WILLMAR, MN – The Stingers continued their road trip in Mankato on Sunday night, opening up the series with a 12-8 win.

Willmar got on the board first in the 1st inning, on a RBI single from Jessada Brown (UCSB), who then came around to score on a Max Buettenback (Nebraska) to make it 2-0.

The Stingers added on three more in 3rd with a 2-RBI single off the bat of Drey Dirksen (Augustana) who then scored on an RBI double from Rhett Stokes (Nebraska) making it 5-1.

The Stingers got a solid outing on the mound from starter Mitch Gutknecht (Minnesota State-Mankato) who went 5 innings, allowing 2 earned runs and striking out 4.

With the score 7-3 Stingers in the top of the 6th, Brown added to his night, going opposite field for a 3-run homer, stretching it out to 10-3.

Willmar added on a couple more and the bullpen did enough to close out a win.

Stingers and MoonDogs match up again Monday night at ISG Field, 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.