Written by Dain Solberg
Willmar, MN- The Willmar Stingers defeated the Eau Claire Express in a game that took many turns. Doing so in front of a sold out crowd at Bill Taunton Stadium on a rainy evening.
The Stingers struck first in the opening inning as Scott Anderson drove a pitch to deep left for his first home run of the season. Anderson ended the contest with 3 hits in 4 total at bats. Willmar took a two run lead in the 3rd inning when who else but Scott Anderson drove in Catcher Zach Stroh.
The Stingers widened the gap scoring four runs in the bottom of the 4th inning. Late in the 7th inning Eau Claire would get on the board when Grant Gilooly drove in Barry Eiseman.
The Express would carry the late inning heroics into the final inning of the contest when they drove in 5 runs on 7 total hits but were shut out by the Australia native Chris Rofe. Alex Koep was credited the win through 4 innings of work allowing just one hit. Trey Felker was dealt the loss for the Express. Felker pitched 4 innings surrendering 7 hits and allowing just 1 free pass.
The Stingers are back in action at 7:05 at the Beehive for game 2 of the series.
If you would like more information on tickets for the 2023 season, or more information regarding this news story, please contact the Willmar Stingers front office by calling 320-222-2010. More information can also be found at www.willmarstingers.com.
The 2023 Stingers season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.
For more coverage of the Stingers, visit the West Central Tribune online at www.wctrib.com.
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The Willmar Stingers is a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Now in its’ 30th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, 300 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.willmarstingers.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Stingers as your favorite team.