WILLMAR, MN.- After scoring double-digit runs in each of the first three games against the Minot Hot Tots, the Willmar Stingers did it again to the tune of a 15-3 win to pick up the series sweep.
For the first time in the series however it was the Hot Tots who got the early lead, as back-to-back hits from Nic Pepe and Drew Woodcox helped bring two across in the first.
MinnWest Technology Campus Player of the Game Andrew Sojka cut that lead in half quickly as he homered for the second straight day.
The Stingers would take their first lead of the game an inning later as singles from the top four batters in the lineup would lead to five runs coming through to give Willmar a 6-2 lead.
Willmar provided more of the same in the fourth as both Sojka and Kevin Fitzer collected their third hits of the game to help move the needle and bring four runners home.
Sojka picked up his fourth hit an inning later and would also steal his third base as part of a double steal alongside Luke Williams.
Stingers starting pitcher Aiden Hansen threw the longest outing for a Stingers pitcher this season with seven innings as those two runs back in the first were the only ones he allowed all game.
Hansen also picked up a three-pitch inning in the fifth further emphasizing his dominant night.
After the Hot Tots got a run back in the eighth, the Stingers were able to add even more insurance in the bottom half with four hits including a 2-RBI single from Williams for his third hit and a double from Drey Dirksen.
Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Adam Biewen shut the Hot Tots down in the ninth to complete the sweep.
The Stingers will now play host to the Minnesota Mud Puppies to open a two-game series.
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.
