WILLMAR, MN – Opening night at Bill Taunton Stadium didn’t go quite as planned for the Willmar Stingers, as they dropped a heartbreaker to the Badlands Big Sticks, 2-1.

It was a pitching duel throughout, as both starters threw absolute gems. For the Stingers, Ian Koosman (Paradise Valley CC) went 6 innings, allowing just 2 hits and 1 run.

But he would be outdone by his counterpart Landon Kiefer (Albany State), who took a perfect game into the 6th inning, and finished with 6 shutout innings,1 hit,1 walk and 5 strikeouts.

Nico Senese (Georgia Tech) finally broke the seal for the Stingers in the 7th, with a 2-out RBI single to tie the game at one.

Both teams had chances to take the lead in the late innings, and it was the Big Sticks who eventually scored the elusive run in the top of the 9th to take the lead 2-1.

The Stingers threatened in the 9th by loading the bases, but were unable to get the big hit.

Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Matthew Kitzman (Northeast CC) went 2.1 innings, striking out two and kept the Big Sticks out of the hit column.

The same two teams meet back at Bill Taunton Stadium on Thursday night, with first pitch at 6:35 pm.

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.