Mankato, Minn.—The Stingers fell to Mankato in the first of a two-game series 4-1. These two games are the last time the Stingers will be in Mankato during the regular season.

In the first inning, Justin King (Alabama) batted-in the first run of the game with a single that scored Baier. 1-0 Stingers. Trevor Divinski (Minn. State-Mankato) made the start on the mound for Willmar. He gave up two runs in the first inning but was lights out after that. Divinski allowed three hits and struck out three batters in his outing.

The game was held scoreless for the next six innings. The pitcher for the Moondogs held Willmar to one run through seven innings of work. The Stingers used three pitchers in relief tonight. Bryant Claunch (North Alabama) was first in relief for Willmar. He pitched a scoreless sixth inning that brought his ERA down to 0.77. Aldo Fernandez (New Mexico State) was next in line to pitch for the Stingers. He walked the second batter of the inning after striking out the leadoff man, then set down the next two Moondog batters.

Casey Dykstra (Azusa Pacific) pitched the eighth. He gave up two runs off two hits. That was the first time either team had scored since the first inning. The Stingers were unable to manufacture any runs in the top of the ninth. Willmar fell to Mankato by a score of 4-1. Game 2 will be back at Franklin Rogers Park tomorrow. First pitch 7:05pm CT!