Offense Exploits Errors in Road Win
FOND DU LAC, WI – Behind an early burst of offense and sturdy pitching from starter Tyler Hoeft, the Wisconsin Woodchucks beat the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders by a score of 8-3 at Herr-Baker Field Friday night.
In a season where the Woodchucks (27-19) have struggled mightily against the Dock Spiders (30-16), it was the first-half champions who committed four costly fielding errors Friday.
The Woodchucks erased an early 1-0 deficit on Colton Vincent’s two-run single in the top of the second. Another pair would score on Tyler Kehoe’s fielder’s choice two batters later. The first of four Fond du Lac errors prevented them from ending the inning with a double play.
In the top of the third, the Woodchucks added on two more after loading the bases with only one out. A swinging bunt by Jacob Schoenvogel and a fielding error allowed Stephen Reid to score before Vincent’s groundout plated Burke.
The Chucks would once again cash in with the bases loaded in the top of the sixth. Kevin Kilpatrick grounded into a fielder’s choice at second but beat the relay to first. An aggressive play on the basepaths by Antonio Valdez allowed him to score all the way from second on the play, extending the lead to 8-1.
The Woodchucks had only six hits on the day, but they all came from the bottom five hitters in the lineup. All five of those hitters (including Burke, Ben McCabe, Schoenvogel, Vincent and Valdez) scored at least one run.
Hoeft worked seven innings of three-run ball in his longest outing of the season. He held the Dock Spiders to four hits, striking out five to earn his division-leading fifth win.e
The win improved the Woodchucks’ second-half record to 6-5 and split the two-game series in Fond du Lac. The win is the first for the Woodchucks in four meetings at Herr-Baker Field this season. It ended a streak of five losses in a row in the season series, which now sits at 6-2 in favor of the Dock Spiders.
Top Performers
Hoeft improved to 5-1 with a 2.42 ERA and added to his team-leading 44 innings pitched. His five wins are now tied with the league lead.
Collin Millar pitched two scoreless innings out of the bullpen, recording one strikeout and one walk. Millar did not allow a hit, and has not allowed a run in four appearances this season.
Vincent drove in three runs, bringing his season total to ten RBIs. The Florida State catcher scored two runs and caught two runners stealing in the win.
Kilpatrick’s two RBIs added to his team-leading 33 runs driven in this season. The all-star outfielder is seventh in the league in this category.
McCabe was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored Friday. It was his first multi-hit game as a Woodchuck.
Reid scored a run and drew three walks during the game. Through 11 games in the Northwoods League, his on-base percentage sits at .500.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
