Photo Courtesy: Ava Schiffert
FOND DU LAC, WI – It took some late inning heroics from the Dock Spiders, but they walked off the Green Bay Rockers 5-4 at Neuroscience Group Field in Appleton. The second annual I-41 showdown between the Rockers and the Dock Spiders got off to a quick start as the Dock Spiders score two runs in the bottom of the first inning off a botched attempt by the Rockers to tag out Paul Wittman on a steal, as the ball went into centerfield after a bad throw brought Travis Strickler into score. A batter later, Dock Spiders first basemen Sam Busch (Michigan State) grounded out to the second basemen which allowed Paul Wittmann (West Texas A&M) to come into score which gave the Dock Spiders a 2-0 lead.
The Dock Spiders held that 2-0 lead until the top of the third inning when Rockers third basemen Kyle West (University of Charleston) singled to right field to score Adam Paganelli (Northwest Nazarene) which cut into the Dock Spiders lead 2-1. Then it was the centerfielder Jojo Jackson (Georgia State) who roped a triple into the right centerfield gap to score Kyle West, tying the game at 2-2. Fast forward to the top of the eighth inning. The Rockers were able to put a runner on and all it took was a single by Jo Jo Jackson to bring home two more runs which gave the Rockers a two-run lead going into the bottom of the eighth. Dock Spider newcomer, Brady Katterhagen (UW Platteville) roped a leadoff single to put a runner aboard. Travis Strickler stepped up to the plate in a big away for the Dock Spiders, which brought the typing run to the plate. Then on a sac fly from Paul Wittmann, allowed Jack Gorman to cross home plate making it a 1- run ballgame. The Dock Spiders offense stalled there until the bottom of the ninth.
Dock Spiders were down early in the inning after Jack Peterson (West T&M) struck out for the first out. Then pinch hitter Connor Cooney a laced a double for the go ahead run to be on second base. Katterhagen singled which set up the bases loaded, one out, as Travis Strickler came up to the dish and got walked, that brought Cooney home for the game winning run. Dock Spiders won 5-4. Right-handed pitcher Zach Silfies was credited with the win, Tyler Horvath was charged with the loss. The Dock Spiders are back in action tomorrow night in Rockford for game one of a two game set with the Rockford Rivets. First pitch is slated for 6:35 P.M.
The Fond du Lac Dock Spiders are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having recently completed its’ 29th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, over 300 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (NYM), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on ESPN+. For more information, visit dockspiders.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Dock Spiders as your favorite team.
