(March 14, 2026 – Carrollton, TX) March may seem a little late in Texas to build a snowman but following a week off and after an incredibly disappointing loss to the Laguneros back on February 28th, the Spirits (50+) brought out the gloves and the glee and played like kids in the snow to build a first inning snowman, crushing Metroflex pitching for 8 runs in what eventually would turn out to an 11 to 4 victory.
Kevin Simmons pitched well and picked up the win after tossing 4 innings while giving up 0 earned on just 3 hits while walking 2 and striking out 3. Eric Reifschneider closed out the game, adding 2 innings while giving up 0 earned on a single hit and adding a K before it was said and done.
Offensively, Eric McPherson led the ghosts with a 3-for-4 performance that included a triple, a pair of runs scored and a pair of runs batted in. Dee Mauldin finished 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored and 2 runs knocked in while also stealing a bag. Shawn Hunt closed out the top performers on offense with a pair of hits and a run scored.
After shutting down the ‘Flex in the top half of the first, Mauldin reached on an error and made his way to second base. McPherson followed by reaching on another error that allowed Mauldin to cross the dish. Travis Hitzeman made it 3 straight fielding errors for Metroflex after he reached on an error by second baseman, Jim Johann and after Mcpherson scored the Spirits were up 2 to 0 without a hit. Mike Sopocy was then hit by a pitch and both runners advanced following a wild pitch before Simmons followed with an RBI single to score Hitzeman. Simmons was able to move to second on the throw home and the move paid off after Ben Northcutt followed with a single to score both runners. Reifschneider then walked before Hunt singled to load the bags. Kent Fischer then knocked home Northcutt with an RBI single before Mauldin settled in for his second at-bat and scored both Reifschneider and Hunt with an RBI single. Mauldin went on to steal second but was later recorded out after McPherson singled and the ball hit Mauldin in fair territory.
The Spirits added 3 more runs in the top half of the third, all with two outs, after Fischer and Mauldin both singled and McPherson scored them with a triple. Kirk Sipila was able to reach on an error that scored McPherson and despite singles by Hitzeman and Sopocy to load the bases again, Simmons lost a battle of strikes to close out the inning with 3 stranded, but the Spirits held an 11 to 0 advantage moving toward the bottom of the third.
On cruise control, the defense was a little sloppy to close out the game as the team combined for 3 errors that allowed all 4 runs by Metroflex to count as unearned. The victory moves the Spirits to 2-1 on the young season and the team gets back into action next when they visit the Redbirds on Field #10 at McInnish Park. Game time is 9:00AM and fans can click here for schedule details.
Ranger Fire, Inc. Players of the Game
Eric McPherson (3-4, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI)
Dee Mauldin (2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, SB)
Shawn Hunt (2-3, R)