The CVL game between the Kimball Express and the St. Augusta Gussies scheduled for Sunday, May 23, was washed out. The make up game will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, in Watkins. The Express managed a split in the two games played last week, winning 9-6 Wednesday in Hutchinson, and losing a close game to the Cold Spring Rockies Saturday night. Cold Spring The Express lost to the Cold Spring Rockies on a cool Saturday evening, May 22, 3-1. The Rockies jumped out to an early lead, plating two runs in the first inning. Kimball starter Justin Hill (1-1) added another in the third inning. Hill pitched six solid innings in his second start of the year, allowing three runs and a walk, and striking out one. Joe Krippner came on in the seventh inning and threw two shut out innings. The Express failed to take advantage of eight walks issued by Rockies starter Rick Burtzel, and that cost them the game. Kimball posed the biggest threat in the top of the eighth inning. The team had high hopes with no outs and runners on second and third, but Pat Arnold and Tom Marquardt struck out and Joe Krippner grounded out to the pitcher. The Express’ record falls to 4-3 in league play and 5-3 overall. Hutchinson Manager Tom Marquardt’s two-run single in the top of the ninth inning broke open a tie ball game and put the Express ahead for good against the Class B Hutchinson Huskies Wednesday, May 19. The Express started the eighth inning down, 6-5. Tom Marquardt started the rally with a single to right field. Brooks Marquardt singled later in the inning to drive him home and tie the score. Tom finished the night 2-2, with two RBIs and one run scored. Tom hit a single to right field with the bases loaded in the top of the ninth. His single scored two to give the Express the lead for the remainder of the game. Joe Krippner relieved pitcher Kris Hagen in the seventh to pick up the win. Mike Arnold scored the winning run with his second double of the night in the ninth inning. Arnold finished 3-4, 2 2b, 3R, 2 RBIs. Rail Report The Express played Cold Spring without three of the team regulars. Shortstop Jeremy Kuechle and outfielders Mike Arnold and Aaron Knaus were unable to play because of other commitments. The Express travel to Dassel to take on the DC Saints at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 26. Pat Arnold (1-1) will get the call for the Express. Kimball beat the Saints twice last year, which is a rarity. The Saints are a regular participant in the Class B state amateur baseball tournament. Look for a great game Wednesday evening. The Express have two big games at home this weekend. They face the Litchfield Blues at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 29, and the Watkins Clippers at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 30. The Express took two games from the Blues last year and will look to avenge an early season loss to the Clippers on Sunday. Come out to the park for exciting amateur baseball.
