MANKATO–It took until the second of July, but in the first ever meeting between Mankato and Willmar, it was the last place Moondogs looking sharp early against the Stingers in a 9-4 win Friday at Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato.  Stingers starter Logan Birr was not sharp, allowing three runs on four hits, coming out after just one inning after throwing 30-plus pitches in the frame.

In Birr’s stead, Roy Metter looked sharp in six innings in relief, despite a six run third.  Sean Dwyer came in for the eighth for his second relief appearance in four days for Willmar.  Offensively for the Stingers, it was Matt Serna leading the charge, coming through with a bases clearing double in the fifth, upping his season RBI total to 17.  Jordan Smith scored the only other Willmar run, tripling to center in the seventh and scoring on a Moondog error.

Next up for Willmar, it’s two at home with Mankato starting tomorrow on Salute to Veterans night at Bill Taunton Stadium presented by Willmar VFW Post 1639 & KDJA 1590AM & the River 97.3FM.   All fans will be treated to a post-game fireworks extravaganza! For tickets, call the Stingers ticket office at 320-222-2010 or log on to willmarstingers.com for more information.  As always, we remind you to check out wctrib.com for all your Stingers coverage.  The 2010 season is presented by Charter.