WILLMAR, MN – The Willmar Stingers won an offensive battle tonight against the Mankato MoonDogs, 21-14.

The game ended with a combined run total of 35 between the two teams. The 35-run total is tied for the second most runs scored in a Northwoods League game.

A plethora of players performed incredibly tonight, especially the MinnWest Technology Campus Player of the Game. Will Safford was given the honor after his 4-4, two-double, one-home run, and five-RBI showing. Safford was named the Northwoods League Player of the Night for his effort in tonight’s game.

Other standouts included Brett Bateman who tallied six hits tonight. He got six hits in one game which is a feat in itself. His average has skyrocketed to .322 and he now leads the Stingers in hits with 56 this season.

Scott Anderson finished the game with five RBIs after going 2-4 at the plate. Both Carson Hake and Jake Entrekin hit home runs in the contest. Entrekin hit his in his pitch hit appearance and Hake hit his during his time in the order for Willmar.

The win went to Mike Chevalier and the four-inning save when to Tucker Novotny. Novotny struck out a Stinger season-high 11 batters in the contest. He now leads the team with 54 strikeouts on the season which is the third highest total in the Northwoods League.

The Stingers face the MoonDogs again tomorrow for the final time in the 2022 season as they look to inch closer to clinching the final playoff spot in the Great Plains West. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.