(September 24, 2017 – Plano, TX) In what started out as a football score ended in a landslide win for the Spirits (Trinity) fall baseball team at Graham Field in Plano. The Spirits used an 18-hit attack to put up 18 runs while fire-baller, Craig Molldrem held The Dark Horse to just one earned run on 5 hits, while striking out 12 hitters.
Three Spirits hitters reached the 3-hit category, including Kyle Redinger, Thomas Stoltz, and newcomer, Mike Anderson. Redinger was good for a double and a triple on his 3-hit performance, and he, Cliff Brade, John Showalter, Moldrem, and Anderson were all good for a pair of runs batted in as the team collectively put on a hitting clinic against Dark Horse pitchers, Luke Womble and Brian Kellner.
The Spirits exploded for 7 runs in the top half of the first inning, beginning with a walk drawn by Brade. Brade promptly stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. He then scored when Justin Anderson grounded out. Mike Werner followed with a one-out single and scored when Redinger tripled on the next pitch. Eric Goetz flew out and it appeared the Horse might get away down 2 to 0, however Redinger score when Showalter reached on a fielding error. Stoltz singled to put two runners on and Showalter later scored on a single by Molldrem. Stoltz followed Showalter home on a single by Anderson and following a set of wild pitches and another fielding error, Molldrem and Anderson were able to score to make it 7 to 0, Spirits.
The Dark Horse followed with three straight singles to score their first and only run of the game, but after that it was the Craig Molldrem Show with special guest, the Dallas Spirits (Trinity) offense. The Spirits added another run in the second, and then 5 more runs in the fourth after Anderson led off with a single. JR Rivera drew a free pass and Duane Aponte singled to load the bags for JP Seider, who followed with an RBI single. Brade also singled to score Rivera, and after the Horse retired Justin Anderson and Werner without giving up another run, Aponte was able to score on a wild pitch from Womble. Redinger singled to load the bases once again and Showalter walked to score Seider. Stoltz wore a pitch on a 2-2 count to pick up an RBI hit-by-pitch and the Spirits led 13 to 1.
After picking up another run in the fifth, the Spirits tacked on another 4 runs in the top half of the sixth inning after Redinger led off the inning with a double. Showalter drew a free pass and Stoltz singled to load the bases. Molldrem singled to score Redinger and and Showlater also scored when Mike Anderson singled for his third hit on the day. Aponte reached on a fielder’s choice to score Stoltz and the Spirits finally capped off the bleeding to the Horse jugular after newcomer, Antonio Nichols singled to score Molldrem.
“The guys really unleashed today on the offensive side,” commented Showalter following his team’s one-sided victory. “It’s tough for any team to face Molldy (Molldrem) and when you combine that with 18 hits, well, it speaks for itself. We’ve got some great bats on this team and whenever we’re all clicking, we’re going to be tough to beat. Redinger and Mike Anderson were on fire today and so was Stoltz. We’re lucky to have each and every one of them.”
The team returns to action on Tuesday as they’ll face another NTABL powerhouse, in the form of the Oak Cliff Pelicans. The game is scheduled for a 6:30PM start at Reverchon Park in Uptown, Dallas. Click here for schedule details or to watch the game live, online.
Waxahachie Autoplex Players of the Game
Kyle Redinger (3-4, 2B, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI)
Thomas Stoltz (3-3, 2 R, RBI, HBP)
Mike Anderson (3-3, 3 R, 2 RBI, BB)