MANKATO, MN – The Stingers hit the road on Saturday and took down the Mankato MoonDogs 5-4 in comeback fashion.

Willmar got off to a slow start and found themselves trailing 3-0 in the 4th, when Max Buettenback (Nebraska) scored Brayden Hellum (Kirkwood CC) to make it 3-1.

Trailing again by three in the 6th, the Stingers got two back on a Buettenback single to make it 4-3.

The big damage came in the 9th though, as Jordan Kuhnau (South Dakota St) tied the game with a 2-out RBI single, and Landen Lozier (Michigan State) delivered the game-winning hit to take the lead at 5-4.

Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Ian Segna (Concordia-St Paul) closed down the game with a save and the Stingers escaped with a win.

The same two teams do battle again on Sunday night in Mankato.

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.