MANKATO, MN – After two splits to open the second half, Willmar picked up their first sweep in half number two, beating the Mankato MoonDogs 12-5 on Monday night.
The scoring was opened up in the 2nd inning, and in a big way as Willmar recorded seven hits and had nine runs cross the plate.
Colin Hynek (Georgia State) got the party started with a 2-run shot to left field, making it 2-0. Then back-to-back RBI singles from Andrew Sojka (CSUN) and Maximus Martin (Arkansas) followed by a 2-RBI double off the bat of Dariel Osoria (Kansas) stretched things out to 6-0.
Drey Dirksen (Augustana) added 2 RBIs of his own and when all was set and done the Stingers led by nine.
That was plenty of run support for Stingers starter Tate Robertson (Alabama) as he was absolutely dominant, throwing five shutout innings while allowing just two hits and striking out nine.
A Sojka home run along with Hynek’s second homer of the night brought home the rest of the 12 runs and a quartet of bullpen arms closed the game out, with Luke Robertson (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) taking home Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Night.
Willmar returns home on Tuesday night to open up a four game set with the Minot Hot Tots.
First pitch at Bill Taunton Stadium 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.
