Willmar, MN.–The Stingers (6-2) dropped the series finale in a back-and-forth loss against the Badlands Big Sticks (4-4), 10-8.
The Stingers scored two in the bottom of the first thanks to first basemen Matthew Pena’s two RBI double.
The Big Sticks scored one in the third before the Stingers matched them with one run of their own in bottom of the third. Right fielder Joey Craig collected his first hit of the season driving in Pena.
The Big Sticks plated four in the top of the fifth to take their first lead of the series.
The Stingers added two runs on a Pena double.
The Badlands offense plated two in back-to-back innings.
In the bottom of the seventh Pena went deep again with a solo home run.
The Big Sticks added one in the ninth.
The Stingers started a ninth inning rally plating two on Pena’s second double of the night. The Big Sticks stranded one.
Matthew Pena went 3-4 with a home run, two doubles while driving in three.
Aiden Hansen went 4.2 innings striking out four.
Joey Craig went 2-5 with three RBIs of his own while leaving the yard for the first time this season.
The Stingers will be back in action with a double header on Thursday June 5th against the Minot Hot Tots. First pitch is set for 5:05p.m. CST with the game being streamed on NWL+.
Visit willmarstingers.com or call 320-222-2010 to reserve your seats today. The 2025 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.
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
##
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.