WILLMAR, Minn. – With two outs in the bottom of the 12th inning, Jake Stinnett (Maryland) was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to end the game and give the Willmar Stingers a 2-1 victory over the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers at Bill Taunton Stadium at Baker Field Friday night. Mitch Rowan (Willamette) scored the winning run after leading off the inning with a single.

The contest featured great pitching throughout with both starters going at least seven innings and only allowing one run. Thomas Taylor (Kansas) had his best start of the year for the Stingers, going eight innings and only allowing one run, which was unearned. Taylor struck out seven while not walking a single batter and only surrendering five hits in his eight innings, receiving a no-decision.

Kurt Spomer (Creighton) and Jason West (Stephen F. Austin) combined for four scoreless innings of relief. Spomer pitched the ninth and 10th innings, giving up two hits and striking out one. West earned the victory with two innings of one-hit baseball, striking out four. West is now 1-1 on the season with four saves.

The Stingers scored their first run of the game after Rob Elliott (Bradley) was hit by a pitch to lead off the first inning. Elliott then stole second base and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Elliott scored on a sacrifice fly by John Haberman (Pacific) to the shortstop in shallow left field.

In the 12th inning, Rowan led off the inning with a single. Two batters later, Jason Leblebijian (Bradley) ripped a double to left field to advance Rowan to third base. Tyler Harris intentionally walked Haberman to load the bases. After Sean Dwyer (Florida Gulf Coast) lined out to the shortstop, Stinnett came up with two outs and the bases loaded. Stinnett was then hit by a pitch to pick up his league-leading 20th RBI of the year.

The Stingers will look to complete the sweep against the Lunkers in a special Saturday afternoon game beginning at 2:05 p.m. It is Scout Day at Bill Taunton Stadium. Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts will participate in on-field activities, and all scouts are encouraged to wear their uniform to the game. Gates open at 1 p.m.

The 2011 season is presented by Charter.