BISMARCK, ND.- The Willmar Stingers went back to their winning ways on Thursday with an 8-2 victory over the Bismarck Larks.

Willmar got its offense rolling early with a single from Drey Dirksen scoring a first inning run which was followed up by a Sean Rimmer bases-loaded walk.

MinnWest Technology Campus Player of the Game Kristopher Hokenson made a statement in the third with a three-run homer to extend the lead for his first of the season.

A fifth inning fielder’s choice and Dallas Duarte single in the sixth added even more insurance for Stingers starter Ethan Stade.

In his first start of the summer, Stade tossed six shutout innings where he allowed just three hits.

Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Will Whelan kept the ball rolling as he navigated through the game after Stade’s departure.

While the Stingers added a run off a wild pitch in the eighth, the Larks finally got on the board as a Aaron Biediger single scored two.

That would be all for the Larks as Hunter Magnuson came in the game late and forced a double play to secure the Stingers win.

The Stingers will close out their two game series with the Larks on Friday.

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.