Fond du Lac Downs Eau Claire , 10-8
Opening Day of the 2026 Northwoods League season saw anticipation meet reality as the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders notch its first win of the summer.
Before first pitch at Carson Park, returning 2025 Dock Spiders shortstop Tommy Googins made it clear what this season’s ultimate goal is.
“Our goal is to win one of the halves and then to win the tournament,” Googins said. “That’s my goal, and I know that’s our team goal too.”
Sam Fonder, former Fond du Lac pitching coach (2024-25), tallied his second win as manager of the Dock Spiders as he starts his first complete season in the role.
The Dock Spiders showed plenty of promise for its young season. Fellow returner Brady Blake made his return to Eau Claire in an emphatic way. The former member of the Express whipped a pair of homers on his first two at-bats of the season as he finished 3-for-6 with two runs and three RBI on the night
After an explosive start to the game, the Dock Spiders placed adversity— trailing by two runs Quincy Mazeke gave the Dock Spiders a lead they would not give up on a bases clearing triple.
The Dock Spiders take on the Express tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. to round out the series. The Fond du Lac Dock Spiders home opener is Wednesday night against Great Lakes West foe in the Madison Mallards with first pitch at 6:35 p.m.
Fans who make it to Herr-Baker Field early on Opening Night will get a commemorative 2026 Magnet Schedule presented by Fox Valley Savings Bank to keep track of all Dock Spider games this season.
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.