Eau Claire Rallies Past Bucks

Three errors and a four-run seventh inning by Eau Claire was too much for the Waterloo Bucks to overcome in a 5-3 setback to the Express Saturday night (July 2, 2016).

The loss dropped Waterloo into fourth place in the Northwoods League's North Division standings, 1.5 games behind second-place Eau Claire and three games back of first-place St. Cloud with four games remaining on the first-half schedule. The half-season ends on Tuesday (July 5).

Eau Claire (22-11) took an early 1-0 lead with a run in the first inning before the Bucks (20-12) countered with the equalizer in the second. Adam McGinnis started Waterloo's rally with a double to left-center on the first pitch he saw. McGinnis later advanced to third when Lane Milligan laid down a bunt single up the third base line. Brody Weiss then drove McGinnis home with an RBI single to shallow left field.

The Bucks took their only lead of the night with a run in the sixth. Zach Weatherford singled to center before stealing second. Two wild pitches from Eau Claire starter pitcher Brody Rodning then brought in Weatherford, putting Waterloo in front, 2-1.

The Express regained the lead with four runs in the seventh. Kyle Marinconz singled to center to begin the inning. Austin Guzzo then drew a walk before Jared Mang reached on the third Waterloo error of the evening. Sam Hurt put Eau Claire in front by two with a bases-clearing triple to left-center before Ripken Reyes made it 5-2 with a sacrifice fly to center.

Waterloo cut the deficit to one with the game's final run in the eighth inning. Weatherford trimmed the Eau Claire lead to 5-3 with a solo home run, his first of the season.

Nate Spielvogel (1-3) was charged with the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) on three hits and a walk in one inning. Bryce Reichmann recorded a no-decision in his first start of the year.

The loss was the third in the last four games for the Bucks, who began the week in a first-place tie with St. Cloud in the North Division race.

UP NEXT: The Bucks complete their two-game series at Eau Claire on Sunday afternoon (July 3), before returning Waterloo for a brief one night home stand that will feature a modified doubleheader.

On Monday (July 4) at 6:05 p.m., Waterloo wraps up a suspended game from June 14 against the Rochester Honkers before playing the originally scheduled nine-inning game. The suspended game will resume in the top of the ninth with the Bucks leading the Honkers, 3-2. First pitch is scheduled for 30 minutes after the completion of the June 14 game or at 7:05 p.m., whichever is later.

Monday is Military Heroes Night from Riverfront Stadium and features an Independence Day jersey auction. The first 1,000 fans receive a set of Military Hero cards, which recognizes military members throughout the Cedar Valley. Before the game, the Bucks will recognize the Military Heroes featured on the cards.

During the game, the Bucks will wear special Independence Day-themed jerseys, which will be auctioned off during the game with all proceeds going to support the local Honor Flight. It's also Buck Night, featuring 10 oz. draft beer, 12 oz. fountain soda, small popcorn and ice cream sandwiches for $1.00 each, and hot dogs for $1.50

Monday’s game also features a post-game fireworks extravaganza.

All Waterloo Bucks games can be heard online at waterloobucks.com with Jared Shlensky.