DICKINSON, M D- In a back and forth battle with the Badlands Big Sticks, the Stingers dropped game one 7-5.
Willmar got on the board with two runs in the 2nd, and tacked on another in the 4th to make it 3-0.
Brooks Kneifl (Nebraska) was solid in his start, but gave up two runs in the 6th and left with the lead intact at 3-2.
Badlands then tied the game in the 7th and took the lead in the 8th with four runs to make it 7-3.
The Stingers got a couple back in the 9th but it was too little, too late as the Big Sticks took game one 7-5.
Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game was Brett Barfield (Georgia Tech).
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.
