Minot, ND–The Willmar Stingers (8-3) took the final game against the Minot Hot Tots (3-9) in a back-and-forth 11-8 win.
The Stingers jumped out to an early lead in the first. Jordan Kuhnau walked, and Jameson Martin got aboard on a fielder’s choice. Both were able to score safely, putting Willmar up two.
The Hot Tots answered right back with three runs of their own in the bottom of the second.
In the top of the third, Landon Franklin drove in Jordan Kuhnau to tie the game at three.
Minot retook the lead in the bottom of the third inning, plating one run.
The Stingers plated four runs in the top of the fourth. Liam Bushey drove in three with a double to cap off the inning.
Minot came back after scoring three runs in the sixth.
Liam Bushey led off the ninth with a base hit before Kobe Eikmeier pinch-ran and immediately stole second. Landon Franklin drove a sacrifice fly to center field to advance Eikmeier to third before Jackson Cliatt scored him on a sacrifice fly.
In the bottom of the ninth, the Hot Tots tied it up.
In the tenth, the Stingers plated three runs. Kuhnau drove in Joe Cardinale to get the scoring started. Bryce Ronken scored on a Matthew Pena single. Ryan Kramer, who entered as a defensive replacement for Eikmeier, doubled to score Kuhnau.
Maclane Finley went 1.2 scoreless innings in relief, striking out three.
Liam Bushey went 5-5with four RBIs.
Jordan Kuhnau went 3-5, scoring four times.
Will Eldridge went 2.0 innings, striking out three and recorded his first win of the season.
The Stingers are back in action against the Badlands Big Sticks on Friday at 7:35p.m. CST 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.