
Hansen Hammers Debut Homer as Rox' Offense Thrives in Win at Willmar
June 12, 2024 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
St. Cloud Rox News Release
WILLMAR, MN - The St. Cloud Rox (7-9) defeated the Willmar Stingers (8-7) by a 9-2 score on Wednesday, June 12. With the win, the Rox earned a split of their four-game series with Willmar and are now 4-2 in their last six games.
On a warm night in Willmar, the Rox offense turned the heat on right away. Sawyer Smith (University of Kansas) stole back-to-back bases in the first inning, coming around to score on a single by Jackson Hauge (University of Kansas). However, the big blow in the four-run St. Cloud first came from Carter Hanson (University of Massachusetts), who powered a two-run home run to right field. Hanson now has three long balls on the season and a pair in his last two games.
The Rox would add on with another blast in the second inning. In his Rox debut, Gunnar Hansen (University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma) sent a solo home run over the fence in left, extending St. Cloud's lead to 5-0. Jake Perry (University of Minnesota) kept the offense moving with a two-run ground ball in the fourth before doubling to set up a run in the ninth. In between those events, Francesco Barbieri (Ave Maria University) came home in the sixth on a Luke Doty (Illinois Central College) sacrifice fly.
All the while, Rox pitching limited Willmar's lineup to two runs on six hits. Brandt Thompson threw effectively in his first start of the summer, earning the win with five innings and four strikeouts. His fourth frame wrapped up with a spectacular double play by Barbieri, who laid out for a catch in the right-center gap before firing to first for another out. Tommy Gross (University of Minnesota) followed Thompson with an electric two innings of relief that included four strikeouts. The shutdown pitching continued with scoreless innings from Ryan Rushing (Indiana University) and Dallin Harrison (University of San Diego).
Today's All-Star Trophy and Awards Star of the Game is Gunnar Hansen!
The Rox will visit the Mankato MoonDogs for a 6:35 p.m. game on Saturday, June 15. A day later, the Rox will host the MoonDogs for a 4:05 p.m. contest. That game, presented by KwikTrip, will feature a Father's Day celebration and Coborn's Kids Day. Fans can purchase a special Father's Day ticket package that includes two game tickets and a Rox grilling apron. There will be a pre-game catch on the field with Dad from 3:05 to 3:30, and youth fans will have the opportunity to run the bases and get autographs on the field after the game.
For a complete game & promotional schedule, ticket information, and everything Rox, please visit www.stcloudrox.com!
The 2024 season is presented by Morrie's Auto Group.
Images from this story
![]() St. Cloud Rox' Carter Hanson in action |
• Discuss this story on the Northwoods League message board...
Northwoods League Stories from June 12, 2024
- Errorless Baseball Not Enough for Lakeshore in 4-0 Loss - Lakeshore Chinooks
- Rockers Sweep the Rafters for Their Fourth Straight Victory - Green Bay Rockers
- Hansen Hammers Debut Homer as Rox' Offense Thrives in Win at Willmar - St. Cloud Rox
- Rockford Rivets Secure 9-8 Victory Against Battle Creek Battle Jacks - Rockford Rivets
- Bears' Offense Kept in Check, Drop Second Game to Wassau - Eau Claire Express
- Kenosha Drops Third Straight to Fall to .500 - Kenosha Kingfish
- Pit Spitters' Struggles at the Plate Continue - Traverse City Pit Spitters
- Rivets Edge Out Battle Jacks In Thrilling Rematch, 9-8 - Battle Creek Battle Jacks
- Rafters Falter Again Against Green Bay, Lose 7-5 - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Stingers Drop Series Finale to Rox, 9-2 - Willmar Stingers
- Another Sweep for the Chucks - Riding the Win Train to Northern Minnesota - Wausau Woodchucks
- It's Mueller Time: Brothers Matthew and Mitch Combine for 20 Strikeouts in Chinooks Win - Lakeshore Chinooks
- Rockers Aim to Beat Rafters, Pick up Fourth Straight Win - Green Bay Rockers
- Waterloo Leisure Services Awarded Baseball Equipment Through Share the Glove Initiative - Waterloo Bucks
- Growlers Fall In Series Opener Against Chinooks - Kalamazoo Growlers
- Dock Spiders Set New 2024 Hit Record, Fall Short to Madison 18-14 - Fond du Lac Dock Spiders
- Rafters Can't Catch up After Falling Behind Early in Green Bay - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Mueller Brothers Maul Growlers, Combine for 20 Strikeouts - Lakeshore Chinooks
- All Larks in Game 1 of the 'Road to Roosevelt' Rivalry, Topple Big Sticks 17-1 - Bismarck Larks
- Madison Mallards Outlast Fond du Lac Dock Spiders in Slugfest - Madison Mallards
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
