CSUN Production Makes Impact in Minnesota

Andrew Sojka has had a major impact on the Willmar Stingers second half thus far. The California State Northridge Outfielder has a .311 batting average and has knocked in 16 runs in 18 games this season. Sojka has recently been the lead off hitter for Freddy Smith’s squad. A familiar name to CSUN fans will be at the plate after Sojka in collegiate teammate Kevin Fitzer, who leads all active Willmar players in hits (51), doubles (15), RBI (46), and home runs (10).

This will be Sojka’s second year in the Northwoods League as he played with the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders a season ago where he batted .374 and had 46 hits including 27 RBI in 32 games. Sojka said this about his time in Willmar.

“In Willmar, I came in with a clean head and wanted a fresh start. I am happy the team has faith in me by throwing me into the fire in the lead off spot and in centerfield. This will correlate to my college season by giving me confidence in the top of the lineup with field manager Freddy Smith. Playoffs will for sure elevate my game for a well rounded NCAA season with CSUN.”

He was also welcomed by the team and had a familiar face in the lineup as well in Kevin Fitzer. Sojka said this about the Stingers and current college teammate Kevin Fitzer.

“It was easy to transition from CSUN to here, because I was coming out to two teammates from California (Grayson Tarlow and Kevin Fitzer). I have also gotten to be friends with other teammates as well such as Stone Miyao and Dallas Duarte (University of Hawaii). They have made it really easy welcoming me with open arms.”

The team is very stoked to play three more games in Saint Cloud after dropping one at home. Sojka is a heavy competitor and looks forward to this week’s series on the road as they take on the Great Plains West rivals for three with playoff implications on the line between the Stingers, Rox and Mankato Moondogs.

Sojka talked about what he is looking forward to for this weekend’s series “ We have good competition coming up with the Saint Cloud Rox, who have a good pitching staff and good bats. As a team, we are going to go out there and swing earlier in the count and swing at fastballs. Our pitchers need to come out and start throwing strikes to avoid 3-0 counts.Our defense can pick up our pitchers. Anyone can be in the lead off spot. I am honored to be put there. His main comment was to throw strikes and swing and good pitches, I think we will be alright.”

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.