Northwoods Willmar Stingers

Cal-State Northridge Duo Has Statement Game, Freddy Smith Picks up Win No. 100 in 7-2 Trouncing Over Express

August 12, 2023 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Willmar Stingers News Release


WILLMAR, MN - Following a rain delay which lasted just over an hour, the Willmar Stingers bats remained red hot in a 7-2 win against the Eau Claire Express on Friday.

The Stingers got things started on the very first pitch of the game as Andrew Sojka launched one over the right field wall.

A fielder's choice in the fourth doubled the lead for the Stingers to build an early cushion against a playoff bound opponent.

Sojka went deep for a second time the following inning to get his season total to seven and improve the Stingers lead to 4-0.

Two batters later, his Cal-State Northridge teammate and MinnWest Technology Campus Player of the Game Kevin Fitzer joined the home run column with a solo shot to put the Stingers up by five.

On the mound, the Stingers got a stellar pitching performance from starter Sam Malec who tossed six innings while striking out eight batters.

The lone blemish on Malec's day was a two-run homer from Marcus Cline to open the bottom of the seventh inning.

Hemponix Relief Pitcher of the Game Hunter Magnuson made sure that would be all for Eau Claire as he shut them down through the final three innings.

The Stingers weren't done however as Fitzer joined Sojka by hitting his second home run of the night with a solo blast to tie him for a league leading 14 on the season.

Willmar will play its final game of the regular season on Saturday taking on the Express.

For more coverage of the Stingers, visit the West Central Tribune online at www.wctrib.com.

The 2023 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.



Northwoods League Stories from August 12, 2023


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