WILLMAR, MN – For the first time this season, the Stingers completed a sweep at Bill Taunton Stadium, taking down the Eau Claire Express 16-7.

The scoring started in the first, as Willmar trailed 1-0 before even getting to hit.

But Andrew Sojka (CSUN) quickly tied things up, blasting his league-leading 11th home run of the season to tie the game at 1, which sparked a 3-run 1st.
Willmar added to their total in the 2nd, scoring 2 on RBI’s from Sojka and Gabe Swansen (Nebraska) to go up 5-1.

The Express would answer though, and after the two teams traded blows in the middle innings, it wound up being 6-6 going to the 7th.

Eau Claire took the lead in the top of the inning and the Stingers needed an answer.

They did just that, and in a big way, putting up an 8 spot, highlighted by RBI doubles from Rhett Stokes (Nebraska), Aidan Byrne (Minnesota State-Mankato) and Sojka to make it 14-7.

Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Sebastian Granados (Grossmont CC) filled in three innings for the Stingers, allowing just one run and picked up the win.

Byrne and Maximus Martin (Arkansas) each doubled in the 8th to stretch the lead to 16-7 which would be the final.

Willmar welcomes in Minot on Tuesday night for game one of a two game set.

First pitch is set for 6:35 pm at Bill Taunton Stadium.

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.