Willmar, MN–The Willmar Stingers (9-5) dropped the first game of the homestand to the Badlands Big Sticks (7-6), 10-5.
The Big Sticks jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the second.
In the bottom of the third, designated hitter Jameson Martin drove in right fielder Joey Craig with a sacrifice fly.
The Big Sticks matched the Stingers with a run of their own in the top of the fourth.
Maclane Finley shut down the Big Sticks for the next two innings.
In the seventh the Big Sticks plated two to extend their lead to 6-1.
Later, in the ninth the Big Sticks scrapped across four runs.
The Stingers struck back with a four run rally of their own. Pinch hitter Brock Larsen scored when second basemen Landon Franklin singled to start the scoring. Third basemen Jackson Cliatt kept it going with a single to score left fielder Jordan Kuhnau.
The Stingers pulled within six after Bryce Ronken was hit by a pitch to score Landon Franklin. Martin worked a walk in the ninth to score Craig. Willmar’s rally wouldn’t be enough.
Jackson Cliatt went 2-for-4 with an RBI in the 9th.
Joey Craig had a 1-for-2 night and worked a couple of walks.
The Stingers will face the Big Sticks at home Wednesday with first pitch set for 6:35p.m. CST on ESPN+.
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
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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.