Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Stingers (19-20) won 10-0 in four and a half innings played against the Minnesota Mud Puppies (5-10). The game was made official after lightning was spotted in the area and the playing surface was deemed unplayable.
Willmar stranded five total runners in the first two innings and it was still 0-0 heading into the third. In the home half of the inning the Stingers got on the board off a David Estrada RBI single to plate Merrick Rapoza.
In the fourth inning, twelve Willmar batters came to the plate and went on to score nine runs. Luke Devine got the crowd on their feet with a grand slam to increase the Stingers lead to 5-0. Later in the same frame, Max Buettenback unloaded a no-doubt three home run to right field. It was Buettenbacks 9th home run of the season and 23rd of his Willmar career to tie Trey Dirksen for second all-time in franchise history. Two more runs would later score from a Cru Huenfeld RBI double and a wild pitch.
Hagen was credited with the win and Mud Puppies starter, Alex Menth was charged the loss by going three innings, allowing six hits, five earned runs, three walks, and struckout two.
The Les Schwab Tires Player of the Game was Luke Devine who finished the shortened game 3-4, a home run and 4 RBI.
The Stingers will be off tomorrow and back in action for the start of a two-game series beginning on July 4th at the Minot Hot Tots. First Pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. at Corbett Field.
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.