First Things First: Stingers Stay on Top of North with 3-2 Win over La Crosse
June 25, 2014 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Willmar Stingers News Release
WILLMAR, Minn.-After taking on the South Division-leading La Crosse in the toughest series so far this season, the Stingers left no doubt about their place in the Northwoods League with their 3-2 victory over the Loggers, sweeping the two-game series.
Like has been the case for much of the season, it was pitching that once again led the way for the Stingers (19-6) Wednesday night at Bill Taunton Stadium. Gunning for his second win of the year on the mound, southpaw Matt Snyder went toe to toe with La Crosse starter Adam Cline in yet another pitchers' duel.
The game actually appeared headed for a slug fest in the early going though, as Willmar struck for a run right away in the bottom half of the first. It took just two batters for Willmar to record the run with Brian Pruett leading off with a single and taking third on a errant pick off throw. Sean Beesley bounced out to second base, more than enough time for Pruett to come in for the run.
La Crosse (19-10) scored a run in the very next half inning to tie the game at one, but hits began to come fewer and further in between as both pitchers settled into grooves.
However, the Stingers weren't limited by the lack of hits and took the lead for good in the fourth inning using just one hit. With Casey Hughston on second after a fielder's choice and stolen base and Brett Barbier on first via a walk, Jack Ross came up in a big spot for the second straight night. With another two RBI hit, Ross drove in both runners with a double to the left-center field gap, which was his second game-winning hit in as many nights.
Snyder surrendered another run in the next half inning but he worked out of a first and second, one-out jam to preserve the lead. Will Lydon would come on to pitch the next three innings in relief and allowed just one hit while striking out three. With the one-run lead going to the ninth, Josh Matheson came on for the second straight night and after allowing two base runners with two outs, he got a fly out to Ross in right to end the contest and pick up his first save of the season.
Tonight's Center for Diagnostic Imaging player of the game was Jack Ross. CDI is your local medical imaging provider. It's your choice where you go for medical imaging, for MRI, CT, mammograms and pain injections, choose CDI. Visit online at myCDI.com/CentralMN.
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