Ugly start costs Border Cats

Things got ugly in a hurry for the Thunder Bay Border Cats Thursday night.

The host Eau Claire Express put up a 10-spot in the first inning and by the time the Cats scored six of their own in the fifth, had built their lead to 14-1. They went on to win a wild one by a 20-12 count.

Dalton Bowers and Tim Wise had the big bats for the South Division Express, each driving in five runs. All nine Eau Claire starters had at least one hit and a run scored, part of an 18-hit attack that saw Thunder Bay pitcher Chris Kerwood hit the showers after just two outs.
Jason Vosler was 3-for-6 with three driven in and a pair of runs scored, while catcher Brad Burcroff was 3-for-3 with a team-high six RBI, including a fifth-inning grand slam, his first homerun of the season.

Like the Express, every Cats starter crossed the plate at least once.

Jake Peterson earned the win in relief, taking over with two outs in the fifth. Kerwood (4-5) took the loss, giving up 10 runs on seven hits while striking out none.

Thunder Bay heads to Mankato on Friday.