Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Stingers (34-27) completed the series sweep of the Minot Hot Tots (23-37) in comeback fashion to win 8-7 at Bill Taunton Stadium.
Former Stinger, Alex Altmann blasted a three home run to dead centerfield in the second to give the road Hot Tots an early 3-0 advantage. Kobe Eikmeier responded with solo shot of his own in the bottom half.
After a Minot run scored in the fourth off a bases loaded walk to make it 4-1, Landon Lowe connected for his first home run as a Stinger to get within 4-3.
Minot managed to score a singular run in each of the next three innings to lead 7-3. Willmar starter, Braden Cork was pulled in the fourth after allowing allowing two hits, four earned runs, three walks, and one strikeout. He was replaced by Josh Kirchoff. Hot Tots starter, Alex Moran completed four innings of work, allowing five hits, three earned runs, three walks, and three strikeouts. He was replaced by Lance Mittelman.
Facing a four run deficit in the seventh, the Stinger rallied for a massive five-run inning. Kyler Proctor reached on a Hot Tots fielding error and the floodgates opened from there. Three straight walks drawn made the score 7-4 and Kobe Eikimeier followed up with a two-run single to the left field wall. After striking within one run, Landon Lowe delivered a single to score Max Buettenback and Eikimeier to put Willmar ahead 8-7.
Dylan Kulper entered the contest in the eighth and mowed down the six Hot Tots he faced with six strikeouts. The Prior Lake, Minnesota native picked up his first save in a Stingers uniform.
Landon Lowe was named the Les Schwab Tires for his 3-for-3 performance which included a two-run home run and the game winning hit. James Nichols picked up the win and Minot’s Kevin Rahe was charged with the loss.
The Stingers will play their final game of this three-game homestand against the Minnesota Mud Puppies tomorrow for Team Poster Night at Bill Taunton Stadium. The first 250 fans will receive a 2026 Stingers Team Poster. 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.