For the second straight game, the Willmar Stingers found themselves in a close battle but were able to persevere for a 3-2 win over the Bismarck Larks.

The Stingers once again were the team to strike on the scoreboard first as Scott Anderson picked up an RBI single for the teams third hit of the inning.

That score would hold all the way until the fifth inning where Kris Hokenson, who got on base with a single, would score off a wild pitch to double the Stingers lead.

Keeping the Stingers up 2-0 was MinnWest Technology Campus Player of the Game Ray Cebulski who pitched six scoreless innings against the Larks while picking up four strikeouts in the process.

Once Cebulski came out of the game however, the Larks would make their way back in it as Rylen Bayne would allow a walk and a double to lead off the seventh inning which would be enough to score two runs and tie the game up at two.

The Stingers threatened to break that tie as in the bottom of the eighth inning they would have the bases loaded with two outs.

Jake Hjelle would force a walk to bring in the go-ahead run to put the Stingers up 3-2.

After a hit-by-pitch to lead off the ninth inning from Andrew Baumgart, Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Chris Rofe would slam the door with three consecutive outs to make it eight straight victories for the Stingers.

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

The 2023 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.