Thunder Bay Offense Roars Early, Survives Late Scare
EAU CLAIRE, WI — Ladies and gentlemen, what a way to open the 2025 season! The Thunder Bay Border Cats came out swinging for the fences and barely held on to edge the Eau Claire Express 12-11 in a wild Northwoods League opener at Carson Park Monday night.
After storming out to a 12-0 lead through four-and-a-half innings, the Border Cats saw that cushion nearly disappear, but some clutch defense and late-game pitching sealed the deal and put a big ol’ W in the books to start the summer.
Tanner Lights Up the Scoreboard
Camden Tanner, the pride of the University of Alabama-Monticello, had himself a night to remember — 4-for-4 at the dish, five RBIs, and a game-saving diving grab in the ninth that stopped a bases-loaded rally dead in its tracks. Folks, that’s the stuff you love to see in a Border Cats uniform!
Backing him up was Braxton Templin from Georgetown, who drove in three more runs as the Cats put up a four-run second, two in the third, and then six more in a monster fourth.
Express Storm Back, Border Cats Stay Calm
To their credit, Eau Claire didn’t go quietly. The Express tallied five runs in the fourth, then chipped away until a five-run eighth made it a one-run game. But with the bags juiced and the game on the line, Tanner laid out in left to make a sensational diving catch and preserve the lead.
On the bump, it was Jackson Hohensee (Arizona Christian) shutting the door in the ninth, striking out the final two Express batters to notch the save. Tyler Talbert (Texas-Arlington) picked up the win in relief.
What’s Next for the Cats?
The Cats and Express wrap up their two-game set Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. ET, then it’s time to bring the boys home to Port Arthur Stadium!
Circle the date — Wednesday at 6:35 p.m. is the home opener against the Rochester Honkers. It’s also Weenie Wednesday — 2-for-1 hot dogs and a free 2025 magnetic schedule for the first 500 fans, courtesy of Official Parcel Service and Roach’s Taxi!
And don’t forget: Friday night fireworks after the game. Baseball, hot dogs, and fireworks — the summer in Thunder Bay is officially ON.
