St. Cloud, Minn. – The Willmar Stingers (8-10) used another strong offensive performance Saturday night to hold off the St. Cloud Rox (12-7) at Joe Faber Field, 7-6.
David Estrada gave the Stingers an early 1-0 lead when he brought home Max Buettenback with a single to left field in the top of the first.
Willmar extended its advantage by another run the next inning on a home run to center by Cru Huenfeld, making it a 2-0 ballgame.
Max Buettenback added another longball in the top of the third with a solo shot out to center field, putting the Stingers ahead 3-0.
The homer was Buettenback’s fifth in his first three games of the season. It was also his 19th during his time as a Stinger, tying him for the third-most home runs in franchise history alongside Michael Suchy.
Gannon Reidinger gave Willmar four scoreless frames against the Rox, allowing three hits with two walks and striking out three batters.
The Stingers tacked on another four runs in the top of the fifth inning to take a commanding 7-0 lead. Kai Gonzaga and Kyle Panganiban came across on a wild pitch before a Tyler Stull groundout and Huenfeld sacrifice fly each plated an additional run.
St. Cloud scored all six of its runs in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Tanner Recchio put the Rox on the board with a two-run single, then Jackson Legg brought in another pair of runs three batters later with a single to right field. Legg was the last St. Cloud player to cross home during the half, scoring on a wild pitch to make it a one-run game.
But Chaz McRoberts entered to secure the 7-6 win, throwing two scoreless innings with one walk and one strikeout to record the save.
Estrada was named the Les Schwab Tires Player of the Game for Willmar after going 3-for-4 with a walk and one run batted in.
The Stingers will look to even the season series with St. Cloud when they face the Rox again Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. at Joe Faber Field.
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.