Northwoods Willmar Stingers

Poche Breezes Despite Loss

Published on June 29, 2013 under Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Willmar Stingers News Release


WILLMAR, Minn. - Over the course of seven innings the Stingers and Honkers cooled down each other's lineups on Jimmy Buffett night at Bill Taunton Stadium. Stingers players and fans donned Hawaiian shirts, visors and leis and the relaxed atmosphere fostered ice cold pitching from both teams, but Rochester (17-14) prevailed 5-0 over Willmar (19-11).

Colin Poche turned in another excellent start for Willmar despite being stuck with the loss. Poche encountered difficulties in the very first inning, allowing three singles and hitting a batter. However, the lefty out of Arkansas battled his way to the third out on his 32nd pitch. Had he crossed the 35-pitch threshold, the Stingers would have required by rule to remove him from the game, cutting his day short. For Poche, the end of the first inning was the beginning of his superb pitching.

Poche, the *CDI player of the game,* engaged in a good-old-fashioned pitcher's duel with Tyler Eppler of Rochester well into the middle innings. Poche finished the game with a line of 6.0 innings pitched, seven strikeouts, seven hits while surrendering just one run. Despite the loss, Poche managed to lower his ERA to a sterling 1.80 on the season. He has struck out batters at a remarkable rate of 11.4 per nine innings pitched.

The loss marks the first time the Stingers potent offense has been held scoreless all season. The Stingers are back at it tomorrow against Rochester for "Community Christian School Night presented by North American State Bank." Willmar's starting pitcher will be Max Homick (San Diego). Homick's third start will continue his quest for his first win of the season. The right hander boasts a solid 3.60 ERA.

With the loss, the Stingers now trail Waterloo by two games in the NWL North division as the first half winds down. The team with the best record after July 3rd will earn a playoff berth for later in the summer. Willmar has a slight advantage, however, as it will be playing five games as opposed to the four left for the Bucks.

The 2013 season is presented by Charter. For more on your Willmar Stingers please visit www.wctrib.com.

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Northwoods League Stories from June 29, 2013


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