Stingers lose third in a row, 11-10 to Rox

Willmar came out of the gates hot, tallying 4 runs in the top of the first, thanks in large part to a Maximus Martin (Georgia State) single that ended up clearing the bases, making the score 3-0.

St. Cloud responded though with 2 in the 1st and a grand slam in the 2nd to go up 6-4.

Andrew Sojka (CSUN) quickly erased that deficit, tying the game up on a 2-run homer in the 4th.

But again the Rox had an answer with a 5 run response in the bottom of the inning making it 11-6.

Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Aiden Hansen (Minnesota State-Mankato) kept the Stingers in the game down the stretch, going 4 innings with 5 strikeouts and no runs allowed.

Sojka hit his 2nd home run of the night in the 9th to cut the deficit to one, but it was too late as the Rox escaped with the win.

The same two teams will meet again at Joe Faber Field tomorrow at 6:35 pm.

For more coverage of the Stingers, visit the West Central Tribune online at www.wctrib.com. The 2024 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.

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. Entering its’ 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 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 350 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 (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (STL) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, 2021 and 2023 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and two-time All-MLB first team 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.