Dock Spiders Comeback Comes Up Short, Fall to Rafters 5-3

FOND DU LAC, WI – The Dock Spiders dropped their second straight game to the Rafters 5-3 on Sunday afternoon. The Dock Spiders scored one run in the top of the first as shortstop Drew Barragan (Embry Riddle Aeronautical) cracked an RBI single that scored left fielder Travis Strickler (Embry Riddle Aeronautical) and gave the Dock Spiders a 1-0 lead. Dock Spiders starting pitcher Sebastian Guzman (Washington-St. Louis) settled in and hurled five innings of no-run ball. The Dock Spiders scored another run in the top of the sixth inning off an RBI double from second baseman Jack Gorman (Presbyterian) which gave the Dock Spiders a 2-0 lead. The Rafters responded in the bottom of the sixth as right fielder Brendan Bobo (Cal State Fullerton) launched a three-run home run which erased the Dock Spiders lead. The Rafters scored two more runs in the bottom of the seventh which gave them a 5-2 lead. The Dock Spiders countered in the top of the ninth as catcher Kelsen Johnson (St. Petersburg) lined a single that scored Travis Strickler. The Dock Spiders loaded the bases and had the tying run on second base, but Rafters closer Julian Tristan (Westcliffe) struck out right fielder Parker Knoll (Lawrence) which ended the game.

Rafters reliever Mckenna Fo (Antelope Valley) received the win, his first of the season, while Dock Spiders starter Sebastian Guzman was tagged with his fifth loss of the season. Julian Tristan received the save, his eighth of the season. The Dock Spiders fell to 23-33 on the season, 10-11 in the second half. The Dock Spiders will be back at home on Friday night as they take on the Lakeshore Chinooks. It’s Lake Winnebago Shantymen Night, Bobbleboy giveaway night, and postgame fireworks at Herr-Baker Field! Celebrate Wisconsin winter culture for one game with specialty uniforms and a Shantymen BobbleBoy for the first 500 fans courtesy of Fleet Farm. Plus, all fans will enjoy post-game fireworks presented by Marine Credit Union.  Tickets are currently available at dockspiders.com or by calling the ticket office at (920) 907-9833. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 P.M.