EXPRESS TOURNEY HOPES DIE

August 19, 2006

After a big 3-0 win Friday night over the Watkins Clippers the Express season came to an abrupt halt Saturday afternoon as they lost a close 2-1 game at the hands of the Loretto Larks in Region 11C baseball action at Memorial Park in Howard Lake.

Friday night the Express embarked on what needed to be a three win weekend to advance to Minnesota amateur baseball’s version of the Super Bowl, the state tournament. They needed to first get by the Watkins Clippers and did just that as they jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning. That was all they needed with Jim Brubaker on the mound. Brubaker went all nine innings recording a complete game shutout victory.

The win propelled the Express into Saturday afternoon’s contest where they met the Loretto Larks. The Larks were just good enough to take advantage of an Express error and a hit batsman to score two runs off starter Pat Arnold. The Kimball lumber was quiet most of the day as they were only able to muster up the one run.  

Rail Report

The loss ended yet another successful season as the Express finished 21-13 overall and were CVL South regular season and CVL South Division playoff champions. They made it to the final four of a great regional tournament and were playing on the last day of qualifying for state tournament play. The Express would like to thank all their fans that made it out to games this season; the attendance is very much appreciated.

Look for some changes to happen once again this fall to Veterans Memorial Field as new dugouts will be erected as will a new back stop. Look for a picture in the Tri County News in the coming weeks of what the field will look like after a new concession stand, grandstand and press box are completed.