EXPRESS RUN OUT OF GAS

August 15, 2005

After winning 5-4 Friday night in extra innings against the Eden Valley Hawks, Saturday afternoon in Region 11C action at Cold Spring Baseball Park the Express had their season come to an end at the hands of the Cold Spring Rockies by the score of 5-2.

Cold Spring scored four runs in the seventh inning to make the score 5-0 and that was all they needed. Kimball scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning on a Joe Pennertz two run double to close the gap to 5-2 but that was as close as they got.

Draftee from Pearl Lake Bryan Hennen pitched well enough to win, however, the Express defense committed four errors and had miscommunication as they didn’t make some plays they normally make which didn’t help the young right hander.

Eden Valley

Friday night the Express needed to win to stay alive. They did just that winning 5-4 in eleven innings defeating the Eden Valley Hawks.

In the bottom of the eleventh inning Brooks Marquardt led off with a double down the left field line. Pat Arnold then sac bunted him over to third. On the play Hawks pitcher Joby McCann tried to get Marquardt at third and the throw hit Brooks in the arm and sailed into left field allowing Marquardt to score the winning run.

All the runs other than the winning run were scored in the first three innings of play. After that starters from both teams settled down and pitched some zeros on the board. Joby McCann went all eleven innings pitching wonderfully for the Hawks. He threw 159 pitches on the night. Pat Arnold started for the Express and pitched ok, having trouble with his command most of the evening. He got into the seventh inning before being relieved by Jim Brubaker who picks up the win as he went the rest of the way pitching very well.

Joe Pennertz was the Kimball offense as he drove four of the Kimball runs on a two run homer in the third inning and a two run double in the first inning. He ended the evening 3-5 2B, HR, 1B.

Rail Report

Another season comes to an end with the Express final record standing at 21-10. Only one team will go home happy this year in Class C baseball so the Express are in the majority as they are not happy with the season ending.

Injuries and poor defensive play hurt the Express down the stretch, but that is all part of the game.

The Express would like to thank their families first and foremost as they put up with the long season as it is a commitment for them just as much as it is for the players. A big thanks to all the fans who support them throughout the season as well. A special thanks to ticket takers and concession workers. Also thanks to Andy Dingman for his PA skills at all home games. Everyone have a great fall and winter and see you next spring at the park!