ALEXANDRIA, Minn. – Sean Dwyer (Florida Gulf Coast) hit his first home run of the season in the second inning, but that was the only time the Stingers scored, falling to Alexandria 3-1 at Knute Nelson Memorial Park.

Rob Elliott (Bradley) went 3-for-4 in the game, including two infield singles. Jared Scarafiotti (Stephen F. Austin) reached base twice in the game, recording a two-out double in the eighth and a two-out walk in the fourth inning. The only other hit aside from Dwyer’s blast was a single by Jordan Smith (Minnesota-Duluth) in the seventh inning.

Smith came into the game to play first base in the fifth inning as part of a wide range of defensive switches after Jordan Brown (Kansas) was forced to leave the game after being hit by a pitch on the wrist. Earlier in the contest, left fielder Tyler Zupcic (Appalachian State) left the game after a collision with shortstop Anthony Hincy (Doane College) on a shallow fly ball.

Thomas Taylor (Kansas) took the loss after allowing three earned runs in six innings. Taylor struck out five hitters while allowing six hits and two walks. Chris Gonzalez (Point Loma Nazarene) pitched the final two innings, striking out one.

Neither team scored after the third inning of the game. The Stingers had multiple chances, which included loading the bases with two outs in the fifth inning and having two on, two out in each the seventh and eight innings. However, Willmar could not drive any of the runners home, stranding nine men total in the game.

Willmar will return home to Bill Taunton Stadium at Baker Field for Wednesday’s game against Alexandria. The game begins at 7:05 p.m., and will also mark Baseball Night presented by Arnold’s of Willmar. The first 250 kids 14 years of age and under will receive a free Stingers baseball courtesy of Arnold’s of Willmar. Gates open at 6 p.m.

The 2011 season is presented by Charter.