BISMARCK, ND – The Willmar Stingers finished out the first half of the Northwoods League season with a win over the Bismarck Larks, 6-2.

The Willmar Stingers would end the first half of the season with a record of 21-13 putting them second in the Great Plains West. The Bismarck Larks would end the first half at the bottom of the Great Plains West with a 11-23 record.

In the game, the Stingers were able to jump out to a fast 2-0 lead thanks to the bat of Will Hodo who sent a two-run bomb to deep right field. The Larks were able to tie the game after scoring in the bottoms of the third and fourth inning.

Willmar was able to pull away in the top of the fifth when they scored four runs with two outs. Drey Dirksen hit his seventh home run on the year in a full count with two outs as he connected with a ball low in the zone scoring three runs. Dirksen went 3-4 with 3 RBIs and a HR to be named MinnWest Technology Campus Player of the Game.

No more runs came across after the top of the fifth for either teams, ending the game at 6-2. The win would be awarded to Jack Zigan in his first start of the season. Logan Samuels struck out eight batters in a four inning relief effort in a dominant performance on the mound.

The Stingers along with the rest of the Northwoods League will have a day off tomorrow in preparation for the second half. The Willmar Stingers will start the second half on the road at St. Cloud on July 6th.