The Larks dropped the final game of a four game series against the Willmar Stingers, 6-2 on USA Day presented by Dakota Community Bank and Trust.

The Stingers took the lead in the top of the first with a two run home run by Will Hodo (Alabama). That home run was one of two on the day for the Stingers after a three run bomb from Drey Dirksen (Augustana) in the top of the fifth that gave the Stingers their largest lead of the day. 

On the mound, the Larks saw impressive outings from both arms out of the bullpen. Luke Hempel (Cal State – San Bernardino) got the call in the sixth, allowing only two hits, no earned runs in three full innings pitched. Hempel also delivered the Metro Area Ambulance Fastest Pitch of the Game at 86 mph. Julio Romero (Waubonsee Community) came in the ninth and retired all three batters he faced.  

At the plate, Luke Glascoe (UC – San Diego) went three for five with a scored run. Aaron Mann (Drury University) delivered the only RBI of the day in the bottom of the third, scoring Luke Glascoe. 

For the Stingers, Will Hodo (Alabama) went one for three with two runs scored and two RBIs. Drey Dirksen (Augustana) went three for four with three RBIs, a home run and a run scored. 

Finally, the Stingers saw two pitchers today who combined for 15 strikeouts. Jack Zigan (Minnesota State – Mankato) got the start and went five innings allowing four hits and no earned runs. Logan Samuels (Montevallo) saw a great performance on the mound going four innings out of the bullpen and allowing no earned runs on eight strikeouts. 

AJ Barraza collected the Fetzer Electric Play of the Game during the top of the fifth inning when he robbed a Stingers batter with a spectacular jumping grab.

The Larks are back in action on the road on Wednesday, July 6th against the Duluth Huskies.