WILLMAR–What a difference a day makes. One night removed from an 11-2 thrashing at the hands of the Rochester Honkers, the Stingers got revenge on the North Division’s first half champions, crushing the Honkers 14-4 at Bill Taunton Stadium on Wednesday night. Willmar overcame a two-run home run from Rochester cleanup man Jimmy Waters in the third, rallying back for three runs in the bottom of the second to pull ahead for good.

On the mound for the Stingers, the night belonged to Wally Marciel, who besides Waters’ home run, was nearly perfect through five and two thirds, striking out a pair and walking two Honkers. Taking over for Wally was Dixie State sophomore Daniel Zapata. In two and one third shutout innings, Zapata struck out a pair and didn’t allow a single hit to the usually potent Rochester lineup.

On the offensive side of things, Isaac Ballou led the way for the 32-27 Stingers, driving in a season high six runs in a two for four night, including a dramatic bases clearing, three run triple in a six run bottom of the seventh inning to ice the game for Willmar. The top and bottom of the order also contributed mightily as Carlos Leyva and Mikey Reynolds went three for four and four for five respectively, with Leyva driving in a run and Reynolds notching a season best three RBI’s.

Next up for the Stingers, it’s the rubber match of a three game set with the Honkers, getting underway at 7:05 pm on Wednesday at Bill Taunton Stadium in Willmar. Make sure to get to the park early as it’s T-Shirt Night presented by Ranbow, and former Twins great Al Newman will be on hand to meet and greet fans and throw out the ceremonial first pitch. For tickets, call 320-222-2010 or log on to willmarstingers.com for more information. As always, we remind you to check out wctrib.com for all your Stingers coverage. The 2010 season is presented by Charter.