(June 27, 2026 – Carrollton, TX) A 2 to 0 lead wasn’t safe enough for the Spirits (50+) squad on Saturday morning as a 5-run third inning gave the Cubs a 5 to 2 lead before the ghosts rallied with a 5-run answer in the bottom of the inning to take a 7 to 5 lead.
Steven Nutt led the Spirits offense with a 3-for-3 performance, adding 3 singles, 3 runs scored, 2 runs batted in and walk. Todd Murrah shows up in “big day” mode again, adding a pair of hits including a double and 3 runs batted in as the team saw an 8 to 7 deficit in the sixth turn into a 14 to 8 victory as the team added a 7-spot to close it out.
Kent Fischer also played a big role with a pair of hits that included a walk, 2 runs scored, and 3 runs batted in while Kirk Sipila also added a double with his pair of hits on the day, scoring 3 times and knocking in 2. Shawn Lee finished with a pair of hits and a run scored and batted in, while Kevin Simmons added a double. Vince Parello also doubled with a run scored and a run batted in.
Sipila picked up the victory on the mound in relief of Simmons, who lasted 4 innings against the Cubs. Simmons gave up 3 earned on 7 hits while walking 3 and striking out 4 before Sipila closed out the final 3 innings, allowing 2 earned off 3 hits, while walking one and striking out a pair.
Down 8 to 7 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Mike Sopocy led things off with a walk and the Cubs turned to Mike Skaggs to relieve veteran starter, Michael Paul in hopes of slowing the Spirits offense down. Shawn Hunt greeted Skaggs with a single to move Sopocy to third before a double by Parello scored Sopocy to tie the game. Hunt later scored on a wild pitch to give the Spirits an 9 to 8 lead before Dee Mauldin eventually drew a walk. Sipila then doubled home both Parello and Mauldin before Simmons flew out. Up 11 to 7, Fischer drew a walk before Lee was called out looking at the dish. Nutt then followed with an RBI single to score Sipila and Murrah followed with a double to add 2 more insurance runs with Fischer and Nutt crossing the plate before Sopocy flew out to end the inning that he started.
Sipila was able to set down Roger Venebles and Bill Lee before Tony Sanchez singled to give the Cubs a glimmer of hope. Sipila dotted the exclamation point to victory by striking out Keith Riley to end the game.
“Slower start for us offensively today but a solid consistency throughout the entire lineup,” Lee mentioned afterwards. “Though Kevin (Simmons) and Kirk (Sipila) both did a solid job on the hill today. (Steven) Nutt was great on both sides of the ball today and so was Todd (Murrah). Shawn (Hunt) always delivers behind the plate. Nothing to gripe about on our side of the diamond today. Cubs came to win but we were fortunate enough to shift gears and pull away late. Time to solidify things as we make the turn for the playoffs.”
The Spirits return to action following the July 4th holiday when they visit the Laguneros at McInnish Park, Field #11. First pitch is at 11:45AM and fans can click here for schedule details.
Ranger Fire, Inc. Players of the Game
Steven Nutt (3-3, 3 R, 2 RBI, BB)
Kent Fischer (2-3, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB)
Kirk Sipila (2-3, 2B, 3 R, 2 RBI; 3 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, BB, 2 K)