Express lose first game of playoffs 3-2

2010-08-18

The Eau Claire Express lost last night to the Wisconsin Woodchucks 3-2 in the first game of the 2010 Northwoods League Divisional round playoffs. With the loss the Express fall behind 0-1 in the best of three series. The Woodchucks entered the series red hot winning 10 of their last 11 games.

Last night's contest in Carson Park was close through out. The Woodchucks got on the board first in the top of the first, scoring one run on one hit and putting the pressure on the Express right away.

Eau Claire quickly responded in the bottom of the second after Andy Leonard (UIC) grounded out and Steve McGuiggan (UIC) scored, tying the game. The Woodchucks added another lone run in the top of the third and the Express followed with a run of their own after Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara) hit a RBI single scoring Drew Heithoff (Augustana) and tying the game 2-2 after three.

The game remained up for grabs until the eighth inning when the Express' bend but don't defense finally broke and allowed one run on three hits and Wisconsin seized the lead and the momentum. After that the Express seemed deflated and went down in order in the bottom the ninth and the game ended 3-2 in favor of Wisconsin.

Express starter Felix Cardenas (UTPB) recieved a no decision in the contest. Cardenas pitched seven strong innings, giving up two earned runs on four hits and striking out four. Dietrich Enns (Central Michigan) took the loss for the Express.

The teams continue their series today in Wausau, first pitched scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

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