Pat Arnold picked up his second win of the season for the Express, pitching eight shutout innings, striking out six, and with Scott Marquardt at 2-4 with two RBIs, led the Express 3-0 over the Dassel-Cokato Saints Wednesday night, May 26, in non-league action. Kimball jumped to an early 1-0 lead off of Saint’s starter Dan Birkoltz, as Brooks Marquardt singled, stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on brother Scott Marquardt’s single. The Express added two more in the sixth inning as Scott Marquardt singled in Jeremy Kuechle and Tom Marquardt, double scoring Mike Arnold. That was all starting pitcher Pat Arnold (2-1) needed. He pitched out of a couple of jams early in the game. He struggled with control problems, but battled it out and kept the “goose egg” on the scoreboard. Arnold gave way to side-winder Jeremy Kuechle in the ninth inning as Kuechle slammed the door shut, striking out two to pick up the save. The Express hosted two big contests this past weekend. The Litchfield Blues invaded Kimball Saturday, May 29. The Watkins Clippers crossed the overhead bridge on Hwy. 55 and did battle with the Express Sunday, May 30, in Kimball. Kimball was looking to avenge an early season loss as the Clippers took the first meeting, 7-5.
