Fond du Lac defeats Wisconsin Rapids, 17-13
The Dock Spiders outlasted the Rafters in an offensive slugfest that saw the two teams combine for 30 hits and runs as Fond du Lac notched its third straight win over Wisconsin Rapids.
The Dock Spiders and Rafters started off the two game series at Herr-Baker Field with eight combined runs in the first inning as the Rafters scored three runs to open the game before the Dock Spiders responded with five of their own. The five run opening inning for the Dock Spiders was headlined by a TP Wentworth mashing an RBI single and an awkward play that saw the Dock Spiders score two off a pair of Rafters errors. The Rafters went on to tie the game heading into the bottom of the third but the Dock Spiders took a lead they did not relinquish as James Hankerson Jr. recorded a two RBI single as a part of a four run inning.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Dock Spiders pulled away– scoring six runs with James Hankerson Jr. tallying a two RBI double. The game remained at a 15-5 score until the seventh inning where both offenses struck again as the Rafters scored four runs, however the Dock Spiders answered with two as well. Fond du Lac held on for the win despite a four combined runs in the final two frames from the Rafters as the Dock Spiders clinched a 17-13 win.
Offensively Fond du Lac had a tremendous day– recording 17 runs which is the most they have scored in a single game this season. The player of the game for the Dock Spiders was James Hankerson Jr. who went 3-for-4 with a run, a double and four RBI. TP Wentworth and Reece McCarthy also had great days at the plate as they both reached the hit column multiple times.
Defensively the Dock Spiders continued to struggle as they let up 20 hits and 13 runs. The 20 hits are the most hits Fond du Lac has allowed in a single game this season. The best outing on the mound for the Dock Spiders was from Elden Santana who totaled four innings with eight strikeouts. The past two games for the Dock Spiders has seen the offenses take over as the run total combined between the two offensive duels is 62.
The next home game for the Dock Spiders is tomorrow at 6:35 p.m. as Fond du Lac takes on Wisconsin Rapids. The game also falls on Weaver’s Birthday Party where we celebrate our loveable mascot’s birthday with all his mascot friends from around the area. Weaver’s Birthday also falls on a Drink Wisconsinbly Wednesday with Sunny 97.7 where fans can enjoy half-priced Drink Wisconsinbly Old Fashioneds.
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.