Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Stingers (25-23) fell at home to the Bismarck Larks (22-25) by a score of 15-4. Eight different Bismarck Hitters combined for 14 hits.
Luke Stulga, Blade Carver, and Logan Murphy all picked up RBI hits in the first inning. The score was 4-0 Larks through one half inning of play.
In the third Ezra Farmer added a sac-fly RBI and Andrew Guevara delivered with single to score Carver to make it 6-0 Larks. A Stingers error later in the inning led to two unearned runs coming across to increase the lead to eight runs. In the bottom half, Willmar pushed their first run across after Keaton Cottam scored from third after a double steal.
Ryan Dalager got the start in his Stingers debut and went four innings, allowed eight hits, eight runs, walked three, and struck out four. He was replaced by Koen Barton.
The Larks added six more runs in the fifth as they brought twelve batters to the box. The highlight was a bases clearing double by Ezra Farmer. The lead was 14-1 heading into the sixth.
Kai Gonzaga and Merrick Rapoza both tacked on RBI hits in the seventh to make the score 14-4. One run from the Larks the eighth ended the scoring and Bismarck won 15-4.
Trey Zaffiro was named the Les Schwab Tires player of the game for his three innings of relief where he allowed one hit, one run, and sent down four on strikes. Larks starter Zane Baltz picked up the win after going five innings, allowing four hits, one run, struck out six. Dalager was charged with the loss.
The Stingers face the Larks tomorrow night for Barry Plush Doll Give Away Night presented Project Turnabout for the first 150 fans at Bill Taunton Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 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.