For the second straight day, the Willmar Stingers pitching staff picked up a shutout on the way to a 5-0 win against the Waterloo Bucks and a series sweep.

The Stingers picked up a majority of their runs in the first inning as after Stone Miyao recorded a base hit off the first pitch of the game for a second straight day, he came home after a wild pitch for the first run.

Later in the inning, the Stingers would execute a double steal as Jake Hjelle stole second which allowed Graysen Tarlow to score to double the lead.

The final run of the inning would be in the form of an RBI single from Kyle Payne to cap off a three-run first inning.

Willmar would get some insurance in the fourth inning with another run off of a wild pitch.

At the same time on the mound the Stingers got a phenomenal outing from their starter who would earn MinnWest Technology Campus Player of the Game honors.

That title went to Mitch Gutknecht who was lights out in his second start of the season as he pitched five innings and only allowed one hit while striking out six.

Once Gutknecht ended his day, Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Chris Rofe would keep the shutout going as he pitched three innings of no-hit ball while striking out five Bucks.

The final run for the Stingers offense would come in the eighth where Kris Hokenson was hit by the pitch with the bases loaded.

Zach Chonkich would get the final three outs of the game to finish off the sweep.

The Stingers will now return home to face the Mankato MoonDogs.

For more coverage of the Stingers, visit the West Central Tribune online at www.wctrib.com.

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