(April 28, 2025 – Flower Mound, TX) The Spirits (45+) squad jumped out to a quick 4 to 0 lead in the top half of the first only to see the Hurricanes trade punches, following suit with their own 4-spot to even the game, 4 to 4 in the bottom frame. After tacking on single runs in the second and third, eyes began to squint and chirping grew quiet as the Spirits knew they had another 7-round fight in front of them.
A late fourth and fifth inning surge capped off by two 3-run innings and 2 more runs in the fifth paved the way to victory as the team went on to win by a score of 12 to 6. The Hurricanes picked on Spirits starting pitcher, Stacy Scott early, but in typical fashion, Scott didn’t have a whole lot of defense behind him to start the game. Add a strong blowing out combined with a few solid hits that carried into that wind and it showed to be a recipe for a bad start to a ball game. Scott gained his composure over the next couple of innings before Jonathan Duran relieved him and was able to stave off additional damage by Hurricanes hitters.
“It’s not the start you want for any ball game,” Shawn Lee commented. “Hats off to the Hurricanes for showing up ready to play and for their interest in winning. We sure didn’t have it. On occasion, we just don’t seem ready to play baseball. I’m not certain why. Perhaps it’s the mundaneness of playing games several times a week in several leagues. Maybe they just get bored. Regardless of the excuses, it would be nice to see all players ready to go and ready to play at first pitch. We don’t do that very often anymore.”
Lee’s angst against his team’s slow start later turned into cheers of support as the bats came alive and the gloves eventually began fielding baseballs. Dale Baird once again led the Spirits offensively, finishing the night 3-for-5 with 2 runs scored and 4 runs batted in, adding a double to cap off a great night of hitting. Kevin Simmons also added 3 hits on the night, finishing 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored and 3 batted in. Kirk Sipila finished with 2 hits, 2 runs scored, 2 batted in, and a walk, while Duran added 2 hits of his own, scoring twice and walking once.
Down 6 to 4 heading into the top half of the fourth, Duran started off with a single and Eric McPherson followed with another single. Sipila flew out but Baird added an RBI single to score Duran to cut the score to, 6 to 5. Lee drew a walk to load the bases and a single by Simmons scored both McPherson and Baird to give the Spirits a 7 to 6 advantage before Mike Sopocy grounded out after Lee was tagged out trying to take an extra base.
In the fifth, Duran drew a walk with two outs and McPherson was able to reach on a Hurricanes fielding error. Sipila tripled to the wall to score both runners and then later scored on an RBI single from Baird to give the ghosts a 10 to 6 lead.
In the sixth, Simmons singled to lead off the inning and after Sopocy flew out and Hunt reached on an error, Simmons later scored on a wild pitch and Hunt on an RBI single by Scott. Duran was able to set the Hurricanes in order to close out the game due to the league’s two-hour time limit rule.
“Wonderful way to finish a game,” Lee continued. “You take what the baseball Gods give you, but there are times we could stave off the drama by being a little more prepared. It just helps you learn for the next one. It’s been fun competition so far this season. We’re liking the parody and looking forward to the challenges the season brings us.”
The team heads back to action May 12th following the May 5th rain out as they host the Reds at Flower Mound High School. First pitch is at 6:15PM and fans can click here for schedule details or to listen to the game live online.
Five Star Ford Players of the Game
Dale Baird (3-5, 2B, 2 R, 5 RBI)
Kevin Simmons (3-4, 2 R, 3 RBI)
Jonathan Duran (2-3, 2 R, BB; 3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 2 K)