Willmar, MN – Luke Albright (Kent State) struck out 12 batters and helped lead St. Cloud (23-12) to a 4-3 win, sweeping the Willmar Stingers. They’ve now won seven consecutive games against Willmar.

The Rox claimed an early lead in the first inning. Ben Norman (Iowa) and Andrew Pintar (BYU) both hit singles to begin the inning. Jordan Barth (Augustana) later drove in Norman as St. Cloud led 1-0.

Kodie Kolden (Washington State) led off the third inning with a bunt single down the third base line. In the next at-bat, Norman blasted a two-run home run to right field. It’s his second home run in five days against the Stingers at Bill Taunton Stadium.

Leading 3-2 in the eighth inning, Kolden was hit-by-a-pitch to begin the inning. He took second base on a wild pitch and later stole third base. He would score on an error to extend the lead.

In the bottom of the 9th inning, Blake Stelzer (Concordia-St. Paul) entered to pitch for the second consecutive game. The Rox led 4-3. After Chase Stanke led off and flew out to left field, the Stingers loaded the bases after three consecutive singles. Drey Dirksen then grounded out to Kodie Kolden at second base, who helped turn a game-ending double play.

Luke Albright (Kent State) started the game and earned his second win of the season, striking out 12 batters over five innings pitched. He was one strikeout away from tying the single-game Rox record. Albright earned Northwoods League Pitcher of the Night honors.

Noah Myhre (Minot State) tossed a scoreless sixth inning out of the bullpen. Trevor Koenig (St. Cloud State) threw two innings, striking out three batters. Stelzer pitched the ninth inning, collecting his seventh save of the season.

The pitching staff combined to strikeout 16 batters in the win.

The Rox have now won 12 of their last 14 games. They’ve also won 11 straight games at the Rock Pile.

For the full box score from Thursday’s game, click here.

St. Cloud will have off days on Friday and Saturday. The Rox will be back at home on Sunday, August 16th against the Mankato MoonDogs, opening a two-game series. The game is scheduled to begin at 4:05 pm.

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.