WILLMAR, MN – After dropping one a night ago, the Stingers bounced back on Friday night beating the Mankato MoonDogs 20-2.

The MoonDogs were on the board right away thanks to a leadoff home run to go up 1-0.

With the score still at 1-0 in the third, Willmar exploded offensively for nine runs on eight hits.

Then again in the 6th, the Stingers erupted for a nine spot again, and when all was set and done they had the victory.

The offense was led by Jack Spanier (Minnesota) who had four hits and five RBIs to go along with some nifty plays at shortstop.

Spanier was supported by Liam Bushey (Western Illinois) who had two hits and five RBIs as well.

Ryan Wentz (CSUN) got the start and after the home run settled in, going six innings, giving up just the one run and striking out six.

Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Avery Liestman (University of Jamestown) was also dominant in his relief outing.

Willmar travels to Dickinson on Saturday to take on the Badlands Big Sticks.

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.