Willmar, MN- The Stingers (28-23) took game one against the St. Cloud Rox (34-16) in comeback fashion, 5-4.

Porter Buursema started the game going three up, three down with two strikeouts.

In the bottom of the second, designated hitter Jordan Kuhnau singled to start the inning before Cody Nitowitz drove him in with an RBI double.

The Rox plated one in the top of the third.

Third baseman Charlie Schau walked to start the bottom of the fourth. Nitowitz came up again and doubled to drive in Schau. Shortstop Colton Griffin singled to score Nitowitz.

The Rox answered back with two runs of their own in the top of the fifth.

In the home half of the sixth, Kuhnau singled and advanced on a bunt. He advanced to third on a wild pitch. Nitowitz walked to put Stingers on the corners. Griffin scored Kuhnau with a single.

The Stingers kept the offense rolling in the bottom of the seventh, when right fielder Max Buettenback drove in catcher Sam Hunt with a Single to make it 5-3.

In the top of the ninth, the Rox scored one, but the Stingers were able to shut down the rally.

For the Stingers, Porter Buursema went 4.2 innings, striking out six while allowing just three runs.

Cody Nitowitz went 2-for-2 with two RBIs, two doubles, and a walk.

Colton Griffin went 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

Jordan Kuhnau went 2-for-3 with two runs scored.

Jackson Sobel worked 3.2 innings, allowing just one earned run while striking out two.

The Stingers will stay at home to face off against the St. Cloud Rox. First pitch is set for 6:35p.m. C.T on NWL+.

For more information, please call our office at (320) 222-2010. 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 developing elite college baseball players. Entering its 32^nd 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.