Bismarck, N.D. – The Willmar Stingers completed a two-game sweep of the Bismarck Larks with a comfortable 9-2 victory Monday night at Bismarck Municipal Ballpark.
The win puts the Stingers (23-22, 7-2) above .500 for the first time this season.
Paris Pridgen sparked the first run of the night for Willmar in the game’s opening frame, leading off with an infield single before stealing two bases and coming around to score.
Bismarck (20-24, 4-6) responded with a Blade Carver solo home run to left field in the bottom of the first, 1-1.
Pridgen put the Stingers back in front with a homer to lead off the third, part of a 3-for-5 night that made him the Les Schwab Tires Player of the Game. Landon Lowe followed up with a walk and was plated three batters later on a Merrick Rapoza sacrifice fly, placing the visitors ahead by two.
Willmar tacked on another pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth. David Estrada brought home Lowe on a single to left field and back-to-back walks later in the frame allowed Luke DeVine to score, extending the advantage to 5-1.
Riley Hasenstab kept the Larks’ batters in check, allowing just one run and three hits in his five innings of work while punching out four batters in his start.
The Stingers added on three more runs in the sixth inning. Pridgen led off with a base knock and added his third stolen base of the night before scoring on a single by Lowe. DeVine continued the offensive surge with a two-run homer to left field, 8-1.
Willmar stacked on more insurance the next inning, when Matthew Bernath hit a triple to left field and came across on a Keaton Cottam single.
Eli Kokenge gave the Stingers two scoreless inning in relief, striking out one and retiring all six batters he faced in order.
Bismarck put up one late run in the eighth inning. Clay Cook and Dylan Larkins reached on singles before Cook scored on an error to make it 9-2.
But Landon Sloan sealed the win with a scoreless ninth and two strikeouts in his season debut, sealing the sweep for Willmar.
The Stingers look to continue their hot start to the second half back at home Tuesday against the Minot Hot Tots on T-Shirt Giveaway Night presented by Rambow. First pitch 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.