WILLMAR, Minn. – Willmar jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the fourth inning after a two-out RBI-single by Jake Stinnett scored Jason Leblebijian from second base, but that was the only offense the Stingers could produce as the Rochester Honkers defeated Willmar in 10 innings, 2-1.

Tanner Banks began the game for the Stingers and pitched four scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Michael Shreves allowed only one run in 2 2/3 innings. Jason West came into a two on, two out jam in the seventh and was able to get out of it, preventing the Honkers from taking the lead at the time.

Scott Zuloaga worked a perfect ninth inning in relief, but surrendered a game-ending single to Jake Kurth in the 10th inning with two outs, scoring Matt Beyer.

Tyler Zupcic led the Stingers offense with three of their six hits, finishing the game 3-for-5 with a stolen base. Anthony Hincy, Mitch Rowan and Stinnett had the other three hits. All six hits for Willmar were singles in the game.

The Stingers were able to get out of a jam in the eighth inning when the Honkers put runners on the corners with nobody out. Rowan made a highlight-reel, diving catch in right field to record the first out and quickly fired the ball back into the field so that the runner could not tag. Jason West then forced a shallow fly-out and a strikeout to maintain a tied score entering the ninth.

Willmar will now play a two-game series at Alexandria beginning Monday night at 7:05 p.m. The Stingers return home Wednesday June 8 to play Alexandria in Bill Taunton Stadium at Baker Field at 7:05 p.m. The first 250 kids 14 years of age and under will receive a free Stingers baseball courtesy of Arnold’s of Willmar. Gates open at 6 p.m.

The 2011 season is presented by Charter.