Minot Hot Tots outfielder Caleb Gipson, a junior from Georgia SW State University swings during their opening game of the 2026 season. Nathan Beitler/MDN

The Minot Hot Tots returned to Corbett Field on Monday evening, May 25, to kick off their 2026 season.

Their first game of the season saw them take on their in state rivals, the Badlands Big Sticks, walking away with a 4-3 victory to start the season with a winning 1-0 record.

The Big Sticks were the first to put a run on the board with a putout that allows their runner on third base to score. The Hot Tots quickly tied up the game in the bottom of the second inning with an RBI single into left field by Micah McCoy, driving Tyler Arnold home.

Minot native Kellan Burke put the Hot Tots in the lead for the first time this season with his home run in the bottom of the second inning.

Micah McCoy quickly followed up with his second single RBI of the night in the bottom of the fourth inning to give the Hot Tots a 3-1 advantage over the Big Sticks.

The Big Sticks struck back in the top of the fifth inning, earning two runs and tying the game at 3-3.

The Hot Tots quickly took back control of the ball game in the bottom of the seventh inning when Burke ran across home plate on a sacrifice fly hit by Caleb Gipson.

The Hot Tots’ defense held strong through the rest of the game, giving them the win over the Big Sticks at the conclusion of the top of the ninth inning.

The Hot Tots are still charging ahead in their 2026, facing off against the Big Sticks once again on Tuesday, May 26.