Alexandria, Minn. – The Alexandria Beetles (37-31) fell 6-4 to the Badlands Big Sticks (31-37) at Knute Nelson Memorial Park. 

The visiting Big Sticks made an early statement with four runs in the first off a Gavyn Schlotterback RBI groundout and a Cougar Cooke three-run shot to the short centerfield porch.

In the next inning, Schlotterback added an RBI double to plate Jackson Cionek to make it 5-0 Badlands. Braden Cork got the start for the Beetles and went only two innings, allowing four hits, five earned runs, three walks, and struckout two. He was replaced by Josh Kirchoff who posted four scoreless inning without allowing a hit in his relief appearance.

As the Alexandria bullpen kept the home squad in the game, Designated Hitter Jehee Lee knocked in David Estrada and Merrick Rapoza on a two-run single to make it 5-2 in the third.

The score did not change over the next several innings due to the starting performance of Badlands’ Collin Maloney who finished five innings, allowed seven hits, two earned runs, three walks, and sent down four on strikeouts.

The Big Sticks added one insurance run in the eighth off a Cionek single that scored Teagan Residorfer to make 6-2. The bottom part of the inning saw the Beetles cut the deficit in half with Esteban Sepulveda connecting for a solo shot and Kobe Eikimeier bringing home Paris Pridgen on a single. Both runs were scored with two outs but Alexandria left the bases loaded and was unable to score again.

Gavyn Schlotterback started at first base for the Big Sticks and was moved to pitcher to close the door on the Beetles in the ninth. Two runners reached for Alexandria but Schlotterback got Pridgen looking to record his sixth save of the season and secure the 6-4 Badlands win.

Josh Kirchoff was name the Les Schwab Tires Player of the Game for his tremendous performance of four shutout innings in relief.

The Willmar Stingers will begin their final regular season series tomorrow night against the Bismarck Larks at Bill Taunton Stadium. It will be Augtoberfest night with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

The first Stingers playoff game will be Sunday, August 9, with first pitch at 5:05 p.m. against the St. Cloud Rox at Bill Taunton Stadium. You can purchase tickets online at willmarstinger.com under tickets.

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.