Willmar, Minn. – The Stingers bounce back to earn an 8-4 win Thursday night over the Mankato MoonDogs in the first of a four game series.

Tyler Small had a three-for-four night at the plate, with a pair of two-run singles. He left the game in the fifth inning after fouling a ball off his leg. Brady Counsell knocked in his first runs of the season, on a single in the second and a bases loaded walk in the sixth. Carter Howell knocked two runs as well, one on a double and another on a single.

Dennis Boatman made his second start of the season for Willmar. He went six innings, gave up five hits and four runs, struck out eight and walked three. Colton Hamman came in from the bullpen and tossed two-and-two-thirds innings of shutout ball, and Jacob Webb struck out Alex Baeza for the game’s final out.

Game 2 against Mankato will be Friday night, June 11, from ISG Field in Mankato. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m.