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
Express notes: Bench getting thin
At the beginning the season, the Eau Claire Express had one of the Northwoods League’s best-stocked benches.
Suddenly, the Express are a little thin.
The most recent round of defections has the roster down to 26 players.
Right-hander Shane Dyer has left the team after signing with Tampa Bay Rays. Righties Anthony Bass and Brad McAtee will not be reporting after opting to sign with the San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies, respectively. And San Diego State shortstop Brett Tanos no longer will be joining the team.
Also gone are Winona State (Minn.) infielder Ronnie Olson and left-hander Ross Hellenbrand, whose 10-day contracts expired.
Because of a new NWL rule this season, the Express cannot add to the roster until they have fewer than 26 players. Last season teams had a 26-man active roster with four inactive spots.
“I think it’s fair,” Express manager Dale Varsho said of the rule change. “It’s something you knew going into the season. I played my cards with the draft guys. I was hoping that would be more of a draft-and-follow than just sign right away. That’s just the way it bounces I guess.”
Varsho isn’t completely out of the woods either. The statuses of St. Xavier (Ill.) first baseman/reliever David Cales and Minnesota State-Mankato right-handed starter Chris Odegaard still are up in the air. Odegaard was a 23rd-round pick of the Minnesota Twins, and Cales was drafted in the 24th by the Chicago Cubs.
“We’re just in negations,” said Odegaard, who’s 0-1 with a 2.45 ERA in two starts this summer. “We’re just talking, trying to get close to what each side thinks is a reasonable price.”
Thursday’s home game against the La Crosse Loggers will be an important one for Cales and Odegaard. Varsho said the Twins and Cubs will have representatives on hand and both players will pitch.
“It’s not really too much pressure,” Cales said. “They’ve pretty much got me, so it’s up to them. It’s nice definitely to have someone come up and watch you.”
Cal Poly right-hander D.J. Mauldin also was drafted – in the 48th round by the Seattle Mariners – but Varsho anticipates Mauldin reporting to Eau Claire. Mauldin is only a sophomore, so he can return to school and hope to be picked higher next summer.
Reinforcements
The Express did get a boost from the arrival of four players since the last homestand. Baylor right-hander Wade Mackey, Elon (N.C.) left-hander J.D. Reichenbach, Illinois-Chicago right-hander Adam Worthington and San Diego State outfielder/infielder Pat Colwell are now with the team.
Cal Poly outfielder Ryan Lee also could join the team Friday.
Varsho said Worthington likely will start Friday or Saturday. As things stand now, that would give the team a six-man starting rotation of Mackey, Worthington, Odegaard, Nebraska-Omaha lefty Ryan Hines, Texas Tech lefty Robbie Kilcrease and Reichenbach.
If Mauldin joins the team, he would replace one of those six in the rotation.
“Our rotation’s OK,” Varsho said. “Once Mauldin comes, it’ll be pretty solid.”
Knutson out
Yavapai College (Ariz.) outfielder Erik Knutson will be out three to six weeks with a sprained ankle. Knuton, who is ninth in the Northwoods League with a .407 batting average, was injured Saturday night in Battle Creek.
Knutson went home to Rochester, Minn., to have his ankle checked out.
“Hopefully, it will get better but right now they say at least three to six,” Varsho said. “That’s not going to help our situation.”
Bonfe transferring
Infielder/pitcher Joe Bonfe is looking for a new school after seeing very little playing time at Creighton this season.
Bonfe said he probably will tranfer to Sierra College, a community college in Sacramento. There he will be able to see more action in the field.
- Joe Ziemer
Suddenly, the Express are a little thin.
The most recent round of defections has the roster down to 26 players.
Right-hander Shane Dyer has left the team after signing with Tampa Bay Rays. Righties Anthony Bass and Brad McAtee will not be reporting after opting to sign with the San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies, respectively. And San Diego State shortstop Brett Tanos no longer will be joining the team.
Also gone are Winona State (Minn.) infielder Ronnie Olson and left-hander Ross Hellenbrand, whose 10-day contracts expired.
Because of a new NWL rule this season, the Express cannot add to the roster until they have fewer than 26 players. Last season teams had a 26-man active roster with four inactive spots.
“I think it’s fair,” Express manager Dale Varsho said of the rule change. “It’s something you knew going into the season. I played my cards with the draft guys. I was hoping that would be more of a draft-and-follow than just sign right away. That’s just the way it bounces I guess.”
Varsho isn’t completely out of the woods either. The statuses of St. Xavier (Ill.) first baseman/reliever David Cales and Minnesota State-Mankato right-handed starter Chris Odegaard still are up in the air. Odegaard was a 23rd-round pick of the Minnesota Twins, and Cales was drafted in the 24th by the Chicago Cubs.
“We’re just in negations,” said Odegaard, who’s 0-1 with a 2.45 ERA in two starts this summer. “We’re just talking, trying to get close to what each side thinks is a reasonable price.”
Thursday’s home game against the La Crosse Loggers will be an important one for Cales and Odegaard. Varsho said the Twins and Cubs will have representatives on hand and both players will pitch.
“It’s not really too much pressure,” Cales said. “They’ve pretty much got me, so it’s up to them. It’s nice definitely to have someone come up and watch you.”
Cal Poly right-hander D.J. Mauldin also was drafted – in the 48th round by the Seattle Mariners – but Varsho anticipates Mauldin reporting to Eau Claire. Mauldin is only a sophomore, so he can return to school and hope to be picked higher next summer.
Reinforcements
The Express did get a boost from the arrival of four players since the last homestand. Baylor right-hander Wade Mackey, Elon (N.C.) left-hander J.D. Reichenbach, Illinois-Chicago right-hander Adam Worthington and San Diego State outfielder/infielder Pat Colwell are now with the team.
Cal Poly outfielder Ryan Lee also could join the team Friday.
Varsho said Worthington likely will start Friday or Saturday. As things stand now, that would give the team a six-man starting rotation of Mackey, Worthington, Odegaard, Nebraska-Omaha lefty Ryan Hines, Texas Tech lefty Robbie Kilcrease and Reichenbach.
If Mauldin joins the team, he would replace one of those six in the rotation.
“Our rotation’s OK,” Varsho said. “Once Mauldin comes, it’ll be pretty solid.”
Knutson out
Yavapai College (Ariz.) outfielder Erik Knutson will be out three to six weeks with a sprained ankle. Knuton, who is ninth in the Northwoods League with a .407 batting average, was injured Saturday night in Battle Creek.
Knutson went home to Rochester, Minn., to have his ankle checked out.
“Hopefully, it will get better but right now they say at least three to six,” Varsho said. “That’s not going to help our situation.”
Bonfe transferring
Infielder/pitcher Joe Bonfe is looking for a new school after seeing very little playing time at Creighton this season.
Bonfe said he probably will tranfer to Sierra College, a community college in Sacramento. There he will be able to see more action in the field.
- Joe Ziemer
Live updates: Eau Claire Memorial vs. Kenosha Bradford
Looks like we're going to get underway pretty soon. Things seem to be moving about an hour behind schedule, which isn't too bad considering the first game of the day lasted 2 hours, 30 minutes. The way they pack the schedule here at the WIAA baseball state tournament, anything other than a "fast" game backs up the schedule.
The grounds crew is watering the field as I type. First pitch should be about 20-25 minutes away. Check back for updates, which I'll post below.
Memorial will be the away team. Bradford super southpaw Sam Schissel will take the mound for the Red Devils, who have by far the best uniforms of anyone I've seen this year. Classic white with deep red numbers and lettering. Memorial will go with Ben Kincaid.
Top of the first: Jefferson Dahl strikes out swinging. Ben Kincaid walked. Ben Sebesta drilled what appeared to be a hanging curveball off the light post in left-center field, giving the Abes a 2-0 lead. Will Fadness walked. David Donnellan struck out looking. Joe Ackerman bounced out to second. In all, a good start for the Abes, although it had the makings of a big inning. Schissel, by all accounts, has a bit of a temper on the mound and is prone to the big inning if his emotions get the best of him. But the Minnesota-bound lefty composed himself after the walk to Fadness.
Bottom of the first: Matt Lewer singled to right. John Atkins struck out swinging. Sam Schissel singled to right, sending Lewer to third. Kincaid picked out courtesy runner Dustin Proud, who was in for Schissel. Matt Richer struck out swinging. Great job by Kincaid of working out of trouble.
At the end of one, Memorial leads, 2-0.
Top of the second: Brady Sand led off with a double down the left-field line. Tyler Sparger struck out swinging. Cory Munden struck out swinging. Sand stole third. Dahl just missed what would have been a triple down the right-field line by a few inches before grounding out to second to end the inning. Memorial hopes that not getting in Sand doesn't come back to haunt them.
Bottom of the second: Pete Djurickovic grounded out to the pitcher. Eric Corrao singled to right. Matt Chwala walked. Nick Pinnola sacrificed the runners up a base. Brenden Schulz lined out to center as Donnellan made a nice diving catch to end the inning.
At the end of two, Memorial leads, 2-0.
Top of the third: Kincaid popped out to the first baseman. Sebesta made good contact again, but got a bit underneath a fastball and flied out to center. Fadness grounded out to third.
Bottom of the third: Lewer hit one all of five feet but reached first and advanced to second on an error by the catcher Fadness. Atkins walked. Schissel reached on a fielder's choice, Atkins was forced out at second as Lewer advanced to third. Richer was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Djuickovic struck out. Corrao reached on an infield single, scoring Lewer. Sebesta stopped the ball from getting into the outfield, momentarily saving a run. But Kincaid walked Chwala and Schissel's courtesy runner scored to tie the game at 2. Pinnola struck out looking. Bradford finally took advantage of an opportunity.
At the end of three, the game is tied, 2-2.
Top of the fourth: Donnellan struck out. Ackerman was retired when his bunted ball hit him when he was out of the box. Sand lined out to left field. This game may be turning Bradford's way.
Bottom of the fourth: Schulz walked. Lewer reached on a bunt single. Atkins popped out to third trying to bunt. Schissel lined out to center. Richer walked. Djurickovic struck out.
End of four, still tied at 2.
Top of the fifth: Sparger struck out. Munden struck out. Dahl reached on an error by the second baseman and advanced to second. Kincaid lined out to right. Before Dahl reached, Schissel retired 12 straight.
Bottom of the fifth: Corrao was hit by a pitch. Chwala pulled back on a bunt attempt and lifted one to center for a base hit. Pinnola sacrificed the runners upa base. Corrao scored on a sacrifice fly by Schulz. Lewer singled to score Chwala. Atkins bounced to short, forcing out Lewer.
After five, Bradford moves in front, 4-2.
Top of the sixth: Sebesta grounded out to short. Fadness flied out to right. Donnellan grounded out to third. The Abes have three outs remaining on their season, and they are going to have to get it done with the bottom of their lineup.
Bottom of the sixth: Sand is in to pitch for Kincaid, who battled through his five innings. Schissel was thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double. Richer grounded out to second. Djurickovic singled to left. Corrao singled to center, Djurickovic advanced to third. Djurickovic scored on a delayed double steal. Chwala had an infield single and took second on a throwing error. Corrao scored. Chwala was picked off second base.
After six, Bradford leads, 6-2. The Abes need to score four times off a pitcher that hasn't given up a hit since the second inning.
Top of the seventh: Ackerman bounced out to second. Sand grounded out to third. Sparger singled to left. Pinch hitter Will Sanders walked. Dahl flied out to left.
Memorial, the top-ranked team in the state, ends its season at 22-1. Bradford adavnces to play Wausau West later tonight.
Check back tonight for a bit more on the quarterfinal game, and all day tomorrow for updates on Bruce's D4 semifinal against Rosholt and Barron's D2 semifinal against West De Pere.
- John Casper Jr.
The grounds crew is watering the field as I type. First pitch should be about 20-25 minutes away. Check back for updates, which I'll post below.
Memorial will be the away team. Bradford super southpaw Sam Schissel will take the mound for the Red Devils, who have by far the best uniforms of anyone I've seen this year. Classic white with deep red numbers and lettering. Memorial will go with Ben Kincaid.
Top of the first: Jefferson Dahl strikes out swinging. Ben Kincaid walked. Ben Sebesta drilled what appeared to be a hanging curveball off the light post in left-center field, giving the Abes a 2-0 lead. Will Fadness walked. David Donnellan struck out looking. Joe Ackerman bounced out to second. In all, a good start for the Abes, although it had the makings of a big inning. Schissel, by all accounts, has a bit of a temper on the mound and is prone to the big inning if his emotions get the best of him. But the Minnesota-bound lefty composed himself after the walk to Fadness.
Bottom of the first: Matt Lewer singled to right. John Atkins struck out swinging. Sam Schissel singled to right, sending Lewer to third. Kincaid picked out courtesy runner Dustin Proud, who was in for Schissel. Matt Richer struck out swinging. Great job by Kincaid of working out of trouble.
At the end of one, Memorial leads, 2-0.
Top of the second: Brady Sand led off with a double down the left-field line. Tyler Sparger struck out swinging. Cory Munden struck out swinging. Sand stole third. Dahl just missed what would have been a triple down the right-field line by a few inches before grounding out to second to end the inning. Memorial hopes that not getting in Sand doesn't come back to haunt them.
Bottom of the second: Pete Djurickovic grounded out to the pitcher. Eric Corrao singled to right. Matt Chwala walked. Nick Pinnola sacrificed the runners up a base. Brenden Schulz lined out to center as Donnellan made a nice diving catch to end the inning.
At the end of two, Memorial leads, 2-0.
Top of the third: Kincaid popped out to the first baseman. Sebesta made good contact again, but got a bit underneath a fastball and flied out to center. Fadness grounded out to third.
Bottom of the third: Lewer hit one all of five feet but reached first and advanced to second on an error by the catcher Fadness. Atkins walked. Schissel reached on a fielder's choice, Atkins was forced out at second as Lewer advanced to third. Richer was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Djuickovic struck out. Corrao reached on an infield single, scoring Lewer. Sebesta stopped the ball from getting into the outfield, momentarily saving a run. But Kincaid walked Chwala and Schissel's courtesy runner scored to tie the game at 2. Pinnola struck out looking. Bradford finally took advantage of an opportunity.
At the end of three, the game is tied, 2-2.
Top of the fourth: Donnellan struck out. Ackerman was retired when his bunted ball hit him when he was out of the box. Sand lined out to left field. This game may be turning Bradford's way.
Bottom of the fourth: Schulz walked. Lewer reached on a bunt single. Atkins popped out to third trying to bunt. Schissel lined out to center. Richer walked. Djurickovic struck out.
End of four, still tied at 2.
Top of the fifth: Sparger struck out. Munden struck out. Dahl reached on an error by the second baseman and advanced to second. Kincaid lined out to right. Before Dahl reached, Schissel retired 12 straight.
Bottom of the fifth: Corrao was hit by a pitch. Chwala pulled back on a bunt attempt and lifted one to center for a base hit. Pinnola sacrificed the runners upa base. Corrao scored on a sacrifice fly by Schulz. Lewer singled to score Chwala. Atkins bounced to short, forcing out Lewer.
After five, Bradford moves in front, 4-2.
Top of the sixth: Sebesta grounded out to short. Fadness flied out to right. Donnellan grounded out to third. The Abes have three outs remaining on their season, and they are going to have to get it done with the bottom of their lineup.
Bottom of the sixth: Sand is in to pitch for Kincaid, who battled through his five innings. Schissel was thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double. Richer grounded out to second. Djurickovic singled to left. Corrao singled to center, Djurickovic advanced to third. Djurickovic scored on a delayed double steal. Chwala had an infield single and took second on a throwing error. Corrao scored. Chwala was picked off second base.
After six, Bradford leads, 6-2. The Abes need to score four times off a pitcher that hasn't given up a hit since the second inning.
Top of the seventh: Ackerman bounced out to second. Sand grounded out to third. Sparger singled to left. Pinch hitter Will Sanders walked. Dahl flied out to left.
Memorial, the top-ranked team in the state, ends its season at 22-1. Bradford adavnces to play Wausau West later tonight.
Check back tonight for a bit more on the quarterfinal game, and all day tomorrow for updates on Bruce's D4 semifinal against Rosholt and Barron's D2 semifinal against West De Pere.
- John Casper Jr.
Live from the baseball state tournament
You're looking live at a blog from the WIAA baseball state tournament, where (hopefully) in an hour or so, the Eau Claire Memorial Old Abes will take on Kenosha Bradford in a Division 1 quarterfinal.
La Crosse Central and Kimberly won the morning games. Central beat Beaver Dam, 14-4, while Kimberly throttled Madison Memorial, 11-1, in five innings.
Right now, Wausau West leads Wisconsin Lutheran, 4-1, in the third inning. If Memorial wins, it plays the winner of this game later tonight. If the gods that control time and weather, respectively, are kind to us, we may get out of here at a respectable time.
Check back for an in-game blog from each of our area teams participating at state (Bruce and Barron play tomorrow) and other news and notes from the state tournament.
- John Casper Jr.
La Crosse Central and Kimberly won the morning games. Central beat Beaver Dam, 14-4, while Kimberly throttled Madison Memorial, 11-1, in five innings.
Right now, Wausau West leads Wisconsin Lutheran, 4-1, in the third inning. If Memorial wins, it plays the winner of this game later tonight. If the gods that control time and weather, respectively, are kind to us, we may get out of here at a respectable time.
Check back for an in-game blog from each of our area teams participating at state (Bruce and Barron play tomorrow) and other news and notes from the state tournament.
- John Casper Jr.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Draft aftermath
Despite seeing five pitchers selected, the Eau Claire Express staff may emerge from Major League Baseball’s first-year player draft relatively in tact.
Express manager Dale Varsho said Saturday afternoon that he expects most of his drafted players to remain with the team for the time being.
“I think we’ll be OK,” Varsho said. “I like what we have right now. Hopefully, we can improve as the season goes on.”
One player who will not be in Eau Claire is right-hander Shane Dyer, who Varsho said left the team Saturday morning after signing with the Tampa Bay Rays. Varsho said Dyer, who was drafted in the sixth round, received a $135,000 signing bonus.
But Varsho is expecting to have right-hander Chris Odegaard and reliever David Cales available. Odegaard was picked by the Minnesota Twins in the 23rd round, and Cales was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 24th round.
Neither player has signed yet. Teams have until Aug. 15 to sign draft picks, meaning those organizations could wait and monitor those players’ progress this summer before inking them to deals. Short-season rookie ball leagues don’t start until mid to late June, so there’s not a huge rush.
“We still have to talk about it,” Cales said. “I don’t plan on leaving too soon.”
UC-Davis pitcher Brad McAtee, who has yet to report to the Express, also was picked in the draft, going to the Colorado Rockies in the 45th round. Varsho still expects him to report to the Express once the UC-Davis spring academic semester ends next week. McAtee also likely would be in a draft-and-follow situation.
Varsho is not expecting to see Wayne State (Mich.) right-hander Anthony Bass, who was picked in the fifth round by the San Diego Padres. Bass was waiting to report until after the draft.
- Joe Ziemer
Express manager Dale Varsho said Saturday afternoon that he expects most of his drafted players to remain with the team for the time being.
“I think we’ll be OK,” Varsho said. “I like what we have right now. Hopefully, we can improve as the season goes on.”
One player who will not be in Eau Claire is right-hander Shane Dyer, who Varsho said left the team Saturday morning after signing with the Tampa Bay Rays. Varsho said Dyer, who was drafted in the sixth round, received a $135,000 signing bonus.
But Varsho is expecting to have right-hander Chris Odegaard and reliever David Cales available. Odegaard was picked by the Minnesota Twins in the 23rd round, and Cales was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 24th round.
Neither player has signed yet. Teams have until Aug. 15 to sign draft picks, meaning those organizations could wait and monitor those players’ progress this summer before inking them to deals. Short-season rookie ball leagues don’t start until mid to late June, so there’s not a huge rush.
“We still have to talk about it,” Cales said. “I don’t plan on leaving too soon.”
UC-Davis pitcher Brad McAtee, who has yet to report to the Express, also was picked in the draft, going to the Colorado Rockies in the 45th round. Varsho still expects him to report to the Express once the UC-Davis spring academic semester ends next week. McAtee also likely would be in a draft-and-follow situation.
Varsho is not expecting to see Wayne State (Mich.) right-hander Anthony Bass, who was picked in the fifth round by the San Diego Padres. Bass was waiting to report until after the draft.
- Joe Ziemer
Friday, June 6, 2008
McAtee to the Rockies
UC-Davis right-hander Brad McAtee, an Express signee, was picked in the 45th round by the Colorado Rockies. McAtee, who has yet to report to Eau Claire, was the 1,364th overall pick.
If he doesn't sign with the Rockies, McAtee won't arrive in Eau Claire until mid June, when UC-Davis finishes its school year.
- Joe Ziemer
If he doesn't sign with the Rockies, McAtee won't arrive in Eau Claire until mid June, when UC-Davis finishes its school year.
- Joe Ziemer
Frew picked by Phillies
Two-year Express veteran Bryan Frew was picked in the 43rd round by the Philadelphia Phillies. Frew, who played at Nebraska-Omaha, was the 1,306th overall pick.
Frew is tied for the Express career record for most games played with 128. He also set a team record for most walks in a season, when he drew 35 in 2007.
- Joe Ziemer
Frew is tied for the Express career record for most games played with 128. He also set a team record for most walks in a season, when he drew 35 in 2007.
- Joe Ziemer
Huber picked by KC
Former Express left-hander Tim Huber was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 27th round -- No. 805 -- of the MLB draft.
Huber, who played at Division II Nebraska-Omaha, is Eau Claire's career leader in ERA (2.44), wins (14), strikeouts (129), starts (22) and innings (158.2).
- Joe Ziemer
Huber, who played at Division II Nebraska-Omaha, is Eau Claire's career leader in ERA (2.44), wins (14), strikeouts (129), starts (22) and innings (158.2).
- Joe Ziemer
Cales taken by the Cubs
This one you could kind of see coming.
The Chicago Cubs took Express infielder/reliever David Cales in the 24th round of the MLB draft with the 731st overall pick.
The Cubs had representatives on hand Monday, when Cales threw three innings of relief. Cales struck out five in those three innings.
He's played a lot of first base for the Express but Cales' professional future lies as a reliever. Cales, who is now at St. Xavier (Ill.) after stops at Missouri and Illinois-Chicago, throws from a three-quarters right-handed delivery. He generally is in the high 80s but will touch the low 90s. He throws a fastball with a good slider and is working on a changeup.
Cales entered the season as a big part of the Express' bullpen picture, likely sharing closing duties with Kole Calhoun. It remains to be seen if he will stay with the Express or sign with the Cubs. Interestingly enough, Cales is a die-hard White Sox fan.
- Joe Ziemer
The Chicago Cubs took Express infielder/reliever David Cales in the 24th round of the MLB draft with the 731st overall pick.
The Cubs had representatives on hand Monday, when Cales threw three innings of relief. Cales struck out five in those three innings.
He's played a lot of first base for the Express but Cales' professional future lies as a reliever. Cales, who is now at St. Xavier (Ill.) after stops at Missouri and Illinois-Chicago, throws from a three-quarters right-handed delivery. He generally is in the high 80s but will touch the low 90s. He throws a fastball with a good slider and is working on a changeup.
Cales entered the season as a big part of the Express' bullpen picture, likely sharing closing duties with Kole Calhoun. It remains to be seen if he will stay with the Express or sign with the Cubs. Interestingly enough, Cales is a die-hard White Sox fan.
- Joe Ziemer
Twins pick Odegaard
After seeing Shane Dyer be drafted yesterday, the Eau Claire Express just had another starting pitcher taken on day two of the MLB draft.
Chris Odegaard, a hard-throwing right-hander from Minnesota State-Mankato, was taken by his hometown team, the Minnesota Twins, in the 23rd round. Odegaard was the 696th overall pick. He's a native of Glencoe, Minn.
Odegaard earned a no-decision Thursday night in the Express' loss to Waterloo. The 6-foot-3 righty strikes out a ton of hitters -- 17 in 11 innings this season -- but struggles with his control at times. He walked five batters in his first start and seven last night.
Stay tuned as to whether or not Odegaard remains with the Express.
- Joe Ziemer
Chris Odegaard, a hard-throwing right-hander from Minnesota State-Mankato, was taken by his hometown team, the Minnesota Twins, in the 23rd round. Odegaard was the 696th overall pick. He's a native of Glencoe, Minn.
Odegaard earned a no-decision Thursday night in the Express' loss to Waterloo. The 6-foot-3 righty strikes out a ton of hitters -- 17 in 11 innings this season -- but struggles with his control at times. He walked five batters in his first start and seven last night.
Stay tuned as to whether or not Odegaard remains with the Express.
- Joe Ziemer
O's take former Express pitcher
The Baltimore Orioles picked UC-Davis' Eddie Gamboa in the 21st round, the 626th overall pick.
Gamboa, a right-handed pitcher, went 4-1 with a 1.74 ERA last summer for the Express. After beginning the season in the bullpen, he stepped into the starting rotation in place of the injured Jon Ganzen and never left. Gamboa earned the victory in game three of the Northwoods League South Division playoffs, beating the Green Bay Bullfrogs on the road to get the Express into the NWL championship series.
It's hard to find a nicer guy than Eddie, who was a favorite of everyone in the Carson Park press box.
- Joe Ziemer
Gamboa, a right-handed pitcher, went 4-1 with a 1.74 ERA last summer for the Express. After beginning the season in the bullpen, he stepped into the starting rotation in place of the injured Jon Ganzen and never left. Gamboa earned the victory in game three of the Northwoods League South Division playoffs, beating the Green Bay Bullfrogs on the road to get the Express into the NWL championship series.
It's hard to find a nicer guy than Eddie, who was a favorite of everyone in the Carson Park press box.
- Joe Ziemer
Priday drafted in 11th round
Former Eau Claire Express slugger Jacob Priday was taken in the 11th round -- No. 332 overall -- by the Houston Astros on day two of the Major League Baseball first-year player draft Friday.
Priday, who plays at Missouri, hit eight home runs for the Express in 2005 -- the franchise's first season. That not only is the club's single-season record, but the career record.
- Joe Ziemer
Priday, who plays at Missouri, hit eight home runs for the Express in 2005 -- the franchise's first season. That not only is the club's single-season record, but the career record.
- Joe Ziemer
Thursday, June 5, 2008
More on Dyer
A quick update on Shane Dyer's status. I caught up with the Express right-hander during a 32-minute rain delay here at Carson Park, and while he wouldn't come out and say it, he certainly sounded like a guy who's going to be starting a professional career very soon.
“I want to stay here in Eau Claire as long as I can, but I want to make this thing happen as soon as possible and get on the road, get after it and start a career," Dyer said. "If that doesn’t happen, so be it. I’ll stay here all summer and go to Nebraska next year.”
For more on Dyer, see Friday's Leader-Telegram.
- Joe Ziemer
“I want to stay here in Eau Claire as long as I can, but I want to make this thing happen as soon as possible and get on the road, get after it and start a career," Dyer said. "If that doesn’t happen, so be it. I’ll stay here all summer and go to Nebraska next year.”
For more on Dyer, see Friday's Leader-Telegram.
- Joe Ziemer
Dyer selected by Tampa Bay
The Eau Claire Express likely just lost part of their starting rotation. Right-hander Shane Dyer, who earned the win in Wednesday's win over Waterloo, was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays with the first pick of the sixth round -- No. 173 overall.
Dyer, who pitched for South Mountain Community College (Ariz.) last season, is 1-0 with a 7.20 ERA this summer. Should he choose not to sign -- which seems unlikely -- he would play for the University of Nebraska this fall.
I'll try to catch up with Dyer after tonight's game and get his thoughts on being drafted.
Dyer joins former Express catcher Jacob Jefferies as Rays draft picks.
- Joe Ziemer
Dyer, who pitched for South Mountain Community College (Ariz.) last season, is 1-0 with a 7.20 ERA this summer. Should he choose not to sign -- which seems unlikely -- he would play for the University of Nebraska this fall.
I'll try to catch up with Dyer after tonight's game and get his thoughts on being drafted.
Dyer joins former Express catcher Jacob Jefferies as Rays draft picks.
- Joe Ziemer
Padres take Bass
Here's guessing Wayne State (Mich.) right-hander Anthony Bass will not be showing up in Eau Claire this summer.
Bass just was selected by the San Diego Padres in the fifth round -- No. 165 overall.
Bass was waiting to join the Express until after the draft. And given what kind of signing bonus he's looking at as a fifth-round pick, odds are he'll be joining the Padres organization quite soon.
- Joe Ziemer
Bass just was selected by the San Diego Padres in the fifth round -- No. 165 overall.
Bass was waiting to join the Express until after the draft. And given what kind of signing bonus he's looking at as a fifth-round pick, odds are he'll be joining the Padres organization quite soon.
- Joe Ziemer
Jefferies picked by Tampa Bay
Former Eau Claire Express catcher Jacob Jefferies was picked with the first pick of the third round -- No. 78 overall -- by the Tampa Bay Rays in Thursday's Major League Baseball first-year player draft.
Jefferies is the second Express catcher in the Rays system, joining Nevin Ashley, who was taken in the 2006 draft.
Jefferies batted. 350 with 21 RBIs last summer. He hit .387 with four home runs and 54 RBIs for UC-Davis this season. Here's what MLB.com had to say about Jefferies:
"Not on the map to start the season, Jefferies has had a tremendous junior campaign and has been steadily moving up the ladder all year. A terrific contact hitter who almost never strikes out, he hasn't shown much power. Defensively, he's pretty good, though the arm is fringy. Whichever team sees more arm or more power in the future will likely be the one to take him."
- Joe Ziemer
Jefferies is the second Express catcher in the Rays system, joining Nevin Ashley, who was taken in the 2006 draft.
Jefferies batted. 350 with 21 RBIs last summer. He hit .387 with four home runs and 54 RBIs for UC-Davis this season. Here's what MLB.com had to say about Jefferies:
"Not on the map to start the season, Jefferies has had a tremendous junior campaign and has been steadily moving up the ladder all year. A terrific contact hitter who almost never strikes out, he hasn't shown much power. Defensively, he's pretty good, though the arm is fringy. Whichever team sees more arm or more power in the future will likely be the one to take him."
- Joe Ziemer
More on Battle Creek and the draft
You have to give the Battle Creek Bombers credit. Whatever they did last season just didn't work. So they cleaned house and started over. In came a new manager in Matt Fonteno, who's an assistant at UNLV, along with a new coaching staff. And in came an entirely new group of players.
“Just kind of get a breath of fresh air with everything and a whole new attitude," Fonteno said of his approach to taking over the Bombers. "My coaching staff and the new players – there isn’t any returners from last year’s squad. We’re just kind of starting over and developing a whole new atmosphere.”
* On an unrelated note, we're now about an hour into the 2008 Major League Baseball first-year player draft. I'll try to keep you posted throughout the day on any Express-related picks. I would imagine the first player with Eau Claire connections to come off the board would be UC-Davis catcher Jacob Jefferies, who's expected to go in the first four or five rounds. There's been a mini run on catchers early in the first round, so Jefferies might climb up a few boards. Jake was a big, big part of the Express' run to the Northwoods League championship series last summer and is a real nice kid.
A few current Express players also should come off the board -- whether it be today or tomorrow, when the draft concludes. I'll have my draft tracker up during batting practice and tonight's game against Waterloo. So stay tuned.
- Joe Ziemer
“Just kind of get a breath of fresh air with everything and a whole new attitude," Fonteno said of his approach to taking over the Bombers. "My coaching staff and the new players – there isn’t any returners from last year’s squad. We’re just kind of starting over and developing a whole new atmosphere.”
* On an unrelated note, we're now about an hour into the 2008 Major League Baseball first-year player draft. I'll try to keep you posted throughout the day on any Express-related picks. I would imagine the first player with Eau Claire connections to come off the board would be UC-Davis catcher Jacob Jefferies, who's expected to go in the first four or five rounds. There's been a mini run on catchers early in the first round, so Jefferies might climb up a few boards. Jake was a big, big part of the Express' run to the Northwoods League championship series last summer and is a real nice kid.
A few current Express players also should come off the board -- whether it be today or tomorrow, when the draft concludes. I'll have my draft tracker up during batting practice and tonight's game against Waterloo. So stay tuned.
- Joe Ziemer
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Express offense comes to life
And to think, two days ago the Eau Claire Express were struggling to score runs.
Now it seems the Express can’t stop scoring.
Wednesday the dam burst in a big way for previously-offensively-challenged Eau Claire. The Express broke out for 12 runs on 17 hits as they won a 12-7 slugfest against the Waterloo Bucks at Carson Park.
“It was a great feeling today,” said left fielder and leadoff hitter Brooks Pinckard, who was 3-for-5 with a run scored and two RBIs. “It seemed like everybody had a hit or two. Everybody’s starting to come through with hits and I think everybody’s starting to feel really good.”
Almost everyone had a hand in Wednesday’s offensive romp. Kole Calhoun was on base five times, scored four runs, stole two bases and drove in two runs – including a scorched RBI double to the gap in left-center field. Yavapai College (Ariz.) teammate Braden Degamo homered and drove in two runs. David Cales drove in three runs. Joe Bonfe hit the ball hard. And slumping center fielder Robbie Knight had his first two hits of the season.
“We started swinging it good,” Calhoun said. “Hopefully, we can stick with that all year. We’re starting to mesh in the field. Things are looking up right now.”
The offensive tide began to turn late in Tuesday’s 4-0 win over Battle Creek and that momentum carried in Wednesday’s win, which pushed the Express (3-3) back to even on the season. Both of those performances came with the speedy Pinckard at the leadoff spot.
Tuesday Pinckard played shortstop and was on base twice. Wednesday he was in left field. On the roster, he’s listed as a pitcher.
“Brooks is a good athlete,” Express manager Dale Varsho said. “He’ll put the ball in play and try to beat things out. He’s so fast. I really am going to use him at every position possible. He’s just so valuable to have in the lineup that I can’t take him out. His speed creates so many problems.”
The Bucks (2-5) stayed within striking distance of the Express for most of the game. But Eau Claire finally seemed to shake free of the visitors in the sixth inning, when Cales smashed a single back up the middle in the sixth inning to score Calhoun and put the Express up 9-6. Two innings later Cales gave the Express firm control of the game by singling in two more runs. Ronnie Olson then added an RBI double to give the Express a 12-6 lead.
The red-hot Eau Claire bats made a winner out of starter Shane Dyer, who at times labored through five innings. Dyer, who could be taken in today’s Major League Baseball first-year player draft, allowed four runs on five hits while walking three.
“We’re really trying to be more aggressive at the plate,” Varsho said. “We just have to keep putting the ball in play. If you had told me before the year we’d have less strikeouts than the other team every game, I’d think we’d be undefeated. It hasn’t gone that way for us. We just haven’t done very well with the bats until tonight and last night. Hopefully, we can continue that.”
Notes
Mankato State right-hander Chris Odegaard will start tonight’s season finale. Odegaard (0-1) started the Express’ season opener against Wisconsin. He allowed three runs on four hits in five innings. Only one of those runs was earned though. Odegaard, who throws in the 90s, struck out 10 but walked five. Waterloo will counter with Villanova right-hander Brian Streilein. … Odegaard is another Express player likely to be taken in the MLB draft, held today and tomorrow. Other potential draft concerns for the Express include Cales, Calhoun, right-hander John Kessick and three right-handed pitchers who have yet to report – UC-Davis’ Brad McAtee, Wayne State’s Anthony Bass and Cal Poly’s D.J. Mauldin. … Wednesday’s attendance was 833 – the third consecutive game the Express have drawn fewer than 1,000 fans. … Bonfe made his first start at third base and made several nice plays. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Bonfe had been used at first base, designated hitter and pitcher in his Express career. Bonfe was 2-for-4 with an RBI in the game. Two of those outs were very hard hit. “Right now Joe Bonfe’s just on fire,” Varsho said. “He’s hitting the ball hard every at-bat. He found some holes tonight.”
- Joe Ziemer
Now it seems the Express can’t stop scoring.
Wednesday the dam burst in a big way for previously-offensively-challenged Eau Claire. The Express broke out for 12 runs on 17 hits as they won a 12-7 slugfest against the Waterloo Bucks at Carson Park.
“It was a great feeling today,” said left fielder and leadoff hitter Brooks Pinckard, who was 3-for-5 with a run scored and two RBIs. “It seemed like everybody had a hit or two. Everybody’s starting to come through with hits and I think everybody’s starting to feel really good.”
Almost everyone had a hand in Wednesday’s offensive romp. Kole Calhoun was on base five times, scored four runs, stole two bases and drove in two runs – including a scorched RBI double to the gap in left-center field. Yavapai College (Ariz.) teammate Braden Degamo homered and drove in two runs. David Cales drove in three runs. Joe Bonfe hit the ball hard. And slumping center fielder Robbie Knight had his first two hits of the season.
“We started swinging it good,” Calhoun said. “Hopefully, we can stick with that all year. We’re starting to mesh in the field. Things are looking up right now.”
The offensive tide began to turn late in Tuesday’s 4-0 win over Battle Creek and that momentum carried in Wednesday’s win, which pushed the Express (3-3) back to even on the season. Both of those performances came with the speedy Pinckard at the leadoff spot.
Tuesday Pinckard played shortstop and was on base twice. Wednesday he was in left field. On the roster, he’s listed as a pitcher.
“Brooks is a good athlete,” Express manager Dale Varsho said. “He’ll put the ball in play and try to beat things out. He’s so fast. I really am going to use him at every position possible. He’s just so valuable to have in the lineup that I can’t take him out. His speed creates so many problems.”
The Bucks (2-5) stayed within striking distance of the Express for most of the game. But Eau Claire finally seemed to shake free of the visitors in the sixth inning, when Cales smashed a single back up the middle in the sixth inning to score Calhoun and put the Express up 9-6. Two innings later Cales gave the Express firm control of the game by singling in two more runs. Ronnie Olson then added an RBI double to give the Express a 12-6 lead.
The red-hot Eau Claire bats made a winner out of starter Shane Dyer, who at times labored through five innings. Dyer, who could be taken in today’s Major League Baseball first-year player draft, allowed four runs on five hits while walking three.
“We’re really trying to be more aggressive at the plate,” Varsho said. “We just have to keep putting the ball in play. If you had told me before the year we’d have less strikeouts than the other team every game, I’d think we’d be undefeated. It hasn’t gone that way for us. We just haven’t done very well with the bats until tonight and last night. Hopefully, we can continue that.”
Notes
Mankato State right-hander Chris Odegaard will start tonight’s season finale. Odegaard (0-1) started the Express’ season opener against Wisconsin. He allowed three runs on four hits in five innings. Only one of those runs was earned though. Odegaard, who throws in the 90s, struck out 10 but walked five. Waterloo will counter with Villanova right-hander Brian Streilein. … Odegaard is another Express player likely to be taken in the MLB draft, held today and tomorrow. Other potential draft concerns for the Express include Cales, Calhoun, right-hander John Kessick and three right-handed pitchers who have yet to report – UC-Davis’ Brad McAtee, Wayne State’s Anthony Bass and Cal Poly’s D.J. Mauldin. … Wednesday’s attendance was 833 – the third consecutive game the Express have drawn fewer than 1,000 fans. … Bonfe made his first start at third base and made several nice plays. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Bonfe had been used at first base, designated hitter and pitcher in his Express career. Bonfe was 2-for-4 with an RBI in the game. Two of those outs were very hard hit. “Right now Joe Bonfe’s just on fire,” Varsho said. “He’s hitting the ball hard every at-bat. He found some holes tonight.”
- Joe Ziemer
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Express break out against Bombers
That’s what the Eau Claire Express had been looking for.
Finally, some hard-hit balls.
First it was a ringing RBI double off the bat of Kyle Holloway. Then two batters later a lined, run-scoring single from Erik Knutson.
Granted, those eighth-inning runs didn’t decide the game. But they turned a slim, two-run lead into a more comfortable four-run margin as the Express beat the Battle Creek Bombers, 4-0, on Tuesday at Carson Park.
Those two RBIs also gave a big boost to an offense that’s been struggling early in the Northwoods League season.
“It felt very good,” said Holloway, who was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. “I’ve been struggling myself a little bit, so it felt good to get that hit.”
Knutson was 2-for-4 with an RBI and run for Eau Claire (2-3), which entered the game hitting just .150. Tuesday the Express had eight hits and finally squared up some pitches.
“You always worry when you’re struggling but when you’re doing good, it all flows,” Holloway said.
Prior to the eighth, the Express had used some small ball to scratch out two runs in support of starter Robbie Kilcrease, who tossed seven shutout innings.
Ronnie Olson led off the bottom of the fifth inning by spraying an opposite-field single to left. He moved to second on Joe Bonfe’s sacrifice bunt, took third on a balk by the Bombers’ Jesse Hernandez and scored on D.J. Anderson’s groundout to the right side of the infield.
Then in the seventh Knutson started things with a single that took a high hop over the head of third baseman Evan Sharpley. An errant pickoff attempt by Hernandez put Knutson at second, and Olson’s groundout to second moved him to third. Knutson then scored on a sharp single to left by Bonfe.
“I think we played really well tonight,” Express manager Dale Varsho said. “Robbie Kilcrease did awesome. He threw strikes, got ahead, his changeup was phenomenal.”
As it turned out, two runs were about all Kilcrease needed – though the offense-starved Express weren’t complaining about extra runs. Kilcrease, a left-hander from Texas Tech, didn’t allow a run on six hits. He struck out six and walked two. Used as a reliever by the Red Raiders, Kilcrease is still in the process of being stretched out as a starter. Tuesday was a pretty good first step.
“I felt good,” Kilcrease said. “I had good defense behind me. They made a lot of plays for me. I’m pretty excited.”
Willie Beard pitched the final two innings to earn his first save. Beard did not give up a run or a hit. He walked two and struck out two.
“Willie’s been really good,” Varsho said. “He’s got a really good curveball. He throws strikes. In his two appearances, he’s done a really good job for us.”
Notes
Right-hander Shane Dyer, who started Thursday’s suspended season opener, will take the mound tonight against Waterloo. … Battle Creek second baseman Colin Kaline is the grandson of Hall of Famer Al Kaline. Kaline had nine assists in Monday’s game and another seven Tuesday. … Bombers third baseman Evan Sharpley made two starts at quarterback for Notre Dame last season. … Trax the Express mascot won the mascot race Tuesday – against a child – for what is believed to be the first time in four seasons. … Tuesday’s attendance of 790 was the smallest in franchise history. … Eau Claire right fielder Kole Calhoun made a nice diving catch of a sinking fly ball in shallow right in the top of the seventh. … Holloway became the first Express player this season to record a three-hit game.
- Joe Ziemer
Finally, some hard-hit balls.
First it was a ringing RBI double off the bat of Kyle Holloway. Then two batters later a lined, run-scoring single from Erik Knutson.
Granted, those eighth-inning runs didn’t decide the game. But they turned a slim, two-run lead into a more comfortable four-run margin as the Express beat the Battle Creek Bombers, 4-0, on Tuesday at Carson Park.
Those two RBIs also gave a big boost to an offense that’s been struggling early in the Northwoods League season.
“It felt very good,” said Holloway, who was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. “I’ve been struggling myself a little bit, so it felt good to get that hit.”
Knutson was 2-for-4 with an RBI and run for Eau Claire (2-3), which entered the game hitting just .150. Tuesday the Express had eight hits and finally squared up some pitches.
“You always worry when you’re struggling but when you’re doing good, it all flows,” Holloway said.
Prior to the eighth, the Express had used some small ball to scratch out two runs in support of starter Robbie Kilcrease, who tossed seven shutout innings.
Ronnie Olson led off the bottom of the fifth inning by spraying an opposite-field single to left. He moved to second on Joe Bonfe’s sacrifice bunt, took third on a balk by the Bombers’ Jesse Hernandez and scored on D.J. Anderson’s groundout to the right side of the infield.
Then in the seventh Knutson started things with a single that took a high hop over the head of third baseman Evan Sharpley. An errant pickoff attempt by Hernandez put Knutson at second, and Olson’s groundout to second moved him to third. Knutson then scored on a sharp single to left by Bonfe.
“I think we played really well tonight,” Express manager Dale Varsho said. “Robbie Kilcrease did awesome. He threw strikes, got ahead, his changeup was phenomenal.”
As it turned out, two runs were about all Kilcrease needed – though the offense-starved Express weren’t complaining about extra runs. Kilcrease, a left-hander from Texas Tech, didn’t allow a run on six hits. He struck out six and walked two. Used as a reliever by the Red Raiders, Kilcrease is still in the process of being stretched out as a starter. Tuesday was a pretty good first step.
“I felt good,” Kilcrease said. “I had good defense behind me. They made a lot of plays for me. I’m pretty excited.”
Willie Beard pitched the final two innings to earn his first save. Beard did not give up a run or a hit. He walked two and struck out two.
“Willie’s been really good,” Varsho said. “He’s got a really good curveball. He throws strikes. In his two appearances, he’s done a really good job for us.”
Notes
Right-hander Shane Dyer, who started Thursday’s suspended season opener, will take the mound tonight against Waterloo. … Battle Creek second baseman Colin Kaline is the grandson of Hall of Famer Al Kaline. Kaline had nine assists in Monday’s game and another seven Tuesday. … Bombers third baseman Evan Sharpley made two starts at quarterback for Notre Dame last season. … Trax the Express mascot won the mascot race Tuesday – against a child – for what is believed to be the first time in four seasons. … Tuesday’s attendance of 790 was the smallest in franchise history. … Eau Claire right fielder Kole Calhoun made a nice diving catch of a sinking fly ball in shallow right in the top of the seventh. … Holloway became the first Express player this season to record a three-hit game.
- Joe Ziemer
Monday, June 2, 2008
Express notes
We're about 10 minutes away from the first pitch of tonight's game between the Eau Claire Express and Battle Creek Bombers at Carson Park. It's an overcast evening, so let's cross our fingers that this game gets played.
Here are a few game notes:
* New Mexico right-hander Drew Kendrick is making his first start since high school. Kendrick was injured last season, but went 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA for the Express in 2006. Kendrick has pitched solely out of the bullpen in his collegiate career.
* Wayne State right-hander John Kessick joined the Express over the weekend. Manager Dale Varsho expects the Baylor duo of infielder Landis Ware and right-hander Wade Mackey to join the team Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
* Texas Tech lefty Robbie Kilcrease will start Tuesday’s season finale against Battle Creek. Kilcrease is an unknown quantity to Varsho, who will be getting his first look at the southpaw in the game. Shane Dyer likely will start Wednesday game against Waterloo. Right-hander Chris Odegaard would follow Thursday.
* Varsho hopes Mackey would be available to take the place of Joe Bonfe in the rotation. Bonfe, a righty from Creighton, started Saturday’s win over Alexandria, but primarily will be used as a reliever. Varsho also isn’t sure whether or not Nebraska-Omaha lefty Ryan Hines will remain in the rotation.
*Right-hander Adam Worthington and Illinois-Chicago were eliminated from the NCAA tournament Sunday. When Worthington arrives – Varsho is hoping to have him in three to four days – he’ll immediately slot into the six-man rotation. Cal Poly righty D.J. Mauldin also will be a starter once he arrives in mid June.
“Starters won’t be my problem,” Varsho said.
- Joe Ziemer
Here are a few game notes:
* New Mexico right-hander Drew Kendrick is making his first start since high school. Kendrick was injured last season, but went 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA for the Express in 2006. Kendrick has pitched solely out of the bullpen in his collegiate career.
* Wayne State right-hander John Kessick joined the Express over the weekend. Manager Dale Varsho expects the Baylor duo of infielder Landis Ware and right-hander Wade Mackey to join the team Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
* Texas Tech lefty Robbie Kilcrease will start Tuesday’s season finale against Battle Creek. Kilcrease is an unknown quantity to Varsho, who will be getting his first look at the southpaw in the game. Shane Dyer likely will start Wednesday game against Waterloo. Right-hander Chris Odegaard would follow Thursday.
* Varsho hopes Mackey would be available to take the place of Joe Bonfe in the rotation. Bonfe, a righty from Creighton, started Saturday’s win over Alexandria, but primarily will be used as a reliever. Varsho also isn’t sure whether or not Nebraska-Omaha lefty Ryan Hines will remain in the rotation.
*Right-hander Adam Worthington and Illinois-Chicago were eliminated from the NCAA tournament Sunday. When Worthington arrives – Varsho is hoping to have him in three to four days – he’ll immediately slot into the six-man rotation. Cal Poly righty D.J. Mauldin also will be a starter once he arrives in mid June.
“Starters won’t be my problem,” Varsho said.
- Joe Ziemer
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