Northwoods Willmar Stingers

Stingers Deny Bucks' Late Rally in 4-3 Win

July 19, 2013 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Willmar Stingers News Release


WATERLOO, Iowa -- The stage was set for another Bucks comeback; with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, Waterloo - which had not lost a one-run game all season - trailed 4-3 and seemed primed to replicate the walk-off win from two nights earlier. Instead, Stingers flame thrower Bret Dahlson reared back on a 3-2 pitch to strike out a .321 hitter in Marcos Calderon, slamming the door shut and preserving the series-winning victory. Not short on drama and intrigue, Dahlson's 9th inning featured a pair of walks and an infield hit that gave the Bucks a chance, but this time Dahlson persevered.

A leadoff double by Jake Gronsky (Monmouth) began the game's scoring as Gronsky matriculated home on a pair of groundouts by Logan Moon (Missouri Southern) and Max Dutto (Cal-Berkley). Moon's groundout the right side of the infield was well executed as Moon was down in the count 0-2 against Waterloo starting pitcher JT Miller and Dutto, likewise, put the ball in play for his tenth RBI of the season.

The Stingers were aided by several errors in the field by the Bucks, including the go-ahead run in the 9th inning. With two outs, Kyle Perry (Monmouth) slapped a bouncing ball toward short that bounded high and past the glove of Waterloo shortstop Jake Riffice. After advancing first to third on the play, Michael Suchy then scored the eventual game-winning run on a wild pitch from Waterloo reliever Steve Maher.

However, it was the top of the 8th inning with Willmar trailing 3-2, that most tested the Stingers' mettle. Nick Halamandaris (Cal-Berkley) and Max Kuhn (Kentucky) each drew a walk with two outs, presenting Colton Bottomley with an opportunity to tie the game. Bottomley (Florida Gulf Coast) responded with hard-hit ball to centerfield on the first pitch for his only hit of the game. The clutch hit reaffirms Bottomley's penchant for the big play and earns him CDI player of the game.

The Stingers got excellent relief from their bullpen beginning with newcomer Jack Hegarty early in the game. With starter Chris Kubitz battling soreness, Hagerty (Bemidji State) got the nod early on and responded by throwing strikes and besting the Bucks for the majority of his 4 innings. Cody Hughes (Montevallo) earned the victory and combined with Bobby McCormack, Dahslon to pitch 2.2 innings of scoreless relief in crunch time to secure the Stingers' win.

The Stingers return home against the Mankato MoonDogs on Friday, July 19 for "Barry Bobbl-Belly Figurine giveaway Night" presented by Conway, Dueth & Schmiesing, PLLP. Sheldon Lee (San Francisco) is scheduled to start and defend his 3-1 record.



Northwoods League Stories from July 19, 2013


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.

OurSports Central