Fond du Lac defeats Kalamazoo, 13-3
A 10-run bottom of the first fueled the Dock Spiders to takedown the Growlers and split the two game series against each other at Herr-Baker Field. The win also snapped a three game losing skid as Fond du Lac had the bats red hot in the eight hit and 13 run performance.
The Dock Spiders came into tonight’s game with plenty of energy putting up 10 runs to start. The rally started with a Matt Hansen two RBI double and was furthered with a Patrick Graham three RBI double that punctuated a triumphant offensive inning.
From that point on the Dock Spiders offense cooled off but Fond du Lac’s defense kept the Growlers out of reach, combining for six strikeouts in the following eight innings with the Dock Spiders using five arms in total. The pitching rotation succeeded in quieting the Growlers offense early– holding the Growlers to two of their seven hits in the first four innings.
Offensively, the Dock Spiders saw Patrick Graham and Matt Hansen notch a multiple hit performance as Hansen went 2-for-2 at the plate with a double, a triple and four RBI. Graham also had a productive night at the batter’s box going 2-for-5 with two runs, a double and four RBI as well. Additionally the offense was greatly helped by the Growlers pitching rotation that gave up six hit-by-pitches and 11 walks.
On the mound Ben Kasten debuted for the Dock Spiders, earning his first win of the season while also going three innings deep and clocking his first Northwoods League strikeout.
The Dock Spiders defense had a solid outing as well producing two double plays. Additionally, the outfield flexed its muscles and showed off their speed many times with Landon Mensik laying out to catch a linedrive, later Mensik had an outfield assist, throwing out a Growler with a heated throw to second base..
Next home game is tomorrow against the Wausau Woodchucks and falls on a Lake Winnebago Shantymen and Bobblehead giveaway promotion night. Come out to Herr-Baker Field where the Dock Spiders will celebrate Wisconsin winter culture with specialty uniforms and a Shantymen Bobbleboy for the first 500 fans courtesy of Destination Lake Winnebago Region.
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.