Stingers snap Cats winning streak

Stephen Brault put a damper Thursday on the Border Cats modest three-game winning streak.

The Willmar Stingers 1B lifted a fly ball to left field in the eighth inning to score Zach Benson from third with the winning run, as the host Stingers pulled out a narrow 3-2 win.

The Cats (7-9), opened the scoring in the first when Justin Higley singled to score speedy Omar Cotto from third.

But the Stingers quickly stormed back, tying the game in the second on a Hunter Dozier solo shot and took the lead an inning later on a Forrestt Allday ground-out that scored J.D. Dorgan.

Thunder Bay, who got a solid five-inning start from James Buckelew – he surrendered just six hits and two walks – evened the score in the top of the fifth.

Willmar starter Kyle Fischer lasted into the eighth, but left with Omar Cotto on second and one out, replaced by Andrew Wheeler, who struck out Higley and induced a fly ball from Ryan Casillas to end the threat.

Chad Richie (L, 1-1) took over from Buckelew in the sixth and pitched three strong innings, giving up just one hit, a single to Benson in the eighth that cost the Cats the win.

Brady Anderson closed it out for the Stingers, earning his second save of the season. Wheeler was credited with the win.
The two sides play a rematch Friday night in Willmar.