WILLMAR, MN – It took a day longer than the Stingers would have hoped for, but the first win of the season at Bill Taunton Stadium is in the books as Willmar took down Badlands 7-3.

The Bigsticks had a 1-0 lead going into the bottom of the 4th, when Colin Hynek (Georgia State) roped a RBI double off the wall in left field bringing the game to a tie.

From there, Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Sam Tyrpa (Dakota State) stole the show. He went 3 innings, striking out four and not allowing a hit.

His offense picked up in the bottom of the 7th, erupting for five runs, sparked by a leadoff infield single by Trevor Winterstein (Augustana), who then stole 2nd and 3rd before scoring.

The big play of the inning was a blooper into shallow right field off the bat of Hynek, scoring 3 runs as Aidan Byrne wheeled all the way around from first.

The Big Sticks got a couple of runs back in the 8th, but Sebastian Granados (Grossmont College) slammed the door and picked up the save.

Tomorrow night the Stingers play again at Bill Taunton Stadium as they open the season series with division rival Mankato.

First pitch between Stingers and Moondogs is set for 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.