ST. CLOUD, MN – The Willmar Stingers fell to the St. Cloud Rox tonight, 5-2.

The Rox were able to complete the sweep in this rendition of the Highway 23 Rivalry. The game was a highly-contested, low-scoring affair until the last minute when the Rox were able to pull away.

In the first three innings, both teams were held scoreless. Starting pitchers Matthew McClure (St. Cloud) and Tucker Novotny (Willmar) had complete control of the mound.

The first run would score on a double steal attempt that had Trevor Austin cross home plate in the fourth putting up the Rox 1-0.

The Stingers were able to break free, taking the lead in the sixth off the bat of Joey Walls. Walls sent a two-run deep fly to left field, bringing home Zac Corbin, making the score 2-1. He would be named the MinnWest Technology Player of the Game. Additionally to his home run, Walls was able to get a base hit, draw a walk, and steal a base.

Walls is now leading the Stingers in batting average with his total now sitting at .400. He has now nine extra-base hits as he continues to rake this summer.

The Stinger’s lead would not last long. The Rox were able to get one back in the bottom of the sixth. With two outs, Charlie Condon was able to put a ball just past Aidan Byrne to score a runner from second.

The game would stay tied at two apiece until the bottom of the eighth. The Rox were able to score three to put the game out of reach, ending the game 5-2.

The win would go to St. Cloud’s Rafael Acosta and the loss would be attributed to John Bezdicek.

The Rox now hold a commanding 5.5-game lead over Willmar with opportunities for the Stingers to make up ground starting to run thin.

The 12-10 Stingers go from one challenge to another with the 11-11 Mankato MoonDogs coming into Bill Taunton Stadium tomorrow. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.