Photo Courtesy: Ava Schieffert
FOND DU LAC, WI – The Dock Spiders won their second game in a row on Thursday night against the Mallards. It was an offensive showcase from the start as the Mallards ambushed Dock Spiders starting pitcher Amar Tsengeg (Texas-Dallas), A walk with the bases loaded from centerfielder Isaiah Jackson and a two RBI single from Mallards first baseman Jake Goolsby (Charlotte) scored three runs in the top of the first inning for the Mallards. In the top of the second inning, the Mallards tacked on another run as a single from designated hitter Owen Jackson (Toledo) scored left fielder Jake Holcroft (Portland) which gave the Mallards an early 4-0 lead. The Dock Spiders responded in a big way in the bottom of the second inning as they scored 5 runs to take the lead. A two RBI double from third baseman Graiden West (Rice) was the big hit that ignited the rally and gave the Dock Spiders a 5-4 lead. They struck again in the bottom of the third when centerfielder Connor Cooney (Holy Cross) lined a single that scored designated hitter Barron Zamora (Washington) which gave the Dock Spiders a 6-4 lead. In the bottom of the fourth, they tallied 3 more runs as walks and errors plagued the Mallards that the Dock Spiders took advantage of. By the end of the fourth inning, the Dock Spiders led by 9-4.
The Mallards scratched two runs across in the top of the fifth, but the Dock Spiders offense wasn’t done yet. A four-run bottom of the fifth inning helped the Dock Spiders take a 13-6 lead. When it looked like the game was all but over, the Mallards started to mount a comeback. They scored four runs in the top of the sixth and then another run in the top of the eighth inning but that was all the Mallards could muster. They posted 17 total hits on the night, but Dock Spiders reliever Kade Walker (St. Bonaventure) curbed the Mallards comeback attempt as a 3-6-3 double play ended the game. Dock Spiders reliever Jacob Young (Fairmont State) received the win, while Mallards starting pitcher Bryce Leedle (St. Thomas) was tagged with the loss. The Dock Spiders are back in action tomorrow night in Wausau as they take on the top team in the Great Lakes West Division, the Wausau Woodchucks. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M. 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 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. 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.