Willmar, Minn. — The Willmar Stingers (3-8) fell in their series opener to the Mankato MoonDogs (6-5) Thursday after the visitors hit two key home runs in the late innings, 6-2.
Brady Nelson recorded four hitless frames in his Stingers debut. The righthander from Minnesota State prevented any runs from crossing while walking three batters and was named the Les Schwab Player of the Game.
The MoonDogs put their first run across the plate in the top of the sixth. Anthony Avalos reached on an error before coming around to score on a Tanner Kern groundball.
Luke Ballantyne went six innings in his start for Mankato, allowing two hits with no earned runs and striking out nine.
Willmar’s pitchers took a no-hitter into the eighth inning when Justin Rompre broke open the game for the visitors with a three-run homer to left field, 4-0.
Charlie Buckles added two more runs to the Mankato lead in the same half with a longball to right field.
The Stingers showed late life in the bottom of the ninth inning, scoring two. Brooks Wright led off with a single, then Merrick Rapoza slammed a ball to right field for his first home run of the season two batters later.
But Cayden Hansen prevented any further damage and sealed the win for the MoonDogs.
Willmar looks to get even Friday night on Louie and Gus Varland Bobblehead Night presented by Schwieters Chevrolet of Willmar. First pitch between the Stingers and MoonDogs is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
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.