Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Stingers salvaged a split of their series against the Bismarck Larks with a 9-6 win Friday night at Bill Taunton Stadium.
The Larks (22-26, 6-8) struck first with a run in the top of the second inning. Xavier Rivera plated Michael Carrano Jr. on a double to center field, but a relay throw from Kobe Eikmeier nabbed Logan Murphy at the plate to limit the damage.
Willmar (26-23, 10-3) responded with a pair of runs in the bottom half. Levi Maddela collected his first pair of RBI this season on a single up the middle, scoring Kyler Proctor and Matthew Bernath to make it 2-1.
The Stingers tacked on three more in the bottom of the fourth. Jehee Lee led off the frame with a single and advanced 180 feet on a pair of stolen bases, two of the team’s 13 stolen bags on the night.
He came across on a sacrifice fly by Bernath before the final two runs crossed home during a two-out rally. Kai Gonzaga notched an RBI single to score Proctor and Paris Pridgen scored the next at-bat on an error, 5-1.
The visitors narrowed their deficit to just one with a three-run frame in the top of the sixth. Two base knocks and a walk loaded the bases for Carrano, who cleared the basepaths with a double down the right field line.
But Maddela and Merrick Rapoza combined to throw out Carrano as he tried to stretch the hit into a triple, likely saving the lead for Willmar.
David Hagen went five innings in his start, allowing five hits alongside three runs and striking out six Bismarck batters.
The Stingers padded their lead again with a pair of runs the next half as Eikmeier lined a double into left field, bringing in Gonzaga and David Estrada to make it 7-4.
They tacked on two more in the bottom of the eighth on a single by Lee and a wild pitch that allowed Eikmeier to touch home.
The Larks made a late charge with a pair of runs on the ninth as a Keegan Landis double brought Bismarck within three and a Carmelo Rivera walk brought the potential tying run up the plate.
Luke Kalfsbeek then shut the door on the visitors, entering in relief and inducing a pop out from the only batter he faced to seal the 9-6 victory.
Levi Maddela was named the Les Schwab Tires Player of the Game for Willmar after going 2-for-4 and recording two runs batted in.
The Stingers look to build on their 3-1 start to the homestand Saturday, when they face the Waterloo Bucks on Brooks Lee Jersey Night presented by Cash Wise Foods. The first 200 kids will receive a replica Brooks Lee Stingers jersey, and 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.