WAUSAU , WI – June 10, 2008 – Early in the season, the Wisconsin Woodchucks (9-2) are looking like strong contenders in the Northwoods League. A 6-2 victory over the Eau Claire Express (4-7) in the completion of opening night’s suspended game made it five straight wins for the ‘Chucks.

The game resumed in the bottom of the fourth with the Woodchucks leading 2-0. The Express, however, would score one in the fourth and one in the seventh to tie the game at two. Carson Vitale (McClennan CC) would start the top of the eighth with a single. After Brent Weaver (Oklahoma City University) reached on an error by the third baseman and a Bobby Pritchett sacrifice bunt, Troy Frazier (Kentucky ) shot a single back up the middle to take the lead. A Chris Wade (Kentucky ) double off the wall and a Jeremy Barnes (Notre Dame) sacrifice fly made the score 5-2.

A Weaver RBI double in the top of the ninth added some insurance for the ‘Chucks. Brad Riddle (Oklahoma City University) worked one inning of relief and picked up his first win of the season. Aaron Varnum (Embry-Riddle) came on in the eighth earned the six out save. It was Varnum’s league leading fourth save of the season.  

Drew Kendrick (New Mexico) picked up the loss, his first of the season. David Cales led the Express offensively going 2 for 3 with an RBI.

The Woodchucks and Express play a seven inning game following the completion of the suspended game.

The Wisconsin Woodchucks are a member of the Northwoods League, a college wood bat summer league featuring players from across the country.  Baseball America named the Northwoods League as one of the premier summer collegiate baseball leagues in the country.  For ticket information or to reserve a date for a group outing, please contact the Woodchucks office at 715-845-5055.