WILLMAR–Well, it wasn’t exactly 24 runs like Friday night’s Willmar win, but Stinger fans settled for a spine-tingling 19 run tilt on Saturday in a 12-7 win over Thunder Bay.  Jordan Smith was huge again with three more hits, RBI’s, and runs scored, but it was a newcomer that delivered when it counted most, Jared Norris came through with a clutch two-run single in the eighth to ice the game for the Stingers.

 

It was a brutal day defensively for the Border Cats, as just three of Willmar’s 12 runs were earned, thanks mostly to Thunder Bay’s eight-error effort.  Pitching-wise for Willmar, it was another patchwork night, with four Stinger hurlers combining in the win.  This time it was Kansas lefty Wally Marciel coming away with his first decision of 2010.  Marciel was solid, giving up one unearned run on three hits and a walk in a pair of innings.

 

Saturday’s win makes it four straight for the Stingers, bumping their record to 9-7 on the season.  Willmar goes for the three game sweep of Thunder Bay Sunday evening at Bill Taunton Stadium with a special Father’s Day start time of 6:05 pm.  You won’t want to miss it, as it’s the Stingers’ \”Salute to Father’s Night\” presented by KDJS 1590AM & the River 97.3FM.  All fathers and their kids will have the opportunity to play catch on the field before the game.  For tickets, call the Stingers ticket office at 320-222-2010, or check out willmarstingers.com for more information. As always, we remind you to log on to wctrib.com for all your Stingers coverage.  The 2010 season is presented by Charter.