WILLMAR, MN.- For the second time in less than 24 hours, the Willmar Stingers defeated the Minot Hot Tots in a game where they had a double-digit run tally on Thursday.
The Stingers got things started in the second inning with MinnWest Technology Campus Player of the Game Kevin Fitzer playing a big factor.
After consecutive doubles brought two in scoring position, Fitzer drove both home with a single for the game’s first runs.
Minot responded back an inning later with a wild pitch and a fielder’s choice to tie the game back at two.
The scoring would calm down through the middle portion of the game but the Stingers would quickly ramp back up in the sixth.
Fitzer broke the tie with a three-run homer for his second of the series to put the Stingers up 5-2.
That gave the Stingers a lead and they would create a more than comfortable cushion in the seventh.
Luke Williams started it out with a double and Andrew Sojka would bring him home with his first home run as a Stinger.
That wouldn’t be all as the following five batters would reach base with a total of nine runs coming across for the Stingers to up the lead to 14-3.
Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Tom Sun secured the save after his two and a thirds innings of work to clinch the doubleheader sweep.
The two teams will meet one more time tomorrow to close the four-game series.
For more coverage of the Stingers, visit the West Central Tribune online at www.wctrib.com.
The 2023 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.
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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 in its 30th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 24 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, over 325 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 World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit www.willmarstingers.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Stingers as your favorite team.
