WILLMAR, MN – On the last day before the All-Star break, the Stingers dropped a game to the Bismarck Larks by a score of 6-3.

The Larks got on the board first in the 4th on a three-run homer and never surrendered the lead again.

Willmar got one back in the bottom of the inning as Andrew Sojka (CSUN) tripled and was brought home on a sacrifice fly, making it 3-1.

Bismarck got the lead back out to 6-1 in the 6th, scoring three more runs.

Again Willmar answered again after back to back doubles from Brett Blair (Stanford) and Liam Bushey (Western Illinois) bringing it back to 6-2.

Blair doubled again in the 8th, this time driving home a run, making it 6-3.

But Bismarck was able to hold on for the win and earn the series split.

Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Greysen Strauss (Northeast CC) pitched two innings and only allowed one hit.

Willmar will be back in action on Thursday following the All-Star break, with first pitch at 6:35 pm against the Mankato MoonDogs at Bill Taunton Stadium.

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.