WILLMAR, MN – For the second consecutive night, dominant pitching and timely hitting led the Willmar Stingers to a victory, this time taking down the Mankato MoonDogs 3-0.

Starting pitcher J.D. Hennen (Augustana) was dazzling in his 5 innings, allowing just one hit while striking out nine and keeping the MoonDogs off the board.

He then handed the ball to his college teammate Will Henry (Augustana) who earned Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game honors, by going 3 innings, without allowing a walk, hit or run.

The Stingers offense got started in the second inning thanks to an RBI double off the bat of another Augustana Viking, Sam Siegel (Augustana).

Willmar tacked on another in the 4th on an RBI hit and run from Jack Spanier (Minnesota), and one more in the 6th on a Brayden Jacobson (St. Cloud State) sacrifice fly.

Will Eldridge (Indiana Wesleyan) closed things down for Willmar, putting up a 1-2-3 9th inning, due in large part to his lively fastball.

Game two between Willmar and Mankato is Saturday night, back at Bill Taunton Stadium.

First pitch between Stingers and Moondogs is set for 7:05 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.