Minot, ND –The Stingers (2-1) grabbed game one of a four-game series against the Minot Hot Tots (0-3), 14-7.
The Hot Tots offense started hot, scoring two runs in the bottom frame of the first inning.
The Stingers were able to rally back and tie the game after scoring a run in back-to-back innings.
Designated hitter Ryan Kramer got Willmar started with his first home run of the year in the second.
First basemen Matthew Pena drove in the second Stingers run in the third inning for his third extra-base hit of the season.
The Stingers broke out in a big way, scoring five runs in the fourth inning.
Third baseman Jackson Cliatt drove in the first two runs of the inning with a standup double. Bryce Ronken singled to score Cliatt. Carter Bailey capped off the frame with a two-run homerun, his first of the year.
Tonight was the first time the Stingers scored more than four runs this season.
Minot struck right back with two runs of its own in the bottom of the fifth.
In the top of the seventh, the Stingers plated six runs. Four Stingers walked, and two were hit before Jackson Cliatt rounded out the inning with a three-RBI double.
Willmar’s Pierce Gritzmaker allowed two runs while striking out six in 3.0 innings of work in his season debut.
The Stingers’ third baseman, Jackson Cliatt, went 2-4 with five RBIs.
Willmar will be back in action Thursday, May 29th, against the Minot Hot Tots at 6:35p.m. CT on NWL+.
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About the Willmar Stingers:
The Willmar Stingers are a member of the Northwoods League, the premier summer collegiate baseball league in North America. The Stingers provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment while showcasing the top college baseball talent from across the country.
For more information about the Willmar Stingers, visit willmarstingers.com or contact the front office (320)222-2010 or info@willmarstingers.com
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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’ 32nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 24 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, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 380 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 (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford 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, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network. Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at watchnwl.com. 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.