WATERLOO, IOWA – After trailing for the first time in 2024, the Willmar Stingers piled on the runs, beating the Waterloo Bucks 11-5 to complete the series sweep.
Waterloo had a 3-0 lead after the first, but then it was all Stingers. Willmar tallied six unanswered runs, highlighted by a 2-run homer off the bat of Aidan Byrne (Minnesota State-Mankato) in the 3rd and a solo shot from Sam Siegel (Augustana) in the 4th, giving the Stingers a 6-3 lead after five complete.
The Bucks got a couple back in the 6th to cut the deficit to 6-5, but again Willmar had an answer.
Colton Griffin (Stephen F Austin) started off the 7th with his second homer in as many days and ignited the offense. When all was set and done it was a five run inning, with all nine Stingers coming to the plate, pushing the lead to 11-5.
While the offense fired on all cylinders, the Stingers bullpen was called upon early in the game for the second night in a row, and they put on an encore performance just as impressive as the first.
Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game, Aiden Hansen (Minnesota State-Mankato) took over in the 2nd inning and was lights out, tossing four shutout innings while allowing just one hit.
Will Henry (Augustana) then took the ball in the 6th and went three innings, allowing just one earned run and one hit, while punching out four.
All together the Stingers staff allowed just four hits.
Willmar opens up the home schedule Wednesday evening when they take on the Badlands Big Sticks at 7:05 pm at Bill Taunton Stadium.
For more coverage of the Stingers, visit the West Central Tribune online at www.wctrib.com. The 2024 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.
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. Entering its’ 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 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 350 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 (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (STL) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, 2021 and 2023 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and two-time All-MLB first team 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.
