Dickinson, N.D. – The Willmar Stingers finished their final road trip of the regular season with an 8-5 win Tuesday night over the Badlands Big Sticks.

The Stingers (36-30, 20-10) seized the early advantage with five runs across the opening three innings.

David Estrada put Willmar on the board just two at-bats into the action with a single up the middle, scoring Kai Gonzaga, then Landon Lowe tacked on another single two batters later to plate Estrada and make it 2-0.

Willmar added a trio of runs in the third. A walk by Gonzaga and single by Estrada put two runners on for Merrick Rapoza, who recorded a base knock to bring in Gonzaga.

Another walk loaded the bases for Levi Maddela, who singled to score Estrada before Jehee Lee hit a sacrifice fly one batter later that allowed Rapoza to touch home and extend the advantage to 5-0.

The Big Sticks (30-36, 12-20) got their first run of the night on a wild pitch in the fourth inning.

They wouldn’t score again until the bottom of the eighth as Ryan Dalager spun a quality start. He allowed four hits and three earned runs across 7.1 innings of work, also striking out eight batters on his way to being named the Les Schwab Tires Player of the Game.

The Stingers struck back with another three runs in the top of the sixth. Gonzaga, Estrada and Rapoza recorded three consecutive RBI singles as part of a frame that saw eight batters step into the box, 8-1.

The trio at the top of the Willmar batting order combined for six hits, six runs scored and four runs batted in to power the team’s offensive outburst.

Dalager allowed a walk and a single to begin the eighth before exiting the frame with one out. Dakota Howard then walked to load the bases for Gavyn Schlotterback, who launched a grand slam to left field and cut the lead to three runs.

But Dylan Kulper slammed the door shut in the ninth, inducing a game-ending double play from Ryder Hernandez to seal the 8-5 victory.

The Stingers return home Wednesday, when they again face the Big Sticks on First Responders Appreciation Night 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’ 33^rd 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.