WILLMAR, Minn. – The Stingers won their fifteenth game of the season Tuesday evening thanks to Gus Varland (Concordia – St. Paul) and Danny Rodriguez (Bethune Cookman) both impressing in multiple ways.

Varland got the start on the mound for the first time this season. The sophomore fireballer gave up four hits in six innings. His one run was unearned as he worked towards his third win. 

Rodriguez began his day at the plate with a two-run single to drive in Josh Bissonette (Baylor) and Nolan Bumstead (CS-Northridge). It was the first of three total RBI in the day for Rodriguez.

It was part of the Stingers' four-run first inning that gave them momentum that would never falter.

Rodriguez continued to have a hit in the third, fifth, and seventh innings, totaling 4-for-4 throughout the night. His seventh-inning double was the fifth of his year.

Today's Center for Diagnostic Imaging player of the game was Danny Rodriguez. CDI is your local medical imaging provider. It’s your choice where you go for medical imaging, for MRI, CT, mammograms and pain injections, choose CDI. Visit online at myCDI.com/CentralMN.

He also contributed to two double plays in the field. The Stingers now have 34 on the season, which is still the most in the Northwoods League.

Tonight was Marathon Versus Baseball Night presented by Hansen Advertising. Runners from the Willmar High School Track and Cross Country Teams competed in a marathon relay during the game to answer the age-old question: What takes longer a baseball game or a marathon?

Seven of the nine teams finished before the baseball game, and 235 total miles were run by the competitors.

Tomorrow night will be game two for the Stingers and the Larks. It will be Veteran’s Appreciation Night presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group. Nine local veterans will be featured on trading cards that will be dispersed to the first 250 fans. There will also be post-game fireworks.

Tickets for all games at Bill Taunton Stadium are available at WillmarStingers.com or by calling the Stingers' ticket office at 320-222-2010.

The 2017 Stingers season is presented by Marcus Construction. For more coverage of the Stingers, visit the West Central Tribune online at www.wctrib.com.