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Published On: September 27th, 2013

WILLMAR, Minn. – Mitch Rowan (Willamette) and Jason Leblebijian (Bradley) began the eighth inning with consecutive singles to key a there-run inning, breaking a 3-3 tie to lead the Stingers a 6-4 victory over the Mankato MoonDogs Thursday night at Bill Taunton Stadium in Willmar, Minn.

Leblebijian also hit his seventh home run of the season in the first inning and finished the game 2-for-4. He now leads the team with 47 runs and 31 RBIs. Pat Stover (Santa Clara) was 2-for-3 with two runs scored, while Mitch Delfino (California) added a run and an RBI.

Jack Shannon (San Diego) received his first victory of the season after allowing one run in two-plus innings of relief. Tanner Banks (Salt Lake College) got the final three outs of the game, including one strikeout, to earn his second save of the season. Dan Russell (Western Illinois) had a no-decision, but only surrendered three runs on seven hits while striking out six in six innings.

Following the singles by Rowan and Leblebijian, Stover walked to load the bases and Delfino walked as well to give the Stingers a 4-3 lead. Two batters later, with two outs in the inning, Shepherd singled to right to give Willmar a three-run advantage. His two RBIs proved to be the difference in the ballgame. The victory snapped Mankato’s seven-game winning streak.

Willmar and Mankato will play again Friday night on \”Turn Back the Clock to 1971 Night,\” celebrating Affiliated Community Medical Center’s 40th Anniversary. Stingers players and coaches will be wearing 1971 style uniforms, and the first 300 fans will receive a Stingers vintage baseball cap presented by ACMC. First pitch will be at 7:05 p.m. The gates will open at 6.

The 2011 season is presented by Charter.