COLD SPRING -- It took three pitchers to get Willmar out of the first inning Tuesday by which time the visitors at Springer Park trailed 12-0.
Rocori went on to a 15-3 Central Lakes victory over the Cardinals in five innings.
Willmar starter Dean Stier had to leave the game after facing six batters with a leg injury. He was hit in his left shin by a line drive off the bat of Ben Rausch.
Ryan Lawler came off the bench to relieve. After a hurried warm-up, he faced seven Spartans without recording an out. John Kraemer got the final out but not before giving up a hit, two walks and a run.
In the first inning alone, Rocori's Eric Loxtercamp belted a two-run homer off Stier and a two-run double off Lawler. He added a two-run homer off Jake Rambow in the second.
ADVERTISEMENT
In only his second pitching appearance of the spring, Rambow went three innings giving up three hits and two earned runs.
Andrew Bangen had two of Willmar's six hits.
Willmar is taxing its pitching staff this week with five games in four days, including a twin bill today, at home, with St. Cloud Apollo at 4 p.m.
Rocori 15, Willmar 3
Willmar (1-9, 3-12) 0 03 00 -- 3 6 3
Rocori (7-2, 11-3) (12)20 1x --15 9 1
HITTING - Willmar: Andrew Bangen 2-for-3, rbi; Gabe Amon 1-for-2, Ryan Horning 1-for-2, Derrick Loiselle 1-for-2, Jake Rambow 1-for-2, rbi ... Rocori: Eric Loxtercamp 3-for-3, 2 2-run HRs, 3 runs, 6 rbi; Scott Willenbring 2-for-2, 2 runs; Ben Rausch 1-for-2, rbi; Shane Rausch 1-for-1, 2 rbi; Derek Lieser 1-for-3, 2 runs
PITCHING (ip-h-r-er-bb-so) -- Willmar: Dean Stier (L) Xc-4-4-4-0-0, Ryan Lawler 0-1-7-0-4-0, John Kraemer Zc-1-1-0-2-0, Jake Rambow 3-3-3-2-3-1 ... Rocori: Scott Willenbring (W) 4-4-3-2-1-7, Mitch Schrammel 1-2-0-0-0-1
