Willmar's Three-Run 9th Downs Lunkers
July 27, 2011 - Northwoods League (Northwoods)
Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers News Release
(Brainerd Lakes Area) - The Willmar Stingers scored three runs in the Top of the 9th, coming back from a 5-3 deficit to defeat the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers 6-5 Wednesday night at Mills Field.
Blake Shepherd hit a two-run home run in the 9th off of Lunker reliever Ray Black. That was followed up with an Eduardo Gonzalez sacrifice fly in the 9th, bringing home Mitch Rowan. That proved to be the difference.
The Lunkers had a 5-3 lead going into the Top of the 9th. The game was tied at three heading into the Bottom of the 8th, but Tommy Reyes came up with a two-run home run to left field to give the Lunkers the 5-3 lead.
Joe Willman got the start for the Lunkers, pitching six and two-thirds, giving up three runs and striking out four. He and Willmar starter Kody Gorden took no decisions. Gorden pitched five innings, giving up two runs and striking out two.
The win goes to Ricky Knapp. He gave up the home run to Reyes in the 8th but pitched a scoreless 9th to pick up his fifth win of the season. The loss goes to Ray Black as he falls to (0-1) and blows his first save of the season.
The Lunkers fall to (8-14) with the loss, seven games back of the Alexandria Beetles in the North Division. The Stingers improve to (10-10) as they stay four games back.
The Lunkers are back in action Thursday night against the MoonDogs in Mankato. First pitch is set for 7:05. Jason Forjet will make his final start for the Lunkers on Thursday.
Northwoods League Stories from July 27, 2011
- Mallards Beat Bombers 4-1; Finish 3-2 on Five-Game Homestand - Madison Mallards
- Waterloo Avoids Sweep in 4-3 Win - Green Bay Rockers
- Honkers Take Series Finale - Rochester Honkers
- Willmar's Three-Run 9th Downs Lunkers - Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers
- Ninth Inning Rally Leads Stingers to 6-5 Victory in Brainerd - Willmar Stingers
- Chucks Come Up Short In Comeback, Lose 5-4 - Wausau Woodchucks
- Rafters Field Manager John Martin Steps Down - Wisconsin Rapids Rafters
- Game on: Mallards Hope to Avoid Two-Game Sweep Vs. Bombers - Madison Mallards
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Other Recent Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers Stories
- Lunkers Fall in Season Finale
- Three Lunkers Named to Postseason All-Star Team
- Lunkers Drop Road Finale to Stingers
- Honkers Blow Out Lunkers 11-2
- Lunkers Break Tie with Five in the Ninth
