WILLMAR–In the first game of the final homestand of the 2010 inaugural season, the Stingers rode a four run first inning and a brilliant performance by David Carroll to a 7-0 win over the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers and Bill Taunton Stadium on Monday night. The Maryland righty shut down the Lunkers, allowing no runs on just three hits, striking out four Lunkers over seven innings to earn his fourth win of the season.

Carroll was rolling, but all the pressure was taken off of him thanks to a huge start for Willmar, courtesy of a four run bottom of the first, fueled by a pair of two run hits by Jordan Smith and Eduardo Gonzalez. Mired in a two for eighteen slump, Smith broke out of it in a big way on Monday, going two for four with a steal, a walk, and a run scored. Continuing his hot hand at the bottom of the order was Willmar’s number nine hitter Mikey Reynolds. The St. Mary’s Gael ended up two for three and is hitting over .500 in his last five games.

With the win, the Stingers improved to 35-28 on the season and 17-11 in the second half, retaining a share of first place in the North Division’s second half standings. The Stingers have just three home games remaining in the regular season, continuing Tuesday at 7:05 pm at Bill Taunton Stadium with Back to School Backpack Night presented by Bernick’s Pepsi. For tickets, call 320-222-2010 or log on to willmarstingers.com for more information. We remind you to check out wctrib.com for all your Stingers coverage. The 2010 season is presented by Charter.