THUNDER BAY, Ontario- The Willmar Stingers played from behind for most of a Sunday battle with the Thunder Bay Border Cats but it didn’t seem to matter in a 3-2 victory.
Following a few scoreless frames to open the contest, the Border Cats opened the scoring in the third inning with a single from Cole Ketzner scoring two runs.
That would remain the only scoring for a large portion of the game as Stingers starter Jalen Vorpahl locked down after that to complete his four and two-thirds innings of work.
Alex Clemons would keep the deficit at two with four shutout innings of work out of the bullpen where he struck out six batters.
That wasn’t enough to get the Stingers on the scoreboard but like we’ve seen many times before, they came alive with their backs against the wall.
With two runners in scoring position, Kris Hokenson drove in both of them with a single to force extra innings.
After getting runners on the corners, MinnWest Technology Campus Player of the Game Sean Rimmer drove in the game’s go-ahead run with an RBI single to give the Stingers a chance at victory.
Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Rylen Bayne would force a scoreless frame in the bottom half of the tenth for the save to complete a huge comeback victory for the Stingers.
The Stingers and Border Cats will complete both their four-game series and the Northwoods League first half tomorrow.
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.
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The Willmar Stingers are 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 24 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, over 325 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.
