Bismarck, ND- The Willmar Stingers (10-6) took the first game of the season against the Bismarck Larks (5-14), 7-6 in comeback fashion.
In the top of the first, the Stingers loaded the bases for Liam Bushey, who drove in a run with a single. With the bases still loaded, Kobe Eikmeier drew a walk to bring in a second run.
A wild pitch allowed Matthew Pena to score safely. Brock Larsen drove in the fourth run of the inning with a ground out to score the runner from third.
The Larks answered back with five runs of their own in the bottom of the first.
The Stingers kept the bats going with a lead-off single by Jameson Martin in the top of the second, followed by a Pena double, but were unable to score.
The Larks scored one run in the bottom of the second.
In the sixth, Matthew Pena drove in Cody Nitowitz to cut the Larks’ lead to one.
The Stingers threatened in the top of the seventh, setting up runners on first and third with no outs. Landon Franklin drove in Kobe Eikmeier to tie the game at six.
In the top of the ninth, the Stingers started a rally. Brock Larsen walked, and Jordan Kuhnau pinch ran, immediately stealing second but were unable to plate a run.
After nine innings, the Larks and Stingers were tied.
In the tenth. the Stingers plated the extra runner in the tenth on a throwing error by the Larks.
Will Eldridge returned for his second inning of work and retired the side, collected his third save of the season.
For the Stingers, Jake Lankie pitched 3.0 innings, striking out four batters while allowing just one run to score.
Jameson Martin was 3-for-5, scoring a run.
Matthew Pena went 2-for-2, scoring a run and recording three walks and an RBI.
The Stingers will continue their series against the Larks with first pitch set for 1:05 p.m. CST 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 at (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.