Minot, ND – The Willmar Stingers (13-18) completed an 8-6 come from behind victory over the Minot Hot Tots (12-19) on the road.
In the opening inning, Minot right fielder Christian Stratis delivered with a sacrifice fly RBI to put the Hot Tots ahead 1-0. TJ Stottlemyre would later score in the same inning and the Hot Tots lead 2-0.
It did not take long for the Stingers to respond as Cru Huenfeld cut the lead in half with a sac-fly RBI to bring home Merrick Rapoza. The next batter was Jehee Lee who delivered with a two-run triple in his first at-bat in a Stingers uniform.
Huenfeld connected for his 5th home run of the season in the fourth inning to increase the lead to 4-2.
The Hot Tots starter was Oliver Brown who left the game after two pitches to be replaced by Will Paxton who posted five innings, allowed four hits, four earned runs, and struck out two.
After allowing two early runs in the first, Willmar starter, Jamie Vicens posted four scoreless innings and allowed two hits, one walk, and struck out nine. He was replaced by Trey Zaffiro.
Minot would post four runs in the seventh with Chris Daniels providing the biggest hit of the inning with a two-run double. Kole Dudding would score on a Stingers fielding error to push the Hot Tots in front. A Nathan Belle single drove in Daniels to make their lead 6-4.
The Stingers were down to their last out in the ninth inning and battled to score four runs and pull ahead 8-6. David Estrada singled to bring home Kai Gonzaga to get within one and Huenfeld delivered again with an RBI double to center field. Then, a costly fielding error by the Hot Tots in the field allowed two more big runs to score and Willmar led again.
Ben Bohlmann made his first appearance with the Stingers in the bottom of the ninth and picked up the save to complete the 8-6 victory. Huenfeld was named Les Schwab Tires Player of the game as he went 2-4, 2B, HR, and 3 RBI. The win was credited to Koen Barton and Kevin Rahe for the Hot Tots was charged with the loss.
The same two teams will play tomorrow night at Corbett Field with first pitch 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.