Willmar, Minn. – The Willmar Stingers (37-33) lost 14-5 against the Bismarck Larks (34-35) in their final game of the regular season. This is the third consecutive loss for Willmar.
The Larks got the scoring going early with four runs in the opening inning behind five hits and RBI hits by Blade Carver, Trevor Goodwin, Drew Kleinheider, and Logan Murphy.
Kobe Eikmeier got the Stingers on the board in the third with an RBI single to score Esteban Sepulveda. Bismarck frontman, River Walters finished three innings, allowing two hits, one earned run, walked four and sent down two on strikes.
Willmar starter, Parker Grant got through four and two-thirds innings before being pulled for Cole Spitzer. Grant allowed nine hits, six earned runs, four walks, and struck out two. The two runs in the fourth for the Larks came from a Goodwin solo shot and Jesse Contreras single to make it 6-1.
Bismarck plated a total of six runs over the next three innings to extend their lead to 12-1. Willmar scored three runs in the seventh behind doubles from Kai Gonzaga, David Estrada, and Merrick Rapoza. Estrada finished the regular season with a .367 batting average which is fifth best in franchise history.
In the eighth, the Larks tacked on two and the Stingers added one for the final score of 14-5.
Bismarck’s Drew Kleinheider finished the contest 4-for-5 with 1 run driven in. He was one of four Larks Batters with a multi-hit game. Walters got the win for Bismarck and Grant was charged with the loss.
Estrada was named the Les Schwab Tires player of the game for his 2-for-3 performance with 1 run brought in and two walks.
The Stingers will battle the St. Cloud Rox tomorrow in Game 1 of the Northwoods League Playoffs. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. at Bill Taunton Stadium. This Sub-Divisional Series is a best-of-three with Game 2 being in St. Cloud along with Game 3 if necessary.
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.