Mankato, Minn. — The Willmar Stingers (0-2) dropped their second game of the season 10-0 against the Mankato MoonDogs (2-0) on Tuesday night. This is the first 0-2 start for Willmar since 2016.
The MoonDogs got the offense going early by posting five runs in the bottom of the first. Four walks were drawn in the inning, and one error was committed in the field. The biggest moment came from a bases clearing double produced by Cole Clark.
Fabian Ibarra made his first start of the season for the Stingers. Hunter Vadeer replaced Ibarra in the second. Ibarra allowed four earned runs on one hit with four walks and one strikeout.
The Mankato offense scored five runs again in the bottom of the second inning. The sixth MoonDogs run was brought by a hit by pitch with the bases loaded and Peyton Dickens followed that by knocking a two-run single into left field to make the score 8-0. Mankato added to more runs in the inning following a Willmar error.
The Stingers pitching staff held the MoonDogs scoreless over final six innings. Taggert Cameron went four innings while allowing one hit, one walk, and striking out five. Trey Zaffiro pitched two innings where he allowed two hits, two walks, and picked up four strikeouts.
MoonDogs starter Nicholas Robb kept the Stingers bats quiet as he completed six and two-thirds innings giving up three hits, two walks, six strikeouts, and stranded four Willmar runners. In relief, John Iacono allowed just two hits and one walk while striking out four in two and one-third innings.
The Stingers will head back to Willmar for their home opener Wednesday night against the Minot Hot Tots. Gates will open at 6:00 p.m. with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Bill Taunton Stadium.
Visit willmarstingers.com or call 320-222-2010 to reserve your seats today. The 2026 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. Now entering its’ 33rd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 26 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 415 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 two-time World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion and Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (BAL) 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 (NYM). League games are viewable live on FloSports.tv.