WILLMAR–After the same two teams combined for 23 runs in Wednesday night’s game, the Stingers and Rochester Honkers could only manage one measly run on Thursday night.  But thankfully for Stingers fans, it went in the Stingers’ column courtesy of a Matt Serna RBI single in the fourth, upping his team-leading RBI total to 13.  But the real story Thursday was Willmar starter Charley Olson, who allowed just two hits in eight shutout innings, striking out nine Honkers along the way.

Olson’s first win of 2010 bumped his record to 1-2, and the Stingers back to .500 as they evened their record up at 7-7.  For the Honkers, Oklahoma State lefty Mike Strong couldn’t live up to his name, giving up eight hits in just five and a third in a decidedly weak outing.  In his sixth relief appearance this year, Stingers righty Jayson Huett struck out two in a perfect ninth inning, to earn his second save of the season.

The Stingers look to make it three straight wins on Friday night when they welcome the Thunder Bay Border Cats to Willmar for a three game set.  The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm at Bill Taunton Stadium, but get to the ballpark early as it’s Batting Helmet Night presented by Marcus Construction.  The first 250 kids through the gates will recieve a Stingers batting helmet.  For tickets, call 320-222-2010 or visit willmarstingers.com for more information.  For all your Stingers coverage, be sure to log on to wctrib.com.  The 2010 season is presented by Charter.