MANKATO, MN – After two days off, the Stingers got back in the win column, taking down the Mankato MoonDogs 14-4.

The Stingers found themselves down 4-0 after 2 innings at ISG Field, but that wouldn’t last long.

Willmar erupted for 8 runs in the third inning, highlighted by 2-out 2-RBI single from Aidan Byrne (Minnesota State-Mankato), who was followed up by an RBI triple off the bat of Andrew Sojka (CSUN).

The Stingers then tacked on two more in the 4th, thanks to a 2-RBI double from Derek Lopez (Florida Gulf Coast), which was one his two doubles on the evening.

After a solid start from Ian Koosman (Paradise Valley CC), Tate Robertson (Alabama) made his first appearance in a Stinger uniform and was impressive, tossing 2 shutout innings with 3 punchouts.

Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Will Whelan (Minnesota) closed the game out with three no-hit innings, and struck out a game high 7 MoonDogs.

Sojka had the lone home run of the night on either side, blasting one to center field in the 9th to put a cherry on top of the victory.

The same two teams will meet up again tomorrow night at Knute Nelson Memorial Park in Alexandria, as the Alexandria Beetles take on the Mankato MoonDogs with first pitch at 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.