Willmar, Minn. — Willmar Stingers manager Freddy Smith broke the franchise’s all-time wins record Wednesday night, recording his 161st regular season victory in a 10-2 final over the Bismarck Larks.
The win allowed him to pass the franchise’s inaugural manager Matt Hollod, who went 160-119 in his four seasons with Willmar from 2010 to 2013 and also coached Smith at Cal State Northridge. Smith and the Stingers broke the record in fashion with an eight run margin of victory.
Luke DeVine showcased his speed to help the hosts take an early 1-0 lead. He led off the bottom of the first with a walk before collecting two stolen bases, giving him 20 on the season, and crossing home on a wild pitch.
The Stingers (18-20, 2-0) maintained a one-run lead into the fourth inning thanks to a stellar outing from starting pitcher Chaz McRoberts. He was named the Les Schwab Tires Player of the Game after throwing five scoreless frames with four strikeouts and now sports a 0.47 ERA across 19 innings this season.
Willmar gave McRoberts plenty of run support in the bottom of the fourth, tacking on five runs to seize a commanding lead.
Kyle Panganiban was the first Stinger to score during the half on an infield single by David Estrada, then he was followed one batter later by Max Buettenback after Kobe Eikmeier singled to left field.
Estrada came home on a balk before a Jehee Lee sacrifice fly plated Eikmeier. Matthew Bernath brought around the final run of the frame on a groundout, making it 6-0.
Willmar added four more runs the next inning to cross double digits on the scoreboard. Five consecutive batters reached base to begin the half, starting with a single by DeVine.
He scored two batters later on a Max Buettenback single and Eikmeier continued the offense surge base knock to bring home Panganiban. Bernath again capped the scoring in the frame, hitting a sacrifice fly to put the Stingers up by 10.
Bismarck (16-20, 0-2) got on the board in the top of the seventh inning with a pair of runs. Logan Aguilar gave the Larks their first run of the night with a single to left field, and Connor Mendell followed three batters later on a Kiefer Tarnoki groundout.
But Braden Cork stranded two runners after entering mid-inning as part of a season debut where he went 1.2 scoreless frames.
He was followed by Max Reimers, who recorded a scoreless ninth inning in his Willmar debut and struck out Luke Lavin to seal the record-breaking victory.
The Stingers look to maintain their undefeated second half record Thursday, when they face the Minnesota Mud Puppies on Veterans Appreciation Night presented by the Kandiyohi Veterans Service Office. The night will feature post-game fireworks, and first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Visit willmarstingers.com or call 320-222-2010 to reserve your seats today. The 2026 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.
About the Willmar Stingers:
The Willmar Stingers are a member of the Northwoods League, the premier summer collegiate baseball league in North America. The Stingers provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment while showcasing the top college baseball talent from across the country.
For more information about the Willmar Stingers, visit willmarstingers.com or contact the front office (320)222-2010 or info@willmarstingers.com
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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 entering its’ 33rd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history 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, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 415 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 two-time World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion and Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (BAL) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (NYM). League games are viewable live on FloSports.tv.