Photo Courtesy: Ava Schieffert
FOND DU LAC, WI – The Dock Spiders were in search of their third straight win heading into their matchup with the top team in the Great Lakes West Division, the Wausau Woodchucks on Friday night. Dock Spiders Right-handed pitcher Sebastian Guzman pitched well as he held the Woodchucks dangerous offense to no runs throughout five innings of work. The Dock Spiders offense got going in the top of the second inning as right fielder Jared Heinzen (Wisconsin-Parkside) lined a single into left field and then catcher Paul Smith (Rice) roped an RBi double which gave the Dock Spiders a 1-0 lead early on. They were able to hold the lead until the bottom of the eighth. Dock Spiders reliever Tanner Smith (Presbyterian) entered the game and walked the bases loaded. Smith was removed and the Dock Spiders called for their ace in the hole, Right hander Zach Silfies (Elizabethtown).
Silfies entered the game with the bases loaded and only one out to work with. He surrendered an RBI single to Woodchucks shortstop Simon Scherry (Evansville) that tied the game and then a walk drawn by Woodchucks first baseman Jake Baker (Kansas) scored the winning run. The Dock Spiders offense was retired in order in the top of the ninth and that closed the coffin on a tough game. Woodchucks right handed pitcher Nic Schutte (Western Kentucky) received the win, Dock Spiders right handed pitcher Tanner Smith (Presbyterian) was tagged with the loss and Woodchucks closer Brian Reinke (Richmond) received the save. The Dock Spiders will be back at home on Saturday night when they take on the Woodchucks. It’s Star Wars night at Herr-Baker Field! Dock Spiders players and coaches will take the field in Mandalorian and Grogu-themed Star Wars jerseys! These jerseys will be available via auction and will benefit the Fond du Lac area United Way. First pitch is scheduled 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. Now in its’ 30th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 24 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 325 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.