MANKATO, Minn. – Jake Stinnett (Maryland) blasted a solo home run to left field with two outs in the ninth inning to tie the game, 8-8, and send it into extra innings. Around 11 p.m., a hard rain started to fall at Franklin Rogers Park in Mankato, Minn., forcing the game to be suspended until July 15. The game will resume in the bottom of the 12th inning.

Willmar held an early 6-1 lead in the game after scoring six runs in the first two innings, but saw Mankato come back with a five-run third to tie the game. Mankato then tallied two runs in the seventh inning to take its first lead of the game. The Stingers responded with a run in each the eighth and ninth innings to tie the game, 8-8.

Willmar began the game with four of its first five batters reaching base, including RBI doubles by Blake Shepherd (Viterbo) and Sean Dwyer (Florida Gulf Coast). Rob Elliott (Bradley) and Pat Stover (Santa Clara) reached base on walks. All four came home in the inning, including two on wild pitches, to give Willmar a quick 4-0 advantage.

The Stingers added to their lead in the second inning thanks to a solo home run by Jarid Scarafiotti (Stephen F. Austin) to lead off the inning followed by an fielder’s choice by Jason Leblebijian (Bradley) to score Anthony Hincy (Doane College).

Trailing 8-6 in the eighth inning, Scarafiotti ripped a one-out double to left field. Elliott then picked up a clutch two-out RBI on a single to bring home Scarafiotti for his third RBI of the year.

Willmar and Mankato will play again Wednesday night at Bill Taunton Stadium at Baker Field in Willmar, Minn. Wednesday’s home game against Mankato is “Guaranteed Win Night” presented by Erbert and Gerberts & Big Country. The first 250 fans will receive an envelope with different amounts of comet cash. If the Stingers lose, all fans will receive a voucher to a future game as they exit the stadium. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. The gates will open at 6 p.m.

The 2011 season is presented by Charter.