DULUTH, Minn. – Willmar scored three runs on one hit in the first inning and led for the entirety of the contest in an eventual 6-4 victory over the Huskies at Wade Stadium Friday night.

The Stingers saw their lead cut to one on two different occasions, 3-2 in the first inning and 5-4 in the eighth, but each time the Huskies left the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position to keep the Stingers in front

Willmar took the early lead after Forrestt Allday (Central Arkansas) and Mitch Rowan (San Francisco) began the game with back-to-back walks to spark a three-run first inning. Michael Suchy (Florida Gulf Coast) walked with one out to load the bases for Corben Green (Louisiana Monroe), who was hit by a pitch on the hand to pick up his 10^th RBI in 10 games with the team. Steven Brault (Regis) followed with a two-run single up the middle to give the Stingers three runs on one hit in the frame.

Duluth responded with two runs on four hits in the bottom of the first against Kyle Fischer (St. Cloud State), but a 5-2-3 double play with the bases loaded ended the inning with the Stingers leading by one.

Willmar added a run in the second inning after Matt Jackson (Washington) singled and scored later in the inning on a sacrifice fly by Hunter Dozier (Stephen F. Austin).

Leading 4-2 in the eighth, Dillon Haupt (San Diego) pinch hit and singled up the middle in his first at-bat as a Stinger. He scored later in the frame on an error to make it a 5-2 contest.

Duluth rallied again, pulling within two, 5-3, and loading the bases before Brady Anderson (Florida Gulf Coast) had to enter the game. Anderson allowed a base hit to the first batter he faced to make it a one-run game, 5-4, with the bases still loaded, but Anderson struck out the next hitter and induced a ground ball to leave all three runners stranded and preserve the Stingers’ lead.

Anderson struck out all three batters he faced in the ninth to earn his sixth save of the season. Fischer earned the victory to improve to 2-0 after only allowing two runs while striking out six in six innings. Fischer now has 27 strikeouts in 29 innings pitched this year.

The Stingers return home for two games against Alexandria at Bill Taunton Stadium beginning with Jimmy Buffett Night presented by Duininck, Inc., Saturday 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.