Stingers Drop Opening Game to Hot Tots

Merrick Rapoza hit a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth. The Stingers loaded the bases for Carter Walsh, who walked in the second run of the inning.

The Hot Tots scored three runs in the top of the sixth.

Minot kept the scoring going, plating one run in the top of the eighth.

In the bottom of the eighth, Carter Walsh reached safely on a walk. Liam Bushey drove him in with an RBI single.

In the top of the ninth, the Hot Tots scored six runs.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Stingers loaded the bases before a Hot Tots error allowed one to score. With the bases still loaded, Ryker Edwards scored on a wild pitch, but that would be all they could score.

For the Stingers, Ethan Stade went 5.0 innings, striking out eight batters while allowing just one run.

Merrick Rapoza went 2-for-4 with a solo homerun

Armani Guzman went 1-for-5 with a walk.

The Stingers will play for the final time at home against the Minot Hot Tots tomorrow with first pitch set 7:05p.m. CT 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

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.

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