Looking to increase its win streak to double digits on Saturday, the Willmar Stingers failed to do so after being defeated 5-1 by the Mankato MoonDogs.

A bulk of the runs for Manato came in the first two innings as they scored two runs in each frame.

In the first, the big swing for the MoonDogs came from Kip Fougerousse who launched his league-tying fifth home run over the left field wall for the first run of the day.

After Kai Roberts followed that up with a double, he was brought in with an Ariel Armas single to make it a 2-0 lead.

Stingers starting pitcher Ryan Wiltse allowed the first two baserunners to reach in the second and they were promptly brought in with a sacrifice fly and fielder’s choice respectively.

Meanwhile, the Stingers failed to strike the hit column until the fifth inning where a solo blast from MinnWest Technology Campus Player of the Game Sean Rimmer cut into the deficit.

Helping to keep the MoonDogs lead at 4-1 was Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Ben Irsfeld who pitched 2.2 innings of shutout baseball allowing just three hits while striking out three batters.

The MoonDogs would add an insurance run in the ninth inning off of a bases-loaded walk.

Willmar would get two runners on in the bottom of the ninth but were unable to rally to keep its win streak alive.

The Stingers have one more matchup with the MoonDogs on Sunday to close out their four-game homestand.

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

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