Express win 2010 South Division Title

2010-08-20

The Eau Claire Express defeated the Wisconsin Woodchucks last night in Carson Park 6-2 securing the 2010 Northwoods League South Division title. With the victory the Express find themselves in the Northwoods League Championship series pitted against the North Division champion Rochester Honkers. The three game series begins tonight in Carson Park, first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Last night's contest was an exciting conclusion to a well executed series by both sides. With both teams winning on the road in the series it was equal opportunity last night in Carson Park. Wisconsin started the scoring in the top of the third, but the Express were quick to respond with a two run third of their own. Steve McGuiggan (UIC) was hit by a pitch which forced Express left-fielder Nolan Fadness (UW-Oshkosh) across the plate and tied the game at 1-1. Later on in the inning Andy Leonard (UIC) grounded out to the short-stop and Lucas Herbst (Santa Clara) scored giving the Express a 2-1.

Eau Claire never looked back after the third hanging onto the lead the rest of the game. The Express scored single runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings and built a 5-1 lead going into the seventh. The Woodchucks attempted to rally in the top half of the seventh, but only managed one run on one hit and left one man left on base. Eau Claire tacked on an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth after Express catcher Nathan Orf (UIC) hit a RBI double scoring Nolan Fadness. That proved to be all the insurance Eau Claire needed and the Express closed the game 6-2, advancing to the Northwoods League Championship series.

Matthew McDaniel (San Diego State) pitched a clutch performance last night, giving the Express six and two thirds and putting the team in prime position to win the South Division title. McDaniel gave up two earned runs on six hits and struck out two in his appearance last night and the win just adds to his already stellar 2010 resume.

The Express welcome the North Division champion Rochester Honkers to Carson Park tonight. The Honkers swept the St. Cloud River Bats in the North Division series and had yesterday off. Stop down at the depot today to get your 2010 Northwoods League Championship series tickets and come out to Carson Park tonight to support your Eau Claire Express.      

« Back to the News Archive