By John Baldridge/Fond du Lac Dock Spiders
FOND DU LAC, WI – The Fond du Lac Dock Spiders took game one of a two-game series over Kalamazoo on Tuesday night at Herr Baker Field with a final score of 4-2. The Dock Spiders, with the win, improved to 22-36 on the season and 9-16 in the second half.
Kalamazoo started the scoring in the first inning with runners on first and third base with one out a wild pitch brought the runner home from third base, making the score 1-0.
The Dock Spiders answered back in the bottom of the first inning with a two-out single from Drew Barragan (Embry-Riddle), tying the game at one. The next batter, Adam Cootway (UW-Whitewater), doubled into left field, bringing in Barragan and giving the Dock Spiders a 2-1 lead.
The Growlers tied the score at two in the third inning. After a single from Broadey Acres (Walsh), Acres stole second base and was brought in with a single from Trey Wells (Virginia), tying the game at two.
In the third inning, the Dock Spiders retook the lead after a double from Travis Strickler (Embry-Riddle). Strickler advanced to third base on a groundout and scored on a balk, making the score 3-2.
In the sixth inning, the Dock Spiders extended their lead after a leadoff single from Tyler Neises (Georgia Tech). A hit-by-pitch to the next hitter, Drew Howard (Evansville), advanced Neises to second base. Neises reached third base on a groundout and scored on a sac-fly to right field from Preston Knott (Northwestern), making the score 4-2.
The score remained 4-2 going into the ninth, thanks to the work of the Dock Spiders bullpen, with RHP Miles Vandenheuvel (Eastern Arizona) and RHP Alex Stewart (Ellsworth CC) tossing 5.0 scoreless innings combined—four innings from Vandenheuvel and one inning from Stewart. In the ninth, Kalamazoo loaded the bases with two outs. After a single and a walk, the Dock Spiders made a call to the bullpen, replacing RHP Colton Angell (Southeastern CC), who only retired two batters, and brought in RHP Jonah Montes (Embry-Riddle). Montes got the only batter he faced, Brodey Acres (Walsh), to fly out to right field, ending the Growlers’ threat. The Dock Spiders bullpen continued its scoreless streak, tossing six scoreless innings tonight and extending the streak to 15.2 straight scoreless innings over the last three games, securing the Dock Spiders’ 4-2 victory.
The Dock Spiders finish their two-game series against Kalamazoo on Wednesday, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. On Wednesday, the Dock Spiders will say “Thank You” to Season Ticket Holders for their passion and support throughout the season. Additionally, Wednesday is Drink Wisconsinbly Wednesday with Sunny 97.7 – Enjoy half-priced Drink Wisconsinbly Old Fashioneds at each Wednesday home game.
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’ 31st season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 26 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, 360 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 (TEX), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford (STL) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network. Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at watchnwl.com. 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.