MANKATO, MN – Kicking off a home and home series with the Mankato MoonDogs, the Stingers lost game one in Mankato 12-8.
The MoonDogs got it going right away and after three innings complete, they found themselves with a 10-2 lead.
Those two runs for the Stingers both came on home runs as Liam Bushey (Western Illinois) and Brett Blair (Stanford) both hit solo shots to get Willmar on the board.
The Stingers got back in the game with a three run 6th to make it 11-5, highlighted by a two-run homer from Maximus Martin (Arkansas).
The Stingers rallied for three more in the 8th as Casey Murray Jr (Cal Poly) brought home two runs with a double and Andrew Sojka (CSUN) delivered a sacrifice fly.
Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the game Greysen Strauss (Northeast CC) did all he could to keep it within reach but the MoonDogs were able to close out the win.
The same two teams will meet up at Bill Taunton Stadium on Monday 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.
