Willmar, MN – St. Cloud’s pitching staff shined in the 2020 season opener, but fell to Willmar by a final score of 3-2.

The Rox went by committee on the mound as no pitcher threw more than two innings. Zane Mills (Washington State) got the start and surrendered just one hit. He was followed by his college teammate, Brandon White (Washington State), who threw the third and fourth innings.

Nate Peterson (Oklahoma State) hurled the fifth inning and was followed by Tyson Heaton (BYU) out of the bullpen. Blake Stelzer (Concordia-St. Paul) tossed the final 1.2 innings and retired each of the five batters he faced. The staff would combine to strike out six batters.

With Willmar leading 3-1 in the 8th inning, the Rox began to mount their comeback. Collin Montez (Washington State) led off with a single to left field. He would eventually score on a throwing error that cut the deficit to one run.

In the ninth inning, St. Cloud was able to load the bases. Nick Marinconz (Cal Poly) started the rally with a leadoff single in his first career at-bat with the Rox. Nate Rombach (Texas Tech) would later be hit-by-a-pitch and Montez drew a walk. The rally would soon fall just short.

The Rox (0-1) will look to bounce back tomorrow for its home opener at Joe Faber Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm against the Rochester Honkers (0-0).

If you would like more information on tickets for the 2020 season, or more information regarding this press release please contact the Rox front office at 320-240-9798 or visit stcloudrox.com.

The St. Cloud Rox are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 26th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, over 230 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist (CHC) and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and MLB All-Star Jordan Zimmermann (DET). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.stcloudrox.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile.