WILLMAR, MN – In a heated battle between two rivals, the Stingers prevailed over the St Cloud Rox 11-8 to sweep the three game series.

Trailing 3-1 in the 3rd, Liam Bushey (Western Illinois) picked up the big hit, pushing a single into center field and bringing home two runs to tie the game up at 3.

The Rox responded with four in the top of the 4th and the Stingers fell behind 7-3.

They responded in the 5th, on another Bushey RBI and then a Rhett Stokes (Nebraska) 2-out RBI single, making it 7-5.

Willmar then took the lead in the 6th with three runs making it 8-7, highlighted by a Maximus Martin (Arkansas) RBI single.

In the bottom of the 7th, Max Buettenback (Nebraska) extended the cushion with a 2 RBI double extending it out 10-7.

Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Cameron Jensen (Southwest Minnesota State University) came in and closed out the game going two innings, allowing no runs and striking out three to take the game 10-8.

Willmar will travel to Mankato on Sunday to take on the MoonDogs with first pitch at 5:05 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.