The Lakeside Lip Rippers one and only showcase at Corbett Field ended up in a losing decision to the Willmar Stingers but still offered up plenty of highlights for Lip Ripper faithful all night long.

The premier plays began on the first pitch when Lip Ripper shortstop Bryson Webb snatched a low-flying line drive on a Superman dive at shortstop for the game’s first out. When Lakeside came to the plate in inning number one, Robbie Demetree made his presence known with a two-RBI triple to right center.

The Rippers had an early lead and held on for a while. Starting pitcher Kahler Key was able to navigate around Willmar baserunners with little damage done on the scoreboard in the early going. The big inning for the Stingers was the fourth. Willmar’s five-run frame was capped off by a two-run homer by Carter Bailey. The Stingers went up 7-2 after that.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Lip Rippers responded. Bryson Webb and Trenton Lombardo each plated runs on base-hits and the lead shrunk to three runs.

Not long after, the Stingers landed another haymaker. A six-run seventh inning put the game out of reach despite three late runs by the Rippers.

Willmar took game one of a four-game series 14-7 and will look to stay above .500 tomorrow night against the Minot Hot Tots. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm at Corbett Field.

All player jerseys were auctioned off postgame with proceeds benefiting Lure Em for Life. The First Command Play of the Game was awarded to Robbie Demetree’s triple in the first inning that kicked off the scoring. The Lip Rippers drew three Buffalo Wild Wings Walks.