Jim Brubaker’s sixth inning two-run home run gave the Express the lead as they came back from a 1-0 deficit to upend the Luxemburg Brewers 3-1 in round one of the Central Valley League North playoffs. Luxemburg took an early 1-0 lead in the second inning as starting pitcher Jason Harren hit a solo home run to left field. Harren pitched a complete game and went 2-4 for the Brewers adding a double in the eighth inning. Down 1-0, Joe Pennertz singled with one out in the sixth inning for the Express. With two outs, Jim Brubaker came through with one of the biggest hits of his baseball career as he blasted a two-run home run to deep center field, giving the Express the lead for good. Brubaker also picked up the save, coming in relief of starter Brooks Marquardt in the seventh inning. Marquardt went 6 1/3 innings and picked up the win, improving his record to 6-1 on the season. Marquardt struck out 4 and walked 4 on the day, allowing only the one run. Brian Marquardt went deep in the eighth for an insurance run, to give the Express a 3-1 lead and a two-run cushion going into the ninth inning. Brian and Joe Pennertz both had two hits apiece, with Pennertz also slapping a double. Rail Report The win gave the Express a chance to qualify for Region 11C play next Saturday, as they host the Cold Spring Rockies who beat the Pearl Lake Lakers 2-1 in other CVL North playoff action. Game time will be 2:00 with the winner advancing to region play. The loser will play again on Sunday against the winner of the Pearl Lake/Luxemburg game to see who will advance to region play.
