WILLMAR, Minn. – Kenny Roberts’ two-run homer capped off a three-run first inning for the Stingers, but that was all the offense produced for the night as Willmar eventually fell to the Border Cats, 7-3.

Thunder Bay (8-9) scored in four-straight innings to overcome its three run deficit, plating lone runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh frames before a four-run, three-hit effort in the eighth gave the Border Cats their first lead of the game.

Each team posted 10 hits in the ballgame, but Willmar (8-9) committed four errors that led to three unearned runs by the Border Cats. Jacob Cage (Azusa Pacific) took the loss after surrendering three runs – two earned – on one hit and one walk in 2/3 inning.

The Stingers’ offense started out strong after a leadoff single by Forrestt Allday (Central Arkansas) in the first inning. Allday advanced on a sacrifice bunt and scored two batters later on an RBI single by Michael Suchy (Florida Gulf Coast) with two outs. Roberts then cranked a two-run homer to left field to give the Stingers a 3-0 advantage. It marked Roberts’ team-leading third home run and gave him 10 RBIs this year.

Allday finished the game 3-for-4 with a walk and a run scored. He also stole his third base of the season. Suchy went 2-for-4 in the contest, while Steven Brault (Regis) also had a multi-hit effort, going 2-for-5. LoganAllen (Occidental College) and Hunter Dozier (Stephen F. Austin) each had hits in the game as well.

The Stingers will face the Border Cats in the rubber match Saturday night at 7:05 p.m.

The 2012 season is presented by Charter. For more information on your Willmar Stingers be sure to visit the West Central Tribune at www.wctrib.com.