WILLMAR, MN – The Willmar Stingers fell to the La Crosse Loggers 10-8 in the first game of their two-game home series.

The game was cracked open in the top of the eighth when the Loggers were able to put up six runs to control the lead.

Before that, the Stingers were able to hold a 3-1 lead in the early innings. In his debut, outfielder Joey Walls hit a two-run triple in the third for his first hit as a Stinger. He shortly crossed home after a wild pitch later in the inning.

Willmar held the lead until the top of the sixth when three Loggers scored thanks to a bases-clearing double from outfielder Zac Rice.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Stingers were able to respond as Drey Dirksen delivered an RBI single with runners on the corners that scored Aidan Byrne.

The very next inning La Crosse put the game out of reach scoring six in the top of the eight. A string of two-out singles would put the Loggers up 10-4.

The Stingers were able to rally in the ninth. RBIs came from Will Hodo, JT Navyac, and Walls. However, the Stingers left runners or second and third to end the inning falling short 10-8. The win would be awarded to La Crosse pitcher Grady Gorgen and Willmar’s Andrew Baumgart would be given the loss.

Walls was named the MinnWest Technology Campus Player of the Game in his first game as a Stinger. He finished the game 2-4, with three RBIs, along with his triple in the third.

Both teams enter tomorrow’s contest with a record of 3-6 as they are both in search of their fourth win on the season.