To the faithful readers of Leader-Telegram Sports Extra (all 12 of you) —
We have packed our bags and headed home. The Leader-Telegram sports blog will now be hosted on the Leader-Telegram's Web site. So change your bookmarks, call your friends and tell the kids.
The new blog can be found here: http://www.leadertelegram.com/blogs/blogs.asp?id=4
But wait, there's more. In the first of what should be many spin-offs of the ever-popular main sports blog, Joe Ziemer and I have started an Express blog to bring you all the breaking news concerning Eau Claire's Northwoods League baseball team.
That blog can be found here: http://www.leadertelegram.com/blogs/blogs.asp?id=5
Unfortunately, that means that there won't be any new posts to this particular blog. Please go to the blogs at the L-T site from now on.
- John Casper Jr.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wendt signs with Predators
Former UW-Stout standout wide receiver Jesse Wendt, who last April signed a contract as an undrafted free agent with the Washington Redskins, has signed with the Chippewa Valley Predators of the Northern Elite Football League, Predators offensive coordinator Matt Risen said Thursday.
Wendt, a former Chetek star who set a state single-game record with 419 rushing yards as a senior with the Bulldogs during the 1998-99 season, will play in the Predators' game Saturday against the Superior Stampede. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Carson Park.
-Justin Harings
Wendt, a former Chetek star who set a state single-game record with 419 rushing yards as a senior with the Bulldogs during the 1998-99 season, will play in the Predators' game Saturday against the Superior Stampede. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Carson Park.
-Justin Harings
Monday, June 16, 2008
Express vs. Loggers
A few pregame notes for tonight's game between the Eau Claire Express and La Crosse Loggers:
* Tonight’s starter, Cal Poly right-hander D.J. Mauldin, arrived in town earlier in the day.
“We’ll see what he can bring to the table and go from there,” manager Dale Varsho said.
* Brooks Pinckard (groin) and Pat Colwell (shoulder) are available again.
* Varsho said the Chicago Cubs will be in Madison on Wednesday to watch David Cales pitch. That outing likely will determine whether or not the Cubs sign Cales, who they drafted in the 24th round earlier this month.
“They need to see him throw and then they’ll decide,” Varsho said.
* Right-hander Chris Odegaard and the Minnesota Twins still are negotiating.
* After the game, "Little Big League" will be shown on a portable screen in the outfield.
- Joe Ziemer
* Tonight’s starter, Cal Poly right-hander D.J. Mauldin, arrived in town earlier in the day.
“We’ll see what he can bring to the table and go from there,” manager Dale Varsho said.
* Brooks Pinckard (groin) and Pat Colwell (shoulder) are available again.
* Varsho said the Chicago Cubs will be in Madison on Wednesday to watch David Cales pitch. That outing likely will determine whether or not the Cubs sign Cales, who they drafted in the 24th round earlier this month.
“They need to see him throw and then they’ll decide,” Varsho said.
* Right-hander Chris Odegaard and the Minnesota Twins still are negotiating.
* After the game, "Little Big League" will be shown on a portable screen in the outfield.
- Joe Ziemer
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Injury bug biting Express
First there were the draft defections. Now it's injuries.
The already short-handed Eau Claire Express now are even more depleted. Third baseman D.J. Anderson is out two weeks with bicep tendonitis. Outfielders Pat Colwell (shoulder) and Brooks Pinckard (groin)will not play tonight against La Crosse. The extent of their injuries still is unknown.
That makes for a pretty depleted Eau Claire outfield, which is already without Erik Knutson. He'll miss three to six weeks with a sprained ankle. The only healthy outfielders are Kole Calhoun and Robbie Knight.
So, catcher Kyle Holloway very well could start in the outfield tonight. Holloway took fly balls in right field before batting practice.
On another note, I'm still waiting to hear back from Northwoods League president Dick Radatz Jr. on the status of Tuesday night's Express loss to Wisconsin. The Woodchucks used an ineligible player in right fielder Troy Frazier, who should have been suspended for the game after being ejected Monday night. Wisconsin won the game, 4-3, but there's a good case to be made that Eau Claire should win by forfeit.
- Joe Ziemer
The already short-handed Eau Claire Express now are even more depleted. Third baseman D.J. Anderson is out two weeks with bicep tendonitis. Outfielders Pat Colwell (shoulder) and Brooks Pinckard (groin)will not play tonight against La Crosse. The extent of their injuries still is unknown.
That makes for a pretty depleted Eau Claire outfield, which is already without Erik Knutson. He'll miss three to six weeks with a sprained ankle. The only healthy outfielders are Kole Calhoun and Robbie Knight.
So, catcher Kyle Holloway very well could start in the outfield tonight. Holloway took fly balls in right field before batting practice.
On another note, I'm still waiting to hear back from Northwoods League president Dick Radatz Jr. on the status of Tuesday night's Express loss to Wisconsin. The Woodchucks used an ineligible player in right fielder Troy Frazier, who should have been suspended for the game after being ejected Monday night. Wisconsin won the game, 4-3, but there's a good case to be made that Eau Claire should win by forfeit.
- Joe Ziemer
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Live updates: Barron vs. West De Pere
Looks like the rain is going to hold off for this one. Barron will go with superstar Brad Hallberg as its starting pitcher. West De Pere counters with Garrett Scray. In a first for Eau Claire area teams at this year's state tournament, Barron is the home team. Maybe that will help the Bears avoid the one-and-done fate that sent Eau Claire Memorial and Bruce home.
Top of the first inning: Nick Pierre reached on an error by the second baseman. Andy Pichler reached on a bunt single. Brent Kakwitch was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Brent Jansen struck out looking. Barron shortstop Brett Mueller nearly turned an inning-ending double play but bobbled a soft line drive from West De Pere's Travis Romenesko and everyone was safe. Pierre scored. Tony Cantalupo grounded out to the pitcher Hallberg, who initiated the always entertaining 1-2-3 double play. West De Pere grabbed a 1-0 lead, but it could have been much, much more considering the circumstances.
Bottom of the first: Josh Davidson reached on an error by the shortstop. Shay Herrman bunted him over to second. Brad Hallberg worked a 2-0 count before West De Pere intentionally walked him. Andrew Sloan grounded out to third, moving the runners up a bag. Brandon Johns bounced out to second.
I originally criticized the intentional walk of Hallberg, but shows how much I know. West De Pere leads, 1-0, after the first.
Top of the second: Garret Scray reached on an error by the shortstop and was replaced by a courtesy runner of unknown idenity. David Schneider bunted him over to second. Jake Piontek bounced out to the pitcher. Nick Pierre bounced out to the pitcher again. That's the third time Hallberg has forced a ground ball right back to him. He looks sharp.
Bottom of the second: Brett Mueller struck out looking. Jake Kittleson grounded out to first. Trevor Severson grounded out to short.
At the end of two, West De Pere leads, 1-0.
Top of the third: Andy Pichler led off with an infield single. Brent Kakwitch was hit by a pitch — again. Brent Jansen reached on a fielder's choice as Pichler was retired at third. Travis Romenesko walked and was replaced by courtesy runner Derek Willems. Tony Cantalupo flied to left and Kakwitch wisely did not try to tag. Garret Scray reached on an error by the second baseman, scoring Kakwitch. David Schneider singled down the left-field line to score Jansen and Willems. Jake Piontek grounded out to short.
Big inning for West De Pere, and the Phantoms have taken a 4-0 lead.
Bottom of the third: Justin Balts fouled out to first. Josh Davidson lined out to third. Shay Herrman struck out looking. Barron needs something to go its way, fast.
Top of the fourth: Nick Pierre was retired on a nice play by Hallberg, who chased down a weak dribbler and shoveled it to first with his glove. Andy Pichler grounded out to short. The throw was high but first baseman Andrew Sloan got the tag down. Brent Kakwitch flied out to center.
Bottom of the fourth: Brad Hallberg led off with a double, Barron's first hit of the game. Andrew Sloan grounded to first, moving the runner up a base. Brandon Johns struck out looking. Brent Mueller struck out swinging, leaving Hallberg at third.
West De Pere leads, 4-0.
Top of the fifth: Jared Hillbert replaced Hallberg at pitcher. Hallberg went to shortstop. Brent Jansen popped out to second. Travis Romenesko was hit by a pitch. Tony Cantalupo grounded out to second. Garret Scray was hit by a pitch. David Schneider popped out to second.
Bottom of the fifth: Jake Kittleson led off with a single. Trevor Severson struck out. Justin Balts reached on a fielder's choice. Josh Davidson grounded out to third.
Top of the sixth: Jake Piontek singled and stole second. Nick Pierre walked. The runners moved up a base when Barron tried to pick Piontek off second. Andy Pichler's grounder to second scored Piontek. Brent Kakwitch grounded out to third. Brent Jansen singled, scoring Pierre.
Bottom of the sixth: Shay Herrman flied out to left. Brad Hallberg grounded out to short. Andrew Sloan grounded out to third.
Top of the seventh: Tony Cantalupo flied to right. Garret Scray flied to right. David Schneider walked, but was caught stealing second.
Bottom of the seventh: Jacob Schauf pinch-hit for Brandon Johns and led off with a single. Lance Knutson pinch-hit for Brett Mueller and struck out. Jake Kittleson singled. Pinch hitter Derek Borgen struck out. Justin Balts grounded out to second to end the game.
Barron loses, 6-0, making it 0-for-3 for northwestern Wisconsin teams at the state tournament. Check tomorrow's Leader-Telegram for more.
- John Casper Jr.
Top of the first inning: Nick Pierre reached on an error by the second baseman. Andy Pichler reached on a bunt single. Brent Kakwitch was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Brent Jansen struck out looking. Barron shortstop Brett Mueller nearly turned an inning-ending double play but bobbled a soft line drive from West De Pere's Travis Romenesko and everyone was safe. Pierre scored. Tony Cantalupo grounded out to the pitcher Hallberg, who initiated the always entertaining 1-2-3 double play. West De Pere grabbed a 1-0 lead, but it could have been much, much more considering the circumstances.
Bottom of the first: Josh Davidson reached on an error by the shortstop. Shay Herrman bunted him over to second. Brad Hallberg worked a 2-0 count before West De Pere intentionally walked him. Andrew Sloan grounded out to third, moving the runners up a bag. Brandon Johns bounced out to second.
I originally criticized the intentional walk of Hallberg, but shows how much I know. West De Pere leads, 1-0, after the first.
Top of the second: Garret Scray reached on an error by the shortstop and was replaced by a courtesy runner of unknown idenity. David Schneider bunted him over to second. Jake Piontek bounced out to the pitcher. Nick Pierre bounced out to the pitcher again. That's the third time Hallberg has forced a ground ball right back to him. He looks sharp.
Bottom of the second: Brett Mueller struck out looking. Jake Kittleson grounded out to first. Trevor Severson grounded out to short.
At the end of two, West De Pere leads, 1-0.
Top of the third: Andy Pichler led off with an infield single. Brent Kakwitch was hit by a pitch — again. Brent Jansen reached on a fielder's choice as Pichler was retired at third. Travis Romenesko walked and was replaced by courtesy runner Derek Willems. Tony Cantalupo flied to left and Kakwitch wisely did not try to tag. Garret Scray reached on an error by the second baseman, scoring Kakwitch. David Schneider singled down the left-field line to score Jansen and Willems. Jake Piontek grounded out to short.
Big inning for West De Pere, and the Phantoms have taken a 4-0 lead.
Bottom of the third: Justin Balts fouled out to first. Josh Davidson lined out to third. Shay Herrman struck out looking. Barron needs something to go its way, fast.
Top of the fourth: Nick Pierre was retired on a nice play by Hallberg, who chased down a weak dribbler and shoveled it to first with his glove. Andy Pichler grounded out to short. The throw was high but first baseman Andrew Sloan got the tag down. Brent Kakwitch flied out to center.
Bottom of the fourth: Brad Hallberg led off with a double, Barron's first hit of the game. Andrew Sloan grounded to first, moving the runner up a base. Brandon Johns struck out looking. Brent Mueller struck out swinging, leaving Hallberg at third.
West De Pere leads, 4-0.
Top of the fifth: Jared Hillbert replaced Hallberg at pitcher. Hallberg went to shortstop. Brent Jansen popped out to second. Travis Romenesko was hit by a pitch. Tony Cantalupo grounded out to second. Garret Scray was hit by a pitch. David Schneider popped out to second.
Bottom of the fifth: Jake Kittleson led off with a single. Trevor Severson struck out. Justin Balts reached on a fielder's choice. Josh Davidson grounded out to third.
Top of the sixth: Jake Piontek singled and stole second. Nick Pierre walked. The runners moved up a base when Barron tried to pick Piontek off second. Andy Pichler's grounder to second scored Piontek. Brent Kakwitch grounded out to third. Brent Jansen singled, scoring Pierre.
Bottom of the sixth: Shay Herrman flied out to left. Brad Hallberg grounded out to short. Andrew Sloan grounded out to third.
Top of the seventh: Tony Cantalupo flied to right. Garret Scray flied to right. David Schneider walked, but was caught stealing second.
Bottom of the seventh: Jacob Schauf pinch-hit for Brandon Johns and led off with a single. Lance Knutson pinch-hit for Brett Mueller and struck out. Jake Kittleson singled. Pinch hitter Derek Borgen struck out. Justin Balts grounded out to second to end the game.
Barron loses, 6-0, making it 0-for-3 for northwestern Wisconsin teams at the state tournament. Check tomorrow's Leader-Telegram for more.
- John Casper Jr.
Live updates: Bruce vs. Rosholt
Good morning. And I do mean morning. We're a few minutes shy of 8 a.m. at Fox Cities Stadium, and in a few minutes, Bruce is about to play its first state tournament game against Rosholt.
There's quite the contingent from Bruce. While doing some research ealier this week, I discovered that there was a fan bus that was going to leave Bruce at 3:30 a.m. for this game. Whether or not that actually happened, I'm not sure. But if it did, that's impressive.
Come back here for inning-by-inning updates.
Top of the first: Kurt Johnson swung at the first pitch, flying out to center field. David Hegeholz singled to center. Kyle Wallace struck out, Hegeholz stole second. Ryan Gerber struck out looking.
Bottom of the first: Charlie Bembenek walked. Mitch Zdroik walked. Kyle McHugh lined to short, but Hegeholz overthrew second baseman Cody Stewart in an attempt to double off Bembenek and the runners advanced a base. Styles Carlson struck out swinging. Austin Klesmith reached on another error by Hegeholz which allowed both runners to score. Kyle Zdroik struck out looking.
It definitely wasn't the inning Bruce wanted. The errors were costly, but Bruce pitcher Kyle Wallace put himself in that position by walking the first two batters. Rosholt leads, 2-0.
Top of the second: Kevin Witkiewicz struck out swinging. Casey Gudis singled to right. Damon Petras flied out to center. Gudis stole second. Ryan Wallace struck out swinging.
Bottom of the second: Kyle Borski grounded out to the pitcher. Dan Osowski walked. Osowski's courtesy runner advanced to second on a wild pitch. Shawn Skibba flied out to center. Bembenek grounded out to short.
After throwing 32 pitches in the first inning, Wallace was much more efficient in the second, only throwing 15. Rosholt leads, 2-0.
Top of the third: Cody Stewart popped out to first base. Kurt Johnson walked. Johnson advanced to second on a balk by Styles Carlson, then advanced to third on a wild pitch. David Hegeholz struck out swinging. Johnson scored on a passed ball. Kyle Wallace singled to left. Wallace stole second. Ryan Gerber flew out to center. Bruce now trails, 2-1.
Bottom of the third: Mitch Zdroik walked. Kyle McHugh homered to left, giving Rosholt a 4-1 lead. Styles Carson was hit by a pitch and replaced by courtesy runner Jeff Singer. Singer advanced to second on a wild pitch. Kurt Johnson came in relief of Kyle Wallace, who moved to first. Singer advanced to third on a passed ball. Klesmith walked. Kyle Zdroik struck out looking. Johnson got out of the inning with a 6-4-3 double play. Bruce has got to start throwing more strikes. Wallace didn't have his best stuff today for whatever reason, and was charged with five walks. All but one of Rosholt's runs initially reached base via the walk.
Rosholt leads, 4-1.
Top of the fourth: Kevin Witkiewicz grounded out tos econd. Casey Gudis walked. Damon Petras walked. Gudis took third on a wild pitch. Petras stole second without a throw. Ryan Wallace popped out to first. Cody Stewart struck out swinging. Bruce may want that inning back.
Bottom of the fourth: Shawn Skibba grounded out to second. Charlie Bembenek singled to right on a ball the Bruce rightfielder lost in the sky. Bembenek stole second. Mitch Zdroik lined out to first. Kyle McHugh was intentionally walked. Styles Carson fouled out to third.
Rosholt still leads, 4-1.
Top of the fifth: Kurt Johnson walked. Johnson stole second. David Hegeholz walked. Austin Klesmith came in to pitch for Styles Carlson, who replaced Klesmith in right field. Johnson stole third when Klesmith wasn't paying attention. Hegeholz stole second. Kyle Wallace struck out swinging. Ryan Gerber popped out to third. Kevin Witkiewicz singled to left, scoring Johnson. He advanced to second on the throw home. Casey Gudis beat out an infield single to score Hegeholz. The throw to first was high, and Witkiewicz scored while Gudis advanced to second. Damon Petras flied out to center.
Big, big inning for Bruce, which finally came through with runners in scoring position. We're all tied at 4.
Bottom of the fifth: Austin Klesmith singled to center. Kyle Zdroik tried to sacrifice Klesmith to second, but Kurt Johnson fielded the bunt and whirled around to force out Klesmith. Kyle Borski singled to right. Dan Osowski reached on a fielder's choice. Shawn Skibba reached on an infield single and Borski never stopped running, scoring from second. Charlie Bembenek flied out to deep center.
Bruce was one strike away from keeping the score tied, but Kurt Johnson did a good job of keeping his composure and getting out of the inning without further damage. Rosholt leads, 5-4, but this game is far from over.
Top of the sixth: Ryan Wallace was hit by a pitch and promptly stole second. It was the seventh stolen base of the game for Bruce. Pinch hitter Aaron Ewert tried to lay down a bunt but was unsuccesful. He struck out swining, but the ball was in the dirt and Wallace took third. Kurt Johnson bounced back to the pitcher, who looked Wallace back to third before throwing to first. David Hegeholz flied out to right, stranding Wallace at third.
Rosholt still leads, 5-4. Bruce is down to its final at-bat.
Bottom of the sixth: Mitch Zdroik grounded out to second. Kyle McHugh singled to left. Styles Carson walked. Austin Klesmith doubled to left, scoring Zdroik. David Hegeholz came in from short to relieve Kurt Johnson, who replaced Hegeholz at shortstop. Kyle Zdroik's suicide squeeze scored Carlson. Kyle Borski walked. Dan Osowski struck out.
Rosholt added two very important insurance runs and leads, 7-4, heading into the seventh.
Top of the seventh: Kyle Wallace was hit by a pitch. Ryan Gerber reached on an error. Kevin Witkiewicz singled to load the bases. Styles Carlson, the starting pitcher, returned to the mound. Casey Gudis reached on a fielder's choice, scoring Kyle Wallace. Witkiewicz was forced out at second. Gudis stole second. Damon Petras walked. Ryan Wallace reached on a fielder's choice, scoring Gerber. Cody Stewart struck out to end the game with the tying run on third.
Rosholt wins, 7-6. Check for the story in tomorrow's Leader-Telegram.
- John Casper Jr.
There's quite the contingent from Bruce. While doing some research ealier this week, I discovered that there was a fan bus that was going to leave Bruce at 3:30 a.m. for this game. Whether or not that actually happened, I'm not sure. But if it did, that's impressive.
Come back here for inning-by-inning updates.
Top of the first: Kurt Johnson swung at the first pitch, flying out to center field. David Hegeholz singled to center. Kyle Wallace struck out, Hegeholz stole second. Ryan Gerber struck out looking.
Bottom of the first: Charlie Bembenek walked. Mitch Zdroik walked. Kyle McHugh lined to short, but Hegeholz overthrew second baseman Cody Stewart in an attempt to double off Bembenek and the runners advanced a base. Styles Carlson struck out swinging. Austin Klesmith reached on another error by Hegeholz which allowed both runners to score. Kyle Zdroik struck out looking.
It definitely wasn't the inning Bruce wanted. The errors were costly, but Bruce pitcher Kyle Wallace put himself in that position by walking the first two batters. Rosholt leads, 2-0.
Top of the second: Kevin Witkiewicz struck out swinging. Casey Gudis singled to right. Damon Petras flied out to center. Gudis stole second. Ryan Wallace struck out swinging.
Bottom of the second: Kyle Borski grounded out to the pitcher. Dan Osowski walked. Osowski's courtesy runner advanced to second on a wild pitch. Shawn Skibba flied out to center. Bembenek grounded out to short.
After throwing 32 pitches in the first inning, Wallace was much more efficient in the second, only throwing 15. Rosholt leads, 2-0.
Top of the third: Cody Stewart popped out to first base. Kurt Johnson walked. Johnson advanced to second on a balk by Styles Carlson, then advanced to third on a wild pitch. David Hegeholz struck out swinging. Johnson scored on a passed ball. Kyle Wallace singled to left. Wallace stole second. Ryan Gerber flew out to center. Bruce now trails, 2-1.
Bottom of the third: Mitch Zdroik walked. Kyle McHugh homered to left, giving Rosholt a 4-1 lead. Styles Carson was hit by a pitch and replaced by courtesy runner Jeff Singer. Singer advanced to second on a wild pitch. Kurt Johnson came in relief of Kyle Wallace, who moved to first. Singer advanced to third on a passed ball. Klesmith walked. Kyle Zdroik struck out looking. Johnson got out of the inning with a 6-4-3 double play. Bruce has got to start throwing more strikes. Wallace didn't have his best stuff today for whatever reason, and was charged with five walks. All but one of Rosholt's runs initially reached base via the walk.
Rosholt leads, 4-1.
Top of the fourth: Kevin Witkiewicz grounded out tos econd. Casey Gudis walked. Damon Petras walked. Gudis took third on a wild pitch. Petras stole second without a throw. Ryan Wallace popped out to first. Cody Stewart struck out swinging. Bruce may want that inning back.
Bottom of the fourth: Shawn Skibba grounded out to second. Charlie Bembenek singled to right on a ball the Bruce rightfielder lost in the sky. Bembenek stole second. Mitch Zdroik lined out to first. Kyle McHugh was intentionally walked. Styles Carson fouled out to third.
Rosholt still leads, 4-1.
Top of the fifth: Kurt Johnson walked. Johnson stole second. David Hegeholz walked. Austin Klesmith came in to pitch for Styles Carlson, who replaced Klesmith in right field. Johnson stole third when Klesmith wasn't paying attention. Hegeholz stole second. Kyle Wallace struck out swinging. Ryan Gerber popped out to third. Kevin Witkiewicz singled to left, scoring Johnson. He advanced to second on the throw home. Casey Gudis beat out an infield single to score Hegeholz. The throw to first was high, and Witkiewicz scored while Gudis advanced to second. Damon Petras flied out to center.
Big, big inning for Bruce, which finally came through with runners in scoring position. We're all tied at 4.
Bottom of the fifth: Austin Klesmith singled to center. Kyle Zdroik tried to sacrifice Klesmith to second, but Kurt Johnson fielded the bunt and whirled around to force out Klesmith. Kyle Borski singled to right. Dan Osowski reached on a fielder's choice. Shawn Skibba reached on an infield single and Borski never stopped running, scoring from second. Charlie Bembenek flied out to deep center.
Bruce was one strike away from keeping the score tied, but Kurt Johnson did a good job of keeping his composure and getting out of the inning without further damage. Rosholt leads, 5-4, but this game is far from over.
Top of the sixth: Ryan Wallace was hit by a pitch and promptly stole second. It was the seventh stolen base of the game for Bruce. Pinch hitter Aaron Ewert tried to lay down a bunt but was unsuccesful. He struck out swining, but the ball was in the dirt and Wallace took third. Kurt Johnson bounced back to the pitcher, who looked Wallace back to third before throwing to first. David Hegeholz flied out to right, stranding Wallace at third.
Rosholt still leads, 5-4. Bruce is down to its final at-bat.
Bottom of the sixth: Mitch Zdroik grounded out to second. Kyle McHugh singled to left. Styles Carson walked. Austin Klesmith doubled to left, scoring Zdroik. David Hegeholz came in from short to relieve Kurt Johnson, who replaced Hegeholz at shortstop. Kyle Zdroik's suicide squeeze scored Carlson. Kyle Borski walked. Dan Osowski struck out.
Rosholt added two very important insurance runs and leads, 7-4, heading into the seventh.
Top of the seventh: Kyle Wallace was hit by a pitch. Ryan Gerber reached on an error. Kevin Witkiewicz singled to load the bases. Styles Carlson, the starting pitcher, returned to the mound. Casey Gudis reached on a fielder's choice, scoring Kyle Wallace. Witkiewicz was forced out at second. Gudis stole second. Damon Petras walked. Ryan Wallace reached on a fielder's choice, scoring Gerber. Cody Stewart struck out to end the game with the tying run on third.
Rosholt wins, 7-6. Check for the story in tomorrow's Leader-Telegram.
- John Casper Jr.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Express fall again.
The Express’ frustrations continued in the abbreviated second game of Tuesday's hybrid doubleheader, which was of the seven-inning variety. A mistake filled top of the sixth allowed the Woodchucks to score three runs and grab a 4-3 win.
The Express led 3-1 heading into the sixth, but a walk, a hit batter, a passed ball, a wild pitch and back-to-back RBI singles by Bobby Pritchett and Kyle Bubak wiped that advantage away.
Bubak slapped an opposite-field single to left field to drive in Pritchett with the go-ahead run. That came off Brooks Pinckard, who relieved starter Robbie Kilcrease after Kilcrease walked Chris Slater with two outs and then hit Chris Wade.
After a passed ball by catcher Braden Degamo, Pritchett hit an RBI single and then Pinckard uncorked a wild pitch to tie the game. Then came Bubak’s go-ahead single.
Aaron Varnum pitched the seventh for his second save of the day and his third in two days. Pinckard was picked off first base to end the game.
The Express had taken a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the fifth on Pinckard’s RBI single and Robbie Knight’s run-scoring double.
- Joe Ziemer
The Express led 3-1 heading into the sixth, but a walk, a hit batter, a passed ball, a wild pitch and back-to-back RBI singles by Bobby Pritchett and Kyle Bubak wiped that advantage away.
Bubak slapped an opposite-field single to left field to drive in Pritchett with the go-ahead run. That came off Brooks Pinckard, who relieved starter Robbie Kilcrease after Kilcrease walked Chris Slater with two outs and then hit Chris Wade.
After a passed ball by catcher Braden Degamo, Pritchett hit an RBI single and then Pinckard uncorked a wild pitch to tie the game. Then came Bubak’s go-ahead single.
Aaron Varnum pitched the seventh for his second save of the day and his third in two days. Pinckard was picked off first base to end the game.
The Express had taken a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the fifth on Pinckard’s RBI single and Robbie Knight’s run-scoring double.
- Joe Ziemer
More on Memorial
Baseball can be a harsh game sometimes.
Eau Claire Memorial found that out the hard way at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute.
Kenosha Bradford ended the Abes’ season in the WIAA Division 1 state quarterfinals behind a strong outing from pitcher Sam Schissel. The Red Devils won, 6-2.
“We pounded him early, but we just couldn’t hold them down,” Memorial coach Casey Eckardt said. “We’re sad it had to come to an end.”
Check for the game story at www.leadertelegram.com. Here’s a few tid bits that didn’t make it in:
*With Schissel dominating on the mound after the second inning, Memorial needed to play flawless defense. And while the Abes were only charged with two errors, there were several mental mistakes that kept innings alive for the Red Devils, who constantly kept the pressure on Memorial by putting the ball in play.
“We dodged bullets and dodged bullets and dodged bullets,” Eckardt said. “Sometimes that can come back and bite you.”
*This game was a rematch of the 1964 state championship game, won by Memorial. Bradford hadn’t been back since until this season. In 1964 there was only one Kenosha high school, which became Bradford.
*Eckardt made special mention of the seniors that may not get all the headlines — Cory Munden, John Stang, Jordan Walling and Brad Ruesch.
“They were a fun group at practice,” Eckardt said. “They brought energy every day and had a great attitude every day. They knew their role and were always ready, whether they were needed to pinch-hit or pinch-run. In today’s society, there are kids that if they aren’t starting or playing all the time, they go in the tank psychologically. From the best player down all the way to the 18th, they were all great team players.”
- John Casper Jr.
Eau Claire Memorial found that out the hard way at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute.
Kenosha Bradford ended the Abes’ season in the WIAA Division 1 state quarterfinals behind a strong outing from pitcher Sam Schissel. The Red Devils won, 6-2.
“We pounded him early, but we just couldn’t hold them down,” Memorial coach Casey Eckardt said. “We’re sad it had to come to an end.”
Check for the game story at www.leadertelegram.com. Here’s a few tid bits that didn’t make it in:
*With Schissel dominating on the mound after the second inning, Memorial needed to play flawless defense. And while the Abes were only charged with two errors, there were several mental mistakes that kept innings alive for the Red Devils, who constantly kept the pressure on Memorial by putting the ball in play.
“We dodged bullets and dodged bullets and dodged bullets,” Eckardt said. “Sometimes that can come back and bite you.”
*This game was a rematch of the 1964 state championship game, won by Memorial. Bradford hadn’t been back since until this season. In 1964 there was only one Kenosha high school, which became Bradford.
*Eckardt made special mention of the seniors that may not get all the headlines — Cory Munden, John Stang, Jordan Walling and Brad Ruesch.
“They were a fun group at practice,” Eckardt said. “They brought energy every day and had a great attitude every day. They knew their role and were always ready, whether they were needed to pinch-hit or pinch-run. In today’s society, there are kids that if they aren’t starting or playing all the time, they go in the tank psychologically. From the best player down all the way to the 18th, they were all great team players.”
- John Casper Jr.
Express lose game one
The Eau Claire Express waited about two weeks for to finish their season opener.
After all that waiting, what they got was missed opportunities and some bad luck for right-hander Drew Kendrick.
With his offense unable to cash in on some early chances, Kendrick left the game injured and took a tough-luck loss as the Express fell to the Wisconsin Woodchucks, 6-2, on Tuesday at Carson Park. That concluded the suspended Northwoods League season opener that originally began May 29.
“We couldn’t execute again,” Express manager Dale Varsho said. “We have a hard time executing with runners in scoring position. We have to start playing good baseball again. We haven’t been playing good baseball for three days now.”
The loss, the first game of a hybrid doubleheader, dropped Eau Claire (4-7) five game behind division-leading Wisconsin (9-2) in the South Division first-half standings. Check back for results of the second game, which will be of the seven-innings variety.
The Express began play Tuesday trailing 2-0 in the middle of the fourth inning. They had plenty of chances early to rough up Woodchucks left-hander Terrance Jackson, who allowed seven baserunners in his three innings of work.
But the Express left runners at third base in the fourth and fifth innings and managed only an RBI infield single by David Cales in the fourth. Jackson, who took over for opening day starter Zac Moore, was wild high early. But the Express didn’t make Jackson fully pay.
“It’s disappointing,” Varsho said. “We just have to start playing good baseball and try to score some runs. They’re giving us runs. All we have to do is hit a groundball and we’re not getting runs. We just have to start playing good baseball and putting the ball in play.”
The Express tied the game at 2 in the seventh inning when an errant pickoff throw by reliever Brad Riddle allowed Robbie Knight to score.
Kendrick, meanwhile, was turning in a stellar long relief outing in what essentially was a start. He took over for Shane Dyer, who started on opening day and allowed two runs. Dyer is no longer with the Express, having signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Rays last week.
Kendrick threw three 1-2-3 innings Tuesday before hitting a rather unfortunate patch in the eighth.
Carson Vitale began the inning with a chopper up the middle that snuck into the outfield. Kendrick then got Brent Weaver to hit what could have been a double-play ball to D.J. Anderson at third base. But Anderson bobbled the ball and everyone was safe.
After Bobby Pritchett’s sacrifice bunt, Troy Frazier drove in the go-ahead run with a single through the drawn-in infield.
Kendrick then left the game with what Varsho said was a groin injury.
“Who knows how serious,” Varsho said, “but I’m sure we’ll get a diagnosis soon and find out where we’re at.”
Kendrick was replaced by Joe Bonfe, who gave up an RBI double by Chris Wade and a sacrifice fly by pinch-hitter Jeremy Barnes. That made the score 5-2.
Kendrick was charged with three runs – one earned – on two hits. He didn’t walk a batter and struck out five in 3 1/3 innings but took the loss.
Weaver added an insurance run for the Woodchucks with an RBI double in the ninth inning.
Notes
Several lineup changes were made prior to the conclusion of the game. The Woodchucks, who were short-handed for the opener and had to use three pitchers in the field, made three changes. Pitcher Terrance Jackson, who took over for Zac Moore, still had to bat for himself because Wisconsin forfeited the designated hitter in the opener. The Express made two lineup changes, both out of necessity. Robbie Knight replaced the injured Erik Knutson (sprained ankle) in center field, and Landis Ware took over for Ronnie Olson at shortstop. Olson is no longer with the team after his 10-day contract expired. … Woodchucks left fielder Troy Frazier played in the first game but was ineligible for the second game. Frazier was ejected from Monday’s game so he was suspended for Tuesday’s regularly scheduled game. Because the first game technically was played May 29, he was eligible to play in that game.
- Joe Ziemer
After all that waiting, what they got was missed opportunities and some bad luck for right-hander Drew Kendrick.
With his offense unable to cash in on some early chances, Kendrick left the game injured and took a tough-luck loss as the Express fell to the Wisconsin Woodchucks, 6-2, on Tuesday at Carson Park. That concluded the suspended Northwoods League season opener that originally began May 29.
“We couldn’t execute again,” Express manager Dale Varsho said. “We have a hard time executing with runners in scoring position. We have to start playing good baseball again. We haven’t been playing good baseball for three days now.”
The loss, the first game of a hybrid doubleheader, dropped Eau Claire (4-7) five game behind division-leading Wisconsin (9-2) in the South Division first-half standings. Check back for results of the second game, which will be of the seven-innings variety.
The Express began play Tuesday trailing 2-0 in the middle of the fourth inning. They had plenty of chances early to rough up Woodchucks left-hander Terrance Jackson, who allowed seven baserunners in his three innings of work.
But the Express left runners at third base in the fourth and fifth innings and managed only an RBI infield single by David Cales in the fourth. Jackson, who took over for opening day starter Zac Moore, was wild high early. But the Express didn’t make Jackson fully pay.
“It’s disappointing,” Varsho said. “We just have to start playing good baseball and try to score some runs. They’re giving us runs. All we have to do is hit a groundball and we’re not getting runs. We just have to start playing good baseball and putting the ball in play.”
The Express tied the game at 2 in the seventh inning when an errant pickoff throw by reliever Brad Riddle allowed Robbie Knight to score.
Kendrick, meanwhile, was turning in a stellar long relief outing in what essentially was a start. He took over for Shane Dyer, who started on opening day and allowed two runs. Dyer is no longer with the Express, having signed a contract with the Tampa Bay Rays last week.
Kendrick threw three 1-2-3 innings Tuesday before hitting a rather unfortunate patch in the eighth.
Carson Vitale began the inning with a chopper up the middle that snuck into the outfield. Kendrick then got Brent Weaver to hit what could have been a double-play ball to D.J. Anderson at third base. But Anderson bobbled the ball and everyone was safe.
After Bobby Pritchett’s sacrifice bunt, Troy Frazier drove in the go-ahead run with a single through the drawn-in infield.
Kendrick then left the game with what Varsho said was a groin injury.
“Who knows how serious,” Varsho said, “but I’m sure we’ll get a diagnosis soon and find out where we’re at.”
Kendrick was replaced by Joe Bonfe, who gave up an RBI double by Chris Wade and a sacrifice fly by pinch-hitter Jeremy Barnes. That made the score 5-2.
Kendrick was charged with three runs – one earned – on two hits. He didn’t walk a batter and struck out five in 3 1/3 innings but took the loss.
Weaver added an insurance run for the Woodchucks with an RBI double in the ninth inning.
Notes
Several lineup changes were made prior to the conclusion of the game. The Woodchucks, who were short-handed for the opener and had to use three pitchers in the field, made three changes. Pitcher Terrance Jackson, who took over for Zac Moore, still had to bat for himself because Wisconsin forfeited the designated hitter in the opener. The Express made two lineup changes, both out of necessity. Robbie Knight replaced the injured Erik Knutson (sprained ankle) in center field, and Landis Ware took over for Ronnie Olson at shortstop. Olson is no longer with the team after his 10-day contract expired. … Woodchucks left fielder Troy Frazier played in the first game but was ineligible for the second game. Frazier was ejected from Monday’s game so he was suspended for Tuesday’s regularly scheduled game. Because the first game technically was played May 29, he was eligible to play in that game.
- Joe Ziemer
More on Cales and Odegaard
David Cales is a die-hard Chicago White Sox fan. But he’s not complaining about drafted by the other Chicago team, the Cubs.
“You know what, it’s just a privilege to get picked by anybody,” Cales said. “I don’t have any disgruntles. I’m glad I am a Cubbie. I’ll still hold a soft spot for the White Sox, that’s for sure.”
Cales, a first baseman/reliever for the Eau Claire Express, was taken by the Cubs in the 24th round of last week’s Major League Baseball draft. He’s batting .240 with five RBIs and has shown a good glove in the field. But Cales’ professional future is as a reliever. The righty closer throws in the high 80s to low 90s and has a good slider. This season he has no record, a perfect 0.00 ERA and one save in 3 2/3 innings. Cales hasn’t pitched since a three-inning outing last Monday against Battle Creek at Carson Park. That outing – which Cales said was one of the longest he’s thrown – happened to take place with Cubs representatives in attendance.
“Three innings is a lot for me,” Cales said. “I’m usually a one-to-two (innings) guy.”
Cales will have another chance to impress the Cubs – and make a case for them to sign him – Thursday.
Chris Odegaard would like to sign with his hometown Minnesota Twins. But he doesn’t have to.
The Glencoe, Minn., native was a 23rd-round draft pick of the Twins last week, but he has some leverage in negotiations. He’ll be a redshirt junior next season, so he has two more opportunities to test his luck in the draft. Should he return to Minnesota State-Mankato, he’d also have the chance to play with his younger brother, Matt.
“The team’s going to be pretty good next year and my brother’s going to be there. So it will be pretty fun if it doesn’t happen this year to just go back and play again.”
Odegaard is 0-1 with a 2.45 ERA in two starts this summer. He’s struck out 17 batters in 11 innings, but also has issued a somewhat-troubling 12 walks. Like Cales, he’ll be trying to showcase his arm Thursday with the Twins in attendance.
“My arm’s feeling good, but the walks are up, obviously,” Odegaard said. “That’s my biggest thing right now, is the walks.”
- Joe Ziemer
“You know what, it’s just a privilege to get picked by anybody,” Cales said. “I don’t have any disgruntles. I’m glad I am a Cubbie. I’ll still hold a soft spot for the White Sox, that’s for sure.”
Cales, a first baseman/reliever for the Eau Claire Express, was taken by the Cubs in the 24th round of last week’s Major League Baseball draft. He’s batting .240 with five RBIs and has shown a good glove in the field. But Cales’ professional future is as a reliever. The righty closer throws in the high 80s to low 90s and has a good slider. This season he has no record, a perfect 0.00 ERA and one save in 3 2/3 innings. Cales hasn’t pitched since a three-inning outing last Monday against Battle Creek at Carson Park. That outing – which Cales said was one of the longest he’s thrown – happened to take place with Cubs representatives in attendance.
“Three innings is a lot for me,” Cales said. “I’m usually a one-to-two (innings) guy.”
Cales will have another chance to impress the Cubs – and make a case for them to sign him – Thursday.
Chris Odegaard would like to sign with his hometown Minnesota Twins. But he doesn’t have to.
The Glencoe, Minn., native was a 23rd-round draft pick of the Twins last week, but he has some leverage in negotiations. He’ll be a redshirt junior next season, so he has two more opportunities to test his luck in the draft. Should he return to Minnesota State-Mankato, he’d also have the chance to play with his younger brother, Matt.
“The team’s going to be pretty good next year and my brother’s going to be there. So it will be pretty fun if it doesn’t happen this year to just go back and play again.”
Odegaard is 0-1 with a 2.45 ERA in two starts this summer. He’s struck out 17 batters in 11 innings, but also has issued a somewhat-troubling 12 walks. Like Cales, he’ll be trying to showcase his arm Thursday with the Twins in attendance.
“My arm’s feeling good, but the walks are up, obviously,” Odegaard said. “That’s my biggest thing right now, is the walks.”
- Joe Ziemer
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