May 30^th, 2013 WILLMAR, MN – A rain delay during the middle innings may have cooled the Stingers bats, but Willmar’s pitching continued to baffle the visitors from Thunder Bay in a shutout win that lasted nearly four hours. Willmar(2-0) pitchers combined for eight strikeouts while allowing only eight runners to reach base.

  Chris Kubitz (St. Cloud) earned the victory despite pitching just five innings. Between the bottom of the fifth and top of the sixth, a thunderstorm interrupted play and perhaps the rhythm of Kubitz who was replaced by TJ Whidby (Central Arizona). Not short on quality arms, the Stingers coasted to victory as Whidby pitched four shutout innings en route to earning the save. And though the pitching carried the day, the offense was imposing, though seldom able to crack into the scoring column. In total, the Stingers stranded 16 runners and loaded the bases in four different innings.

  Right fielder Michael Suchy batted in the clean-up spot and collected a team-high three hits. Suchy, who last season set the team RBI record, recorded his first of the 2013 season in the fourth inning on a base hit that scored Kyle Perry (Monmouth).

  The Stingers will look to improve their record today (Fri) against the visiting Waterloo Bucks (1-0). Tonight’s game Replica Jersey Giveaway Night presented by Cash Wise Foods. The 1^st 250 kids 14-years-and-under receive a Stingers replica jersey.

  The 2013 season is presented by Charter. For more information on your Willmar Stingers be sure to visit the West Central Tribune at www.wctrib.com.