Stingers Eliminate Bats From Playoff Contention

August 8, 2011 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
St. Cloud River Bats News Release


(St. Cloud, MN) A four run eighth for the Stingers doomed the Bats. The 8-3 Willmar victory sealed the Bats fate, officially eliminating St. Cloud from post season contention.

Jeremy Banks bashed his first home run of the season. The Youngstown State standout picked up a pair of RBIs. Banks has collected multiple hits in three consecutive games.

Once again, the Bats drew first blood. Banks creamed a no doubter over the fence in right-center field.

An inning later, the Stingers tied the game. Pat Stover plated Eduardo Gonzalez to knot the game at one.

A three run fifth inning gave Willmar some breathing room. A Gonzalez double drove home two Stingers. Willmar led 4-1.

The Bats fought back in the seventh. Carlos Lopez and Bryan Haar both singled and pushed their way into scoring position.

Lopez scored a Banks sacrifice fly. C.J. Gillman sent a ball to the outfield that allowed Haar to touch home. The Bats had cut the Stinger lead to one.

Not to be outdone, the Stingers retaliated with four runs in the next frame. Five consecutive batters reached base in the eighth.

A double by Jarid Scarafiotti got the ball rolling for Willmar. Blake Shepherd brought home Scarafiotti to boost the Stingers lead to two. Chris Woolly singled home Jake Stinnett on the fourth Stingers hit in as many batters.

Three more runs came into to score to extend the Willmar advantage to five. The Bats would not score again as the 8- 3 score became final.

Michael Fagan takes the loss for St. Cloud. He drops to 3-2 on the summer, but still managed to add to his team leader in strikeouts, picking six k's in six innings.

The Bats travel to Willmar tomorrow to conclude this two game set, as well as the season series between these two teams.

Wednesday marks the beginning of the Bats final home stand, a four game stretch that includes games against Mankato and Alexandria. Thursday's game will get loud in St. Cloud. The first 500 fans at the ballpark will receive Bats thunderstix courtesy of Regional Diagnostic Radiology.

Dollar hots dogs also await fans at Joe Faber Field on Wednesday. Get your tickets now at www.riverbats.com, or by calling 320-240-9798. Tickets can also be purchased at the River Bats ticket office, located in the MAC Complex neighboring Joe Faber Field.



Northwoods League Stories from August 8, 2011


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