The Bismarck Larks knocked off the Willmar Stingers in a close game, 8-7.

Thanks to an astounding finish from Larks closer Edwin Colon (NW Oklahoma St.) who wrapped up the game on the mound, collecting his third save of the year. Fans saw a post-game firework show for Fetzer Electric Firework on Friday’s  Red, White, and Boom Night, presented by Eide Ford and Eide Chrysler.

Larks starting pitcher Joseph Kalafut (Edgewood College), who was credited with the win, had a solid performance through five and two-thirds innings. Kalafut stuck out seven batters and allowed six hits. 

Justin Goldstein (Middle Tennessee State University) earned the Metro Area Ambulance Fastest Pitch of the night with an 89 mph fastball in the eighth inning. 

Stingers starter Sam Malec (University of Minnesota) is now 3-3 on the year in 6 starts. He was on the mound for four innings where he allowed 10 hits for eight runs and seven errors. 

Daryl Ruiz (CSU-San Bernandino) led the Larks at the plate recording two hits, both doubles in three at-bats. Ruiz knocked in the eighth run of the game in the bottom of the fourth, ensuring fans would get a free donut at Bearscat Bakehouse. That double earned him the Fetzer Electric Play of the Game.

The Stingers closed the deficit twice in the game, once in the fifth inning scoring five runs and the other in the eighth scoring two runs before Larks pitcher Goldstein struck out Willmar’s Drey Dirksen (Augustana) to leave the bases loaded.  

Bismarck will be back in action for game two of the four-game series against the Stingers for Wild West Night. Catch the game on the Northwood League Baseball Network starting at 6:35 PM.