Minot, N.D. – The Willmar Stingers could not complete a series sweep of the Minot Hot Tots as they fell 13-7 Sunday at Corbett Field.

The Hot Tots (25-39, 12-16) took an early 3-0 lead. They loaded the bases in the opening inning for Aiden Yochim, who put the team’s first run across on a single.

Adrian Dominguez brought home Drew Reaves and Micah McCoy two batters later on another single up the middle, making it a three-run advantage.

The Stingers (35-29, 19-9) immediately responded in the top of the second. Max Buettenback knocked in Merrick Rapoza on a single, then Landon Lowe crossed later in the frame to cut the deficit to one.

Luke Kalfsbeek was pulled from his start after one inning. He allowed three runs on four hits and a walk, punching out one Minot batter.

Willmar struck for another pair of runs in the third to take a 4-3 lead. Rapoza slammed a solo home run to left field to knot up the score before Buettenback delivered an RBI double later in the frame to bring around Matthew Bernath.

The Hot Tots battled back with two more runs of their own in the inning’s bottom half. Tyler Humphrey tied it up again with a single to right field before another single, this time by Dominguez, allowed the hosts to retake a 5-4 advantage.

Minot built up its lead with a trio of runs in the sixth. Joe DuSell and Reaves touched home on a hit-by-pitch and a wild pitch, respectively, before a productive groundout by Humphrey plated Austyn Peak.

Bernath cut into the deficit one inning later with a groundout that scored Rapoza, making it 8-6.

But the Hot Tots put the game away with five runs in the bottom of the eighth. The bulk of the scoring came on a pair of two-run doubles by Yochim and Humphrey as Minot crossed double digits on the scoreboard.

Landon Lowe put two late runs on the board in the top of the ninth inning with a home run to left field, but Kevin Rahe prevented any further damage and salvaged a series split for the Hot Tots in a 13-7 final.

Max Buettenback was named the Les Schwab Tires Player of the Game after going 2-for-4 with a pair of runs batted in.

The Stingers’ North Dakota road trip continues Monday, when they face the Badlands Big Sticks in Dickinson. First pitch at Dakota Community Bank & Trust Ballpark is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. CT.

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’ 33^rd 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.