FOND DU LAC, WI – The Fond du Lac Dock Spiders pulled past the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters 6-4 behind an eight-strikeout performance from starting pitcher Will Niles.
Fond du Lac jumped ahead early, scoring in the bottom of the first inning when Tommy Googins advanced home on a pickoff attempt. The Rafters responded with two runs in the top of the second, but the Dock Spiders quickly regained the lead in the bottom half of the inning. Googins delivered a two RBI double to put Fond du Lac ahead 3-2.
The Dock Spiders extended their advantage in the third inning, scoring twice on a Carter Kelley RBI single and a Rafters throwing error to make it a 5-2 game. Wisconsin Rapids cut into the deficit again in the sixth inning, but Kelley answered with an RBI double in the bottom half to restore a three-run lead.
The Rafters attempted a late comeback, scoring once in the eighth inning, but Fond du Lac held on to secure the 6-4 victory and extend its home winning streak to seven games.
Niles earned Player of the Night honors after delivering one of his strongest outings of the season. The right-hander tossed six innings while allowing just two walks and striking out eight batters, tying his season-high strikeout total.
The Dock Spiders pitching staff combined for 11 strikeouts while allowing just two walks. Jaden Morris closed out the game with a nine-out save, his first of the season.
Fond du Lac’s offense collected 11 hits, with Tommy Googins, Patrick Graham, Carter Kelley and Joey Monetti each recording multi-hit performances. Kelley led the way offensively, going 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI.
The Dock Spiders return to Herr-Baker Field on Wednesday for a 6:35 p.m. matchup against the Minnesota Mud Puppies for Local Heroes Night & Touch-A-Truck. The Dock Spiders will recognize police officers, firefighters, EMTs and first responders who serve the community. Fans can arrive early for Touch-A-Truck, featuring an up-close look at emergency and service vehicles from around the area. The night also features a $5 Ticket Special presented by WFRV-TV Channel 5 with Sunny 97.7. Fans can enjoy $5 tickets for the game, courtesy of WFRV-TV.
Information about ticket packages is currently available at dockspiders.com or by calling the ticket office at (920) 907-9833. Visit the Dock Spiders ballpark Box Office and Team Store during normal business hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 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. Entering its’ 32nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history 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, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 380 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 (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford 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, two-time Silver Slugger 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.