Woodchucks. Madison trails the first place Express by two games and with the victory in the second game of the day the Mallards improve to 7-5 on the second half.

Game one yesterday consisted of very little offense, with only one run scored by either team. The Express scored the lone run of the game in the top of the third after Andy Leonard (UIC) and Drew Heithoff (Augustana) led off the inning with back-to-back singles. Eau Claire left-fielder Nolan Fadness (UW-Oskhosh) followed with a single of his own and Leonard scored on a throwing error, giving the Express the lead 1-0. The game ended 1-0 in favor of Eau Claire and Ian Campbell (Corpus Christi) recorded the win and complete game for the Express. In his seven innings of work Campbell struck out four batters, gave up four hits, and allowed no runs in the complete game victory. Campbell improves to 4-1 with a .66 ERA.

In game two of the double-header yesterday offense was still hard to come by. The teams traded runs in the third and fourth innings, with Madison scoring one in the bottom of the third and Eau Claire responding with one of their own in the top of the fourth after a Nate Baumann (Augustana) sacrifice fly to center-field. Madison scored one more run in the bottom of the sixth giving the Mallards the lead and eventually the victory 2-1.

Felix Cardenas (UTPB) took the loss for the Express. Cardenas pitched six strong innings, giving up seven hits and two earned runs.

The Express play the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters today in a double-header, first game scheduled for 1:05 p.m. at Jack Hackman field in Marshfield, WI.

Express sweep Rafters

The Eau Claire Express swept the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters in a double-header yesterday 13-2 and 13-1. With the victories the Express improve to 11-3 on the second half of the 2010 Northwoods League season and increase their lead over the second place Wisconsin Woodchucks by a game and a half in the South division. After the back-to-back losses the Rafters fall to 4-9 and are 6.5 back of first place Eau Claire.

The first game of the day was played at Jack Hackman Field in Marshfield, WI, located an hour and twenty minutes for Eau Claire and thirty minutes from Wisconsin Rapids. The teams exchanged runs in the first, with each team scoring two, but after that it was all Express. Eau Claire went on to score three runs in the second and seventh innings, and one run in each of the fourth, fifth, sixth, eighth, and ninth innings. Nolan Fadness, (UW-Oskhosh) DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai), and Andy Leonard (UIC) all scored two runs in the contest and Express catcher Nathan Orf (UIC) scored three.

Brad Goldberg (Costal Carolina) recorded the win for the Express. Goldberg went the distance pitching all seven innings, allowing two runs on six hits and striking out five.

Game two saw a similar result with the Express offense scoring at will. Eau Claire scored in the first inning after Nathan Orf (UIC) hit a RBI single scoring Express short-stop Ty Forney (Yavapai). The Express scored three more runs in the second after Nolan Fadness hit a RBI single scoring his brother Will Fadness (South Mountain CC). Later in the inning Express center-fielder Steve McGuiggan (UIC) hit a single scoring Fadness and Drew Heithoff (Augustana) and pushing the Express lead to 4-0.

The Express offense scored a total of nine runs in the fifth through eighth innings and by the end of the game Eau Claire tallied a total of 13 runs on 14 hits. Matthew McDaniel took the win for the Express. McDaniel went the entire seven innings, allowing one earned run allowing on five hits and striking out six.

The Express welcome the Rafters back to Carson Park today, first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

Express lose to Rafters

The Eau Claire Express lost last night to the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters 8-1. With the loss Eau Claire falls to 11-4 on the second half of the 2010 Northwoods League season. The Express are 6-4 in their last ten games and retain sole possession of first place in the South Division. Eau Claire leads the Wisconsin Woodchucks by just a half game. The Madison Mallards are in the midst of a four game winning streak and trail the first place Express by one game. With the victory last night the Rafters improve to 5-9 on the second half of the season.

After dominating the Rafters in a double-header on Saturday, the Express were on the receiving end last night. The Express managed only one run on five hits the entire game. Eau Claire's offense was unable to string the five hits together and never really threatened the Rapid's pitching staff. The Rafters on the other hand seemed determined to avenge the double digit losses the Express dealt them at home this past weekend.

Wisconsin Rapids scored early and often with single runs in the second, fourth and fifth innings. With the score 3-0 in favor of the Rafters the game was still in reach until the top of the seventh when Evan Laude (Rhode Island) hit a grand slam home run blowing the game wide open for Wisconsin Rapids. The game ended 8-1 in favor of the Rafters.

Rudy Jaramillo (New Mexico) took the loss for the Express. Jaramillo went six innings, giving up four earned runs on seven hits. With the loss Jaramillo falls to 3-2 on the season with a 2.30 ERA.

The Express travel to Green Bay today to take on the Bullfrogs, first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Express defeat Bullfrogs 11-1

The Eau Claire Express were victorious last night defeating the Green Bay Bullfrogs 11-1. With the win Eau Claire improves to 12-4 on the second half of 2010 Northwoods League season. The Express retain their slim one game lead over the Madison Mallards for first place in the South division. The Mallards are currently riding a five game winning streak and Wisconsin Woodchucks trail the first place Express by a game and a half.

The Express got on the board early in the first inning after Ty Forney (Yavapai) scored on a passed ball and Nolan Fadness (UW-Oskhosh) was driven home on a Josh Scheffert (Nebraska) sacrifice fly. Eau Claire finished the scoring after Andy Leonard (UIC) hit a RBI single scoring DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai) and giving the Express 3-0.

Eau Claire scored two more runs in the third and one in the eighth, but the deciding moment of the game came in the top of ninth when the Express scored five runs on four hits and sealed the victory 11-1.

Dietrich Enns (Central Michigan) recorded the win for Eau Claire. Enns pitched six solid innings, giving up one earned run on eight hits and striking out five. Drew Freie (DMACC) tallied third save of the season for Eau Claire.

The Express continue their series in Green Bay tonight, first pitched scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Eau Claire returns home to Carson Park tomorrow night to take on the Waterloo Bucks. Wednesday night's game is sponsored by AT&T and Peace Church and All Eau Claire Parks and Recreation participants will receive free admission with their Parks and Rec t-shirt or wristband. Fans bringing non-perishable food donations for the B-Side Community will receive free admission.

Be part of the "Orange Out" at Carson Park!

The Eau Claire Express have qualified for the Northwoods League Postseason for the second season in a row! That means Carson Park will be the host to at least one playoff game! The date of this game will be determined closer to the end of the year, as the schedule depends on the records of the two South Division teams qualifying for the playoffs. Eau Claire will host a game on either August 17 or 18.

The Express are encouraging all fans to wear their "Express Orange" shirts to the first playoff game to support the team. If you have an orange Express shirt, wear it to the park. If you do not own an orange Express shirt, we will be selling orange playoff t-shirts that will be arriving soon! Shirts cost $10 apiece and will be available at Express home games beginning the first week of August. Keep an eye on the website, as we will post when they become available. Join us in giving the Express a real home-field advantage in the Divisional Series of the playoffs and show your support by wearing your orange!

Express defeat Bullfrogs again

The Eau Claire Express won again last night defeating the Green Bay Bullfrogs 11-5. With the victory the Express improve to 13-4 on the second half of the 2010 Northwoods League season. Eau Claire remains in first place in the South division, a game and a half over the Wisconsin Woodchucks. With the loss Green Bay falls to 7-8 on the second half of the season and 5 games back of the first place Express.

Eau Claire's offense remained red hot last night, scoring 11 runs on 17 hits. The Express and the Bullfrogs traded runs in the second inning, but the Express found their rhythm in the top of third. Cal Towey (Baylor) started the scoring after he hit a RBI single scoring Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara). Nate Baumann (Augustana) followed with a RBI single of his own scoring DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai) and Nathan Orf (UIC) and giving Eau Claire the lead 4-1. Green Bay answered in the top of the fifth with three runs of their own and tieing the game at 4-4.

The Express offense would not be denied last night, scoring two runs in the sixth, four in the seventh and one in the ninth. Lucas Herbst, Cal Towey and Ty Forney (Yavapai) all recorded three hits on the night and Express starter Josh Scheffert (Nebraska) got the win. Scheffert went 5 innings, giving up 4 earned runs on 8 hits and striking out 3. Scheffert improves to 3-0 on the season with a 2.81 ERA.

The Express welcome the Waterloo Bucks to Carson Park tonight, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Eau Claire is just 1-4 against Waterloo this season, but the Express offense is red hot scoring 22 runs in their last 2 games. Tonight is "Parks and Rec Night" along with "Big Brother Big Sisters Night." Fans wearing their Parks and Rec t-shirts and wrist-bands get in free. Tonight is also "Church Night" and the fans who bring a perishable food item also get into the game for free.

Express continue their winning ways

The Eau Claire Express won again last night defeating the Waterloo Bucks 14-6. With the victory at Carson Park the Express improve to 14-4 on the second half of the Northwoods League season and remain in first place in the South division. Eau Claire is in the midst of a 3 game winning streak and pushed their lead in the South to 2.5 games over the Wisconsin Woodchucks. With the loss Waterloo falls to 5-10 on the second half of the season.

Last night's game was a continuation of Eau Claire's recent offense onslaught, with the Express scoring 14 runs on 19 hits. The Express got on the board in the bottom of the first after DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai) hit a 2 run RBI single scoring Nolan Fadness (UW-Oskhosh) and Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara). Tidwell later scored on a fielder's choice and the Express took the early lead 3-0.

Eau Claire scored 5 runs in the fourth and 5 in the fifth and blew the game wide open. Lucas Herbst sparked the Express offense after he hit a 3 run home run. Eau Claire batted around the order twice in the game and 5 Express players had multiple hits in the game.

Ian Campbell (Corpus Christi) recorded his fifth win on the season. Campbell went 5 innings, giving up 3 earned runs on 6 hits and struck out 4. With the win Campbell improves to 5-1 with a 1.18 ERA.

The Express continue their series with the Bucks tonight at Carson Park, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Tonight is Chippewa Valley Chiropractic Alliance Night and another Thirsty Thursday with $2 20 oz. beer and soda throughout the ball game. The Express are also home on Saturday and that will be sponsored by Cesspool Cleaners. Looking ahead, the Express have a very special promotion scheduled for Tuesday Night as the team will wear Pink Uniforms in support of Breast Cancer Awareness sponsored by the Marshfield Clinic.

Express shutout Bucks 6-0

The Eau Claire Express defeated the Waterloo Bucks for the second straight night in a row 6-0. The Express scored 6 runs on 7 hits and shut out the Bucks for their 15^th win on the second half of the season. Eau Claire is in the midst of a 4 game win streak and continues to lead the Northwoods League South Division by 3 games. With the loss Waterloo falls to 5-11 on the second half of the season and 8.5 games back of the first place Express.

Eau Claire starting pitcher Felix Cardenas (UTPB) controlled the game last night, throwing 7 solid innings and shutting down the Buck's offense. Cardenas allowed only 3 hits and struck out 6 Waterloo batters over his 7 innings of work. Trevor Bayless (San Diego Univ.) made his first appearance at Carson Park coming on in relief in the eighth inning. Cardenas improves to 4-3 on the season with a 2.18 ERA.

The Express scored first in the bottom of the third after DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai) hit a towering solo home run to deep left field. Eau Claire added another run in the fourth after Nolan Fadness (UW-Oskhosh) hit a RBI single scoring Ty Forney (Yavapai) and giving the Express the lead 2-0.

The Express tacked on 2 more insurance runs in the seventh and 2 more in the eighth, making the final score 6-0 in favor of Eau Claire.

The Express are in La Crosse tonight to take on the Loggers. The team returns to Carson Park tomorrow to continue their series with the La Crosse, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Express defeat Loggers 5-4

La Crosse snaps Eau Claire's winning streak

The Eau Claire Express lost tonight in La Crosse 8-6. The Loggers snapped Eau Claire's 5 game winning streak and with the loss the Express fall to 17-5 on the second half of the Northwoods League season. The Express retain first place in the South Division and remain 2.5 games ahead of the second place Wisconsin Woodchucks. With the victory the Loggers improve to 13-9 on the second of the season and 4 games back of the first place Express.

In tonight's contest the Loggers scored early in the bottom of the first putting up 2 runs on 3 hits and taking the lead 2-0. The Express answered in the top of the third after DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai) hit a 2 run RBI single tieing the game at 2-2. Eau Claire's offense was done scoring runs and in the top of the fourth Express right-field Nat eBaumann (Augustana) hit a 2 run home run scoring Josh Scheffert (Nebraska) and giving Eau Claire the lead 4-2.

The Express kept the pressure on the Loggers in the top of the fifth after Eau Claire first-baseman Josh Scheffert hit a 2 run home run of his own pushing the lead to 6-2. La Crosse answered with a 4 run 4 hit sixth inning tieing the game at 6-6. With momentum on their side the Loggers put up 2 more runs in the eighth and sealed the victory 8-6.

Express starter Rudy Jaramillo (New Mexico) got a no decision in the contest. Jaramillo pitched 6 innings, giving up 6 runs on 10 hits and striking out 3. Trevor Bayless (San Diego Univ.) took the loss for Eau Claire.

The Express return home to Carson Park tomorrow night to take on the Wisconsin Woodchucks in a pivotal game in the South Division. The Woodchucks enter tomorrow night's contest on a 3 game winning streak and 2.5 games back of the first place Express. Tomorrow night's home game promotion is sponsored by Marshfield Clinic. Tomorrow is "Breast Cancer Awareness Night" at Carson Park and the Express will wear pink jerseys and hats and will use pink bats. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. and free bookmarks and re-usable tote bags will be given away at the gate!

Express defeat Woodchucks 8-3

The Eau Claire Express were victorious last night defeating the Wisconsin Woodchucks 8-3. With the victory the Express improve to 18-5 on the second half of the Northwoods League season and remain in sole possesion of first place in the South Division. With the loss the Woodchucks fall to 14-8 on the second half and slip to 3.5 games back of the first place Express.

Eau Claire scored early on in the contest in the bottom of the first after Express first-baseman Josh Scheffert (Nebraska) hit a RBI double scoring Nolan Fadness and giving Eau Claire the lead 1-0.

The Woodchucks answered in the top of the third with 3 runs on 2 hits, but the Express were quick to respond with a 4 run third inning. Steve McGuiggan was hit by a pitched and forced in Ty Forney (Yavapai). Later in the inning Nate Baumann (Augustana) hit a 2 run home run and the Express regained the lead 5-3.

Eau Claire's offense was done scoring on the night and DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai) continued the scoring after he hit a RBI single in the bottom of the seventh scoring Nate Baumann. Express third-baseman Andy Leonard (UIC) capped off the night with a 2 run home run, sealing the victory for Eau Claire 8-3.

Dietrich Enns (Central Michigan) got the win for the Express. Enns pitched 6 innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits and striking out 5. Enns improves to 3-1 on the season with a 2.05 ERA. Scott Marinier (Central Michigan) recorded his second save on the season.

The teams continue their series tonight at Carson Park, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Express continue to roll; take down Mallards 6-5

The 2010 season has been a magical one for the Express thus far, and on Thursday night they proved that even further, when they tied a franchise record of 42 victories in a season, set by the 2007 team.

The Express traveled to Madison on Thursday, after an off day on Wednesday, to take on the Mallards in the first game of a three game series. The series has more importance to the Mallards, as they are trying to earn a second half South Division title or wrap-up the second best overall record in the division in order to make the playoffs.

The importance really didn't matter much to the Express though, as like many games this season, the team has found a way to win when they did not have their best outing. The Express were outhit in the game 14-to-nine, but still managed to outscore the Mallards 6-5.

The Express got off to a fast start in the first inning putting up three runs on the Mallards starting pitcher, Matt Morgan (Purdue). Unfortunately, the Mallards answered right back with three runs of their own in their half of the first inning.

The game looked like it was going to be a shootout when the Express answered back with two runs in the second to take a 5-3 lead. They held that lead until the third, when Madison scored two runs on Express starter Felix Cardenas (UTPB). Those runs tied the game, 5-5, and also ended the night for Cardenas.

It was the shortest outing of the season for Cardenas, who has been one of the top pitchers on the team this season. That opened the door for Drew Freie (DMACC), who, for his second straight outing, came in and shut the door after a short outing by an Express starter.

With the game tied, 5-5, the Express added one run in the fifth inning to take a 6-5 lead, one they would hold on to for the rest of the game. The Mallards threatened in the ninth inning when Josh Parr (Illionois) and Reed Gragnani (Virginia) hit back-to-back singles off of Express reliever Harvey Martin (Central Michigan). Kyle Gaedele (Valparaiso) hit into a double play though in the next at-bat and Martin struck out Lucas LeBlanc (Delgado CC) to end the game.

Ty Forney (Yavapai), Nathan Orf (UIC) and DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai) continued their offensive surge, each accounting for two hits in the game. Freie earned his second straight victory out of the bullpen and Martin earned his third save of the year.

Drew Heithoff (Augustana) was 0-2 on the night, which snapped his 16-game hitting streak. Tuesday night, Heithoff hit in his 16^th straight game to break the franchise record previously held by Jake Jefferies at 15. Heithoff still remains in the top two amongst Northwoods League hitters in batting average, hitting .398.

The Express will take on the Mallards again on Friday night at Warner Park in Madison with the game set to start at 7:05 p.m. The Express will look to break the franchise record for wins in a season as they search for their 43^rd victory.

You can catch the game on 790 WAYY, with the voice of the Express, Scott Montesano. The game can also be viewed via webcast by visiting northwoodsleague.com and clicking on the TV link.

Mallards shutdown Express

The new franchise record for wins in a season will have to wait another day for the Eau Claire Express, as they dropped Friday night's game to the Madison Mallards, 7-0. The Express are currently tied with the 2007 Express team for wins in a single season, at 42.

The Express were outhit by the Mallards Thursday night but still found a way to win. They also found a way to win with their starting pitcher, Felix Cardenas (UTPB) only going three innings. Friday night, the Express were not as fortunate.

The Mallards got off to a fast start against Express starting pitcher Matt McDaniel (San Diego State) and never looked back. Kyle Gaedele (Valparaiso) hit a two-run homer in the first inning to give the Mallards the early 2-0 lead.

Mallards catcher Jon Pierre Garcia (Southeastern CC) hit a solo home run in the second inning to extend the lead to 3-0. The Mallards tacked on two more runs in the third inning to chase McDaniel.

It was the second game in a row the Express starting pitcher lasted only three innings. Scott Marinier (Central Michigan) pitched five innings of relief to help save the Express bullpen.

The Mallards finished off the scoring in the fifth inning when Lucas LeBlanc (Delgado CC) hit another two-run home run to take a 7-0 lead.

Offensively, the Express struggled to put together any real threat against Tyler Jones (Madison College), the Mallards starting pitcher. Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara) and DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai) led the way with two hits for the Express offense.

Ty Forney (Yavapai), Andy Leonard (UIC), Michael Blatchford (Creighton) and Drew Heithoff (Augustana) accounted for all the other Express hits. The Express finished with the same number of hits as the Mallards but simply could not string anything together.

The closest threat to scoring came in the ninth inning when the Express loaded the bases with one out, but Blatchford flew out to shallow right field and Heithoff struck out to end the threat, and the game.

Tidwell's two hits extended his hitting streak to 12-games, a night after teammate Drew Heithoff's 16-game hitting streak came to an end.

The Express face the Mallards again Saturday night in the series finale and the regular season finale between the two teams. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. at Warner Park in Madison.

The game will once again be broadcast on 790 WAYY with play-by-play from Scott Montesano. It will also be available on webcast at northwoodsleague.com by clicking the TV link on the home page.

The Express will return home for three games beginning Sunday when they take on the Wisconsin Woodchucks.

Express drop series finale to Mallards

The last time the Eau Claire Express lost two games in a row, it came at the hands of the Wisconsin Woodchucks, during a July 15 double-header. Saturday night, the Express lost their second consecutive game to the Madison Mallards, 7-4.

The Express struggled to stop the Mallards offense all weekend, allowing 19 runs in the three game series.

Saturday night, Brad Goldberg (Coastal Carolina) tried to stop the Mallards offense after Express starters Felix Cardenas (UTPB), and Matt McDaniel (San Diego St.), did not make it past the third inning the previous two nights.

The Mallards got off to a fast start, however, scoring three runs in the first inning to take an early, 3-0 lead. The Express made it 3-1 in the fourth inning on an Andy Leonard RBI single. But in the bottom half of the fourth, the Mallards added two more runs to take a 5-1 lead.

The Express threatened again in the fifth inning, when Drew Heithoff (Augustana) reached on an error to start the inning. Heithoff then stole third base and scored on a passed ball. The Express then loaded the bases with one out, but Michael Blatchford (Creighton) struck out and Will Fadness (South Mountain CC) flew out to right field to end the threat.

In the seventh inning, the Mallards added two more runs to take a 7-2 lead. The Express would add two more runs in the ninth, but it was not enough as the Mallards took the game and the series victory.

Goldberg gave the Express a solid outing, despite the three run first inning for the Mallards. Goldberg finished the night going six innings and allowing five runs.

Express center fielder, DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai), continued his hitting streak with three hits, and is now at 13-games. Heithoff went 1-for-4 in the game, which dropped his average to .386. That is still good enough for first place in the Northwoods League, just ahead of Willmar's Jordan Smith, who is at .384.

After tying the franchise record for victories in a season with 42, the Express have lost the last two games in which they tried to break the record. It is also the first time the Express have lost on back-to-back days since June 23 and June 24 when they lost two games at Waterloo.

The Express now hold on to a slim, 2.5 game lead in the South Division second half over the Green Bay Bullfrogs. The Mallards, La Crosse Loggers and Woodchucks are also chasing the Express to try and win the second half and clinch a playoff birth with the Express.

The Woodchucks travel to Eau Claire Sunday for the final time this season. The game is scheduled to start at 6:05 p.m. at Carson Park. The Express will wrap up the regular season against Battle Creek, Wisconsin Rapids and Waterloo beginning on Monday.

Express lose to Woodchucks 6-4

The Eau Claire Express lost last night to the Wisconsin Woodchucks in a rain shortened game 6-4. With the loss the Express fall to 20-8 on the second half of the Northwoods League season. Eau Claire remains in first place in the South Division, two games ahead of the Green Bay Bullfrogs and two and a half games ahead of the Woodchucks. With the victory Wisconsin improves to 17-10 on the second half of the season and added to their three game win streak. The Express are in the midst of a three game losing streak and are 6-4 in their last 10 games.

The Woodchucks scored early and often in last night's contest, scoring runs in the first second and third innings. By the time the bottom of the third came around the Express were down 4-0.

Eau Claire started to rally in the bottom of third after DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai) hit a RBI single scoring Ty Forney and giving the Express their first runs of the game. Nathan Orf (UIC) followed suit with a RBI single of his own scoring Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara). Express first-baseman Josh Scheffert (Nebraska) hit a sacrifice fly scoring Tidwell and Eau Claire was back in the game.

The Woodchucks answered with two runs in the top of the fifth increasing their lead to 6-3. The Express quickly answered in their half of the fifth with a solo home run from Josh Scheffert and Eau Claire pulled within two runs. Unfortunately the rain descended on Carson Park and the game was quickly called.

Rudy Jaramillo (New Mexico) took the loss for the Express. Jaramillo went 5 innings, giving up 6 earned runs on 5 hits. Jaramillo falls to 3-3 on the season with a 3.67 ERA.

The Express open up a two game series tonight in Carson Park against the Battle Creek Bombers. Tonight's promotion is "Live United Night" sponsored by Xcel Energy and Express trading cards will be handed out at the gate.

Fan Deck prices to drop to $25 for playoff game(s)

Eau Claire, Wis. - August 6, 2010- The Eau Claire Express front office announced today and adjustment to playoff ticket prices for the 2010 season. Fan Deck prices will be $5 lower than regular season pricing for all home playoff games. The Fan Deck will continue to open an hour before first pitch. Beer and soda are available right away, with food starting to be served a half-hour before game-time.

Pricing for other seating areas at Carson Park will remain the same as previously announced. General admission seating is available for $6, reserved grandstand seats are available for $7 and reserved box seats are available for $9.

Tickets are available at the Express office at 108 E. Grand Avenue, the Carson Park box office during games and online at www.eauclaireexpress.com. The Northwoods League regular season ends August 16, with the divisional playoffs beginning the next day. Carson Park will host a game on either August 17 or 18. Keep an eye on the Express website for details of which date the Express will play at home.

Express bomb Battle Creek 7-1

The Eau Claire Express were victorious last night defeating the Battle Creek Bombers 7-1. With the win the Express improve to 21-8 on the second half of the Northwoods season. Eau Claire remains in first place in the South Division two and a half games ahead of the Wisconsin Woodchucks and Madison Mallards. With the loss Battle Creek falls to 5-24 on the second half of the season.

Battle Creek scored first last night in the top of the third and the Express were quick to respond. Express catcher Nathan Orf (UIC) started the Eau Claire offense with a two run double scoring Ty Forney (Yavapai) and Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara).

That was all the Bomber's offense could muster last night, with the Express doing the rest of the scoring during the game. Eau Claire scored three runs in the sixth after Will Fadness (South Moutain CC) hit a RBI single scoring Nathan Orf. Michael Blatchford (Creighton) forced a walk and Drew Heithoff (Augustana) hit a RBI single scoring Andrew Leonard (UIC) and making the score 5-1.

The Express would tack on two more insurance runs in the bottom of eighth and the ended 7-1. Josh Scheffert (Nebraska) recorded the win for Eau Claire. Scheffert threw five strong innings, giving up one run on seven hits and striking out four. Scheffert improves to 4-0 on the season with 2.14 ERA.

The Express continue their series tonight with the Bombers at Carson Park, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Express sweep Bombers

The Eau Claire Express defeated the Battle Creek Bombers again last night 7-0. With the victory the Express improve to 22-8 on the second half of the 2010 Northwoods league season. Eau Claire remains in first place in the South Division and hold a two and half game lead over the Wisconsin Woodchucks and Madison Mallards. With the loss Battle Creek falls to 5-25 on the second half.

The Express offense was in full strength last night. Nathan Orf (UIC) started the scoring last night in the bottom of the second after he hit a solo home run giving the Express the lead 1-0. Josh Scheffert (Nebraska) continued the scoring after he hit a RBI single scoring Nate Baumann (Augustana) and making it a 2-0 game.

Eau Claire scored two more in the bottom of the third after DeMarcus Tidwell (Yavapai) was driven home on an Andy Leonard (UIC) ground out. Nate Baumann capped off the inning after he hit a RBI single scoring Nathan Orf and giving the Express a 4-0 lead.

The Express continued to score, putting single runs up in the seventh and the eighth and putting the game out of reach. Ian Campbell (Corpus Christi) recorded his seventh win of the season last night. Campbell pitched seven strong innings, giving up no runs on three hits and striking out three. Campbell improves 7-1 on the season with a 1.36 ERA.

The Express travel to Wisconsin Rapids tonight to take on the Rafters in the first of a three game series. Eau Claire returns home to Carson Park Thursday for their last regular season home game. Thursday is fan appreciation night with various gifts and prizes being given out through out the game.

Tailgate party to take place before playoff game

Eau Claire, Wis. -  To celebrate the success of the 2010 Eau Claire Express season the Express will be having a tailgate gathering outside of Carson Park prior to the first playoff game. The game is now tentatively scheduled for Tuesday the 17^th or Wednesday the 18^th. See the website for updated details on the date of the game. The tailgate will take place before the first home playoff game from 4:30-6:30pm. The celebration will include happy hour beer prices ($2.00 for domestic taps) and bratwurst baskets (Gordy's Express brat, chips and a soda) for $3.00. There will be yard games set up for your chance to win Gordy's gift cards. Gordy's will be on site with Pump Perks giveaways throughout the tailgate. We will be having a dunk tank featuring WQOW's very own weatherman Doug Michaels. There will be music, food and fun for everyone. Be a part of celebrating the 2010 Eau Claire Express. Bring the whole family out to Carson Park to celebrate the team and wrap up the summer. Also don't forget about the ORANGE OUT for playoff games. Buy your orange playoff shirt at a regular season game, call the office to reserve a size, or simply wear any orange Eau Claire Express apparel you already own!

Dates are tentative as we wait for the playoff teams to be finalized. Please visit the website for updates. The tailgate party will take place before the first home playoff game that we host, either Tuesday the 17^th or Wednesday the 18^th. Baseball is America's pastime, tailgating is a true Wisconsin tradition, and Gordy's is your home for bottom-line prices. You don't want to miss this event! Come dressed in orange and ready to have a good time.

Express beat Rafters

The Eau Claire Express were victorious again last night defeating the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters 10-3. With the win the Express improve to 23-8 on the second half of the 2010 Northwoods League season. The Express are still in first place and remain two and a half games ahead of the Wisconsin Woodchucks. The Woodchucks are in the midst of a six game winning streak and hope to ride the win streak into the playoffs next week. With the loss the Rafters fall to 7-25 on the second half of the season.

The Rafters scored a lone run in the top of the first, but wouldn't get another run until the top of the eighth. The Express didn't score a run until the bottom of the fifth when Michael Blatchford (Creighton) hit a gland slam home run blowing the game wide open. With Blatchford's home run every Express position player has hit a home run this season. Felix Cardenas (UTPB) had another stellar performance last night, throwing six strong innings, giving up one earned run on six hits and striking out nine. Cardenas improves to 5-3 with a 2.73 ERA.

The Express continue their series today with the Rafters at Carson Park, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Tonight will be the Express' last regular season home game and besides Fan Appreciation Night festivities, the team will also be giving away the official 2010 team poster.

Express sink Rafters 11-2

The Eau Claire Express defeated the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters for the second time in two nights last night 11-2. With the victory the Express improve to 24-8 on the second half of the 2010 Northwoods League season. Eau Claire remains in sole possession of first place in the South Division and retains their two and a half game lead over the surging Wisconsin Woodchucks. The Woodchucks are in the midst of a seven game winning streak and look to make up some ground on the Express in the remaining games of the regular season. With the loss the Rafters fall to 7-26 on second half and 18-48 overall.

In last night's contest both teams scored single runs in the first inning, but after that the scoring was a bit loop sided in favor of the Express. Eau Claire scored again in the third inning after Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara) hit a sacrifice fly scoring Nolan Fadness (UW-Oskhosh) and gave the Express the lead 2-1.

The Express scoring didn't cease in the fourth and fifth innings after Will Fadness (South Mountain CC) hit a two run home run in the fourth and Nathan Orf (UIC) hit a sacrifice fly in the fifth giving Eau Claire a commanding 5-2 lead.

Eau Claire seized the victory in the bottom of the seventh after Lucas Herbst started the scoring with a RBI single scoring Nolan Fadness. Nathan Orf followed with a two run double scoring Herbst and Drew Heithoff (Augustana) and the game was seemingly over. Orf would later score on a wild pitch giving the Express a 9-2 lead.

Eau Claire tacked on two more runs in the eighth and the game ended 11-2 in favor of the Express. Matthew McDaniel (San Diego St.) recorded his seventh win of the season. McDaniel improves to 7-2 on the season with a 3.76 ERA. McDaniel threw six strong innings last night, giving up two earned runs on three hits and striking out six.

The Express continue their series with the Rafters in Wisconsin Rapids tonight, first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Express continue to dominate Rafters

The Eau Claire Express were victorious again defeating the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters 11-1 in Witter Field last night. With the win the Express sweep the three game series with the Rafters and improve to 25-8 on the second half of the 2010 Northwoods League season. Eau Claire remains in first place in the South Division and maintain a two and a half game lead over the surging Wisconsin Woodchucks. The Woodchucks are currently on an eight game winning streak and hope to separate themselves from the rest of the South Division contenders. With the loss the Rafters fall to 7-27 on the second half of the season.

Last night's contest followed a similar script from the previous meetings between the two teams. The Express scored in bunches with a six run third and a four run fourth inning. Andy Leonard (UIC) started the scoring for the Express after he hit a RBI single scoring Nolan Fadness (UW-Oskhosh). Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara) later scored on a wild pitch and Nathan Orf (UIC) scored on a Josh Scheffert (Nebraska) ground out. Drew Heithoff (Augustana) followed with a RBI single scoring Leonard and gave the Express a 4-0 lead.

Later on in the inning Will Fadness (South Moutain CC) hit a RBI double scoring Heithoff and Joe Copas (Minn. Duluth) brought Fadness home on a RBI single. The Express offense was clicking on all cylinders last night scoring 11 runs on 11 hits. Brad Goldberg (Coastal Carolina) recorded his third win of the season. Goldberg pitched six innings last night, giving up one run on on five hits and striking out six. Goldberg improves to 3-5 on the season with a 3.97 ERA.

The Express travel to Waterloo today to take on the Bucks, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Express continue to roll

The Eau Claire Express won again last night defeating the Waterloo Bucks 5-1. With the victory the Express improve to 26-8 on the second half of the Northwoods League season and remain in sole possession of first place in the South Division. Eau Claire maintains a two and a half game lead over the Wisconsin Woodchucks who are in the midst of a nine game winning streak. With the loss Waterloo falls to 10-23 on the second half.

The Express got on the board first last night in the top of the third after Nathan Orf (UIC) hit a sacrifice fly scoring Drew Heithoff (Augustana) giving Eau Claire the lead 1-0.

The Express and Waterloo exchanged single runs in the fifth, but the deciding moment came in the top of the ninth when Eau Claire put up three runs on three hits and opened up a 5-1 lead. Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara) started the scoring with a RBI double brining home Nathan Orf and Josh Scheffert (Nebraska) followed suit with a two run double of his own scoring Herbst and Express right-fielder Nate Baumann (Augustana).

Drew Freie (DMACC) recorded his third win of the season for the Express. Freie came on in relief of Rudy Jaramillo (New Mexico) and pitched three innings, giving up one earned run on three hits. Freie improves to 3-0 on the season with a 1.59 ERA.

The Express continue their series tonight with the Bucks in Waterloo, first pitched scheduled for 3:05 p.m.

NWL playoffs to be determined on season's final day

Eau Claire, Wis. - The Eau Claire Express have known that they would be playing in the Northwoods League postseason for quite some time. Unfortunately, they will have to wait another day to find out who their first opponent will be.

The La Crosse Loggers ended the Wisconsin's winning streak tonight, thus preventing the Woodchucks from clinching a spot in the Northwoods League playoffs. That, along with Madison's win over Green Bay, ensures that the playoff picture will not become clear until the final day of the regular season. Eau Claire has already clinched home-field advantage throughout the Northwoods League playoffs. St. Cloud clinched the second-half title in the North Division on Sunday, so the only thing yet to be determined is the second participant in the South Division Finals.

The Woodchucks have been tough to beat lately and control their own destiny because of that. If Wisconsin defeats La Crosse tomorrow night, they will qualify for the playoffs and will travel to Eau Claire to play the Express on Tuesday. If the Woodchucks lose and Madison beats Green Bay tomorrow, the Mallards will qualify for the postseason and will host the Express on Tuesday. If both Wisconsin and Madison lose on Monday, the Woodchucks will claim the final playoff spot.

The question all Express fans have been asking is when the first home game will be played at Carson Park. Unfortunately, that has still not been determined. If Wisconsin is Eau Claire's first round opponent, the Express will play games one (Tuesday) and three (Thursday, if necessary) at home and will play game two (Wednesday) in Wausau. Eau Claire will open the playoffs on the road if the Mallards are their opponent, traveling to Madison for game one (Tuesday) before returning home for games two (Wednesday) and three (Thursday, if necessary).

Start time for all games played at Carson Park during the divisional series will be 6:35 PM. Gates will open at 5:30 as usual. The playoff tailgate party will begin at 4:30 PM outside Carson Park on the day of the first home playoff game. The tailgate will include $2.00 tap beers along with brat baskets (brat, chips, soda) for $3.00. Fans will have the opportunity to play yard games with a chance to win Gordy's gift cards along with the chance to take part in the dunk tank. Throws will be 3-for-$1.

Tickets are still available for the first home playoff game. General admission, reserved grandstand and reserved box seats are all $1 higher than regular season pricing ($6, $7 and $9). Fan deck prices are $25 apiece, which is $5 lower than during the regular season. Tickets may be purchased at www.eauclaireexpress.com or by calling the Express office.

2010 Northwoods League All-Stars
North Division
Robbie Robinson	C	Mankato MoonDogs	JR	Valparaiso University
Chadd Krist	C	Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers	SO	University of California
Matt Dittman	1B	Rochester Honkers	JR	University of Illinois
Cody Asche	1B	Duluth Huskies	SO	University of Nebraska
Evan Mistich	2B	Thunder Bay Border Cats	SO	Panola College (TX)
Jordan Steranka	3B	Mankato MoonDogs	SO	Penn State University
Steve Nystizor	SS	St. Cloud River Bats	FR	Rutgers University
Marcus Semien	SS	Alexandria Beetles	SO	University of California
Isaac Ballou	OF	Willmar Stingers	FR	Marshall University
Jordan Smith	OF	Willmar Stingers	FR	St. Cloud State University
John Schultz	OF	St. Cloud River Bats	JR	University of Pittsburgh
Casey Lytle	OF	Duluth Huskies	JR	Kansas University
Tanner Nivins	OF	Thunder Bay Border Cats	FR	Stony Brook University (NY)
Sander Beck	RHP	Alexandria Beetles	SO	University of Maryland
Kyle Teague	RHP	Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers	SO	Oakland University (MI)
Nick Anderson	RHP	Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers	SO	St. Cloud State University
Robbie Collier	LHP	Duluth Huskies	JR	University of North Florida
Ben Hughes	RHP	Duluth Huskies	SO	St. Olaf College (MN)
Ian Kadish	RHP	Rochester Honkers	JR	Marshall University
Mike Strong	LHP	Rochester Honkers	JR	Oklahoma State University
Jason Wheeler	LHP	St. Cloud River Bats	SO	Loyola Marymount University
Garrett Yount	RHP	Thunder Bay Border Cats	SO	Rollins College (FL)
Zak Miller	RHP	Thunder Bay Border Cats	FR	University of New Mexico
Eric Brown	RHP	Thunder Bay Border Cats	JR	University of British Columbia
Drew Erwin	RHP	Thunder Bay Border Cats	JR	Nicholls State University
Charley Olson	RHP	Willmar Stingers	JR	Georgia State University

South Division
Adam Davis	C	Madison Mallards	SO	University of Illinois
Chris O'Dowd	C	La Crosse Loggers	FR	Dartmouth College
Harold Riggins	1B	Madison Mallards	SO	North Carolina State University
Drew Heithoff	2B	Eau Claire Express	JR	Augustana College (SD)
Mike Marjama	3B	La Crosse Loggers	SO	Sacramento City College
Josh Parr	SS	Madison Mallards	SO	University of Illinois
Brad Zapenas	SS	Green Bay Bullfrogs	SO	Boston College
Steve McGuiggan	OF	Eau Claire Express	JR	University of Illinois at Chicago
Scott Schebler	OF	Green Bay Bullfrogs	SO	Des Moines Area CC
Kyle Gaedele	OF	Madison Mallards	SO	Valparaiso University
Brandon King	OF	Wisconsin Woodchucks	SO	Fresno City College
Pat Stover	OF	Waterloo Bucks	FR	Santa Clara University
Cody Koback	OF	Wisconsin Rapids Rafters	SO	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Joe Battistelli	RHP	Battle Creek Bombers	FR	Eastern Michigan University
Felix Cardenas	LHP	Eau Claire Express	JR	University of Texas, Permian Basin
Ian Campbell	RHP	Eau Claire Express	JR	Texas A&M Corpus Christi
Rudy Jaramillo	LHP	Eau Claire Express	SO	University of New Mexico
Riley Tincher	LHP	Green Bay Bullfrogs	JR	U of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Brad Schreiber	RHP	Green Bay Bullfrogs	FR	Purdue University
Matt Flemer	RHP	La Crosse Loggers	SO	University of California
Tony Mueller	RHP	La Crosse Loggers	SO	Winona State University (MN)
Matt LaMothe	RHP	Madison Mallards	SO	Oakland University (MI)
Taylor Massey	LHP	Waterloo Bucks	SO	Weatherford College (TX)
Luke Putz	RHP	Waterloo Bucks	JR	University of Minnesota, Mankato
Jared Wagoner	RHP	Waterloo Bucks	JR	Butler University
Jayson McClaren	RHP	Wisconsin Woodchucks	SO	University of Nevada