Jason Leblebijian and Jarid Scarafiotti each recorded multi-hit games, but the Stingers fell short against Thunder Bay at Bill Taunton Stadium at Baker Field Friday night, 9-0.

Kevin Taylor hit a three-run homer for Thunder Bay in the first inning, and the Border Cats never looked back. Thunder Bay added one run in each of the third and fourth innings before a big four-run fifth inning broke the game wide open.

Scott Lieser started the game for the Stingers and allowed nine runs in 4 2/3 innings, though two of them were unearned. Defensively, Willmar committed three errors in the field. Meanwhile, Jon Carlson went six innings in his start for Thunder Bay, scattering four hits and two walks to earn the victory.

Willmar’s bullpen looked strong again, shutting out Thunder Bay for 4 1/3 innings while only allowing two hits and striking out five. Jason West, a junior from Stephen F. Austin, registered two strikeouts and did not surrender a hit in 1 1/3 innings. Minnesota-Duluth sophomore Jordan Smith struck out three hitters in two innings of relief.

Jason Leblebijian led the offensive attack with a 2-for-4 night, including a double. Leblebijian is now hitting .454 for the season. Scarafiotti also added two hits in four at-bats. He now has three hits in two games for the Stingers.

Willmar will now hit the road for four straight games, beginning with a two-day trip to Rochester followed by two games against Alexandria. Willmar will return to Bill Taunton Stadium at Baker Field for a two-game homestand June 8 with one game each against Alexandria and St. Cloud on back-to-back days.

June 8 will be Baseball Night presented by Arnold’s of Willmar. The first 250 kids 14 years of age and under will receive a Stingers logo baseball.

The 2011 season is presented by Charter.