WILLMAR–The Stingers were looking for vengeance after Monday’s 6-1 loss in St. Cloud and boy did they ever get it in a decisive 5-2 win over the River Bats at Bill Taunton Stadium on Tuesday. With the win, Willmar improved to 21-19 overall on the year and 3-2 in the second half of the season, setting up a rubber match in the finale of the three game series on Wednesday. A Stingers win would draw Willmar even with the Bats at four games apiece in the season series.

On the hill for the Stingers was Wally Marciel who was brilliant in his fourth start of the season but ended up with a no decision after tossing six innings of four hit ball allowing just one unearned run. After Wally’s exit, Jayson Huett earned the win after allowing one earned in an inning and a third. Then Daniel Zapata bridged the gap to Jacob Barnes in the ninth, who notched his team leading fourth save of 2010 striking out three Bats in the inning.

Offensively, Nate Johnson hit his team-best third home run of the season and RBI’s were also delivered by Jordan Smith, Mitch Delfino, and Sean Dwyer. Next up for the Stingers, it’s a third straight with St. Cloud on Wednesday with the first pitch set for 7:05 pm at Bill Taunton Stadium in Willmar. For tickets, call 320-222-2010 or log on to willmarstingers.com for more information.  As always, check out wctrib.com for all your Stingers coverage. The 2010 season is presented by Charter.