Mankato, Minn.- The Willmar Stingers traveled to Mankato to finish off a three game road trip. The game did not go as planned with the Stingers falling 5-1, however Willmar fought to the very end.

In the first inning, the Stingers jumped out to a 1-0 lead, getting a run on an RBI groundout from Jayson Newman (Cal-State Northridge).

The MoonDogs responded, putting up a two spot of their own in that first inning, they would not look back.

Nick Dentoni (Delta College) started for the Stingers and pitched very well. Dentoni went seven innings (his longest outing of the season), gave up three earned runs and allowed just five hits. Dentoni got the loss but still had a good performance.

In the ninth inning Willmar loaded the bases. First it was a single from Jayson Newman, then it was Caleb Ricca (Northwestern State) getting hit by a pitch and finally Eric Yang (UC Santa Barbara) singled to load the bases for Willmar. After the bases were loaded a fly out and a pair of strikeouts ended the ball game but the Stingers didn’t go down easily.

Willmar will take on Mankato tomorrow night on their home turf at Bill Taunton Stadium. First pitch is at 7:05.

The 2018 Stingers season is presented by Marcus Construction. For more coverage of the Stingers visit the West Central Tribune online at www.wctrib.com.