WILLMAR, Minn. – Willmar took an early 1-0 lead on an unearned run in the first inning, but four Stingers errors led to three unearned runs for the MoonDogs as Mankato took the contest by a final score of 8-2.

Both of Willmar’s (16-12) runs were unearned in a game where the teams combined for six errors and two passed balls. Trailing 1-0 entering the third, Mankato (21-7) plated two in the third to begin a stretch of six unanswered runs. The MoonDogs pushed across two runs in each of the third, fourth and sixth frames.

Anthony Consiglio (Western Nevada) took the loss after allowing two earned runs in five innings and striking out six. Zach Hall received the victory to improve to 3-0 on the year after striking out five and not allowing any earned runs in seven innings to lower his ERA to 0.68.

The Stingers grabbed the initial lead after a single by Hunter Dozier (Stephen F. Austin) extended the inning with two outs for Michael Suchy (Florida Gulf Coast). Suchy singled to right-center field, and Dozier scored on a throwing error on the play.

Suchy led off the seventh inning with a walk and advanced to second on a one-out single by Steven Brault (Regis). Suchy and Brault then executed a double steal, and Suchy scored when the catcher’s throw got away from the third baseman. Suchy finished the game 2-for-3, while Brault went 2-for-4 in the contest for the team’s other multi-hit effort. Mitch Rowan (San Francisco), Max Kuhn (Kentucky) and Dozier had the other hits for the Stingers.

Willmar has the day off Wednesday before traveling to Duluth for a two-game series beginning Thursday 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.