Willmar, Minn. – The Stingers fall in the first game against Rochester on Thursday night in a close one, 6-5.

Down at one point 6-2, the Stingers cut the Rochester lead to one and had a chance to win it in the bottom of the ninth. With the bases loaded and Willmar down one, TJ Curd struck out swinging to end the game.

Rochester got off to a hot start of Willmar starter Dennis Boatman. They scored two in the first and one in the second to take a 3-0 lead. Willmar got on the board in the bottom of the third to make it 3-2.

The Stingers’ bullpen was effective, with Cruz Barrios, Chandler Freeman and Jacob Webb combining for five innings of one run ball.

Willmar falls to 11-14 on the season, and Rochester improves to 9-12. Game 2 of the series against Rochester is Friday, June 25, with first pitch at 7:05 p.m. from Bill Taunton Stadium.