EAU CLAIRE, WI.- The Willmar Stingers returned to the field after yesterday’s cancellation and defeated the Eau Claire Express 8-6 on Saturday.

Eau Claire found its way on the board first as Tanner Sagouspe launched a two-run homer in the second inning.

That swing would be matched by the Stingers in the following half inning as an Andrew Sojka single got Willmar on the board and an error on Express pitcher Isaiah Katz helped tie the game at two.

Willmar would take its first lead of the game in the fifth as a single from Kyle Payne brought home two for his third hit of the day.

Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Adam Biewen helped keep the Stingers in front as he struck out five through two and two thirds innings of relief.

The only run he would allow in his outing came in the sixth as with two outs, Temo Becerra stole home to cut the Stingers lead to one.

Jack Hines got that run back in the seventh with a solo shot for his second home run of the season.

An inning later, MinnWest Technology Campus Player of the Game Kevin Fitzer also showcased his home run swing as he helped bring in two as part of a three-run inning to put the Stingers up 8-3.

Sagouspe responded with his second homer of the game to lead off the bottom half of the inning and consecutive doubles brought the Express back within two.

That’s where the comeback came to an end for the Express as Aaron Ragat closed the door in the ninth for a victory to open the two-game series.

The two playoff bound teams will meet again on Sunday to close the 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.