WILLMAR, MN – Willmar could not overcome an early four-run deficit, as the Stingers trailed the entire game against Thunder Bay before eventually falling 6-3 in the second game of the season.

Jason Leblebijian, a sophomore from Bradley University, was the star of the game offensively for Willmar. Leblebijian collected all three RBIs for the Stingers, including a two-run homer to left field in the sixth inning to bring Willmar within two, 5-3. Leblebijian went 2-for-4 overall and had a stolen base in addition to the first Stinger home run of the season.

Junior Jarid Scarafiotti from Stephen F. Austin, making his Willmar debut, had the only other Stinger hit in the game. Junior Anthony Hincy from Doane College and sophomore Tyler Zupcic from Appalachian State each tallied runs, while Hincy, Rob Elliott and Jordan Brown each recorded four stolen bases to give Willmar a team total of four on the night.

Kody Gorden took the loss for the Stingers in his first start of the season. The sophomore from Western Nevada College allowed five runs on seven hits in four innings, but only two of the runs were earned. Willmar committed five errors in the contest, including one in each of the first three innings.

Michael Shreves had a strong outing in relief of Gorden. Shreves, a sophomore from the University of Montevallo, struck out three Border Cats batters in three innings while only allowing one hit.

Alex Guthrie and Evan Weibel each had multiple hits for Thunder Bay, while Weibel led the Border Cats with two RBIs. John Straka earned the victory after going 5 1/3 innings and allowing three runs. Donnie White picked up the save with a perfect ninth inning.

Willmar will face Thunder Bay in the rubber match Friday at 7:05 p.m. The first 300 fans to the game will receive a free Stingers baseball cap as part of Baseball Cap Night Presented by Heritage Bank.

The 2011 season is presented by Charter.