THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO – Jason Leblebijian (Bradley) gave Willmar an early 1-0 lead with an RBI triple in the first inning to score Rob Elliott (Bradley), but Thunder Bay scored two runs each in the sixth and seventh innings to come back and defeat the Stingers Thursday night at Port Arthur Stadium, 4-2.

Eduardo Gonzalez (Alcorn State), Jarid Scarafiotti (Stephen F. Austin) and Elliott all had multi-hit games, as the Stingers out-hit the Border Cats, 10-8. However, Willmar stranded 13 baserunners in the game, including the bases loaded twice.

Dan Russell (Western Illinois) pitched six strong innings in his first start of the season, but took the loss after allowing four runs on seven hits. Michael Shreves (Montevallo) pitched two scoreless innings in relief, allowing one hit and one walk.

Trailing 2-1 in the top of the sixth inning, Gonzalez, Scarafiotti and Mitch Rowan (Willamette) posted three consecutive base hits, capped off by an RBI single by Rowan to tie the game.

Willmar and Thunder Bay will play the final game of the series Friday night at 6:05 p.m. The Stingers will then return home for two home games against Duluth over the weekend, beginning with American Cancer Society Night presented by Duininck, Inc. First pitch for Saturday’s game will be at 7:05 p.m.

There will be 12 pink MaxBats used by players in the game, which will be autographed by the entire team and auctioned during the game. Thanks to Duininck, Inc., 100 percent of all proceeds from the auction will be given to the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Bidding on the bats has already begun. Starting bids for these collector item will be at $100 each and bids can be e-mailed to nick@willmarstingers.com. Please include your bid, name, phone number, and the bat number (#1 – #12) you wish to bid on. On-line bidding will continue until the top of the 9th inning of Saturday’s game.

The 2011 season is presented by Charter.