(September 18, 2016 – Carrollton, TX) In a flip of the script on Sunday afternoon, it seems that it was the Bulls that were running away from the Spirits rather than a running of the bulls. The cliche analogy doesn’t compare much to the offensive box score that would appear to be a padding of statistics versus your typical game box score.
The Spirits Fall edition unleashed for 17 hits and scored 14 unanswered runs after trailing 5 to 0 in the first half of the inning. “We were a bit surprised at the start of the game,” noted manager for the day, Jonathan Duran. “We were a little shaky at first, but the guys settled in and stopped letting the ball control them.” The Spirits opened the game with 4 errors and quickly fell behind after those miscues, combined with 4 hits from the Bulls led to 5 runs, 2 of which were earned.
That lead didn’t last long, however as the Spirits offense responded quickly in the bottom half of the first inning. Cliff Brade tripled and scored 3 pitches later when Duran singled. Newcomer Kyle Redinger also singled putting runners on first and second with one out after Brant Finchum went down swinging. Duran took third and Redinger second on a double-steal, but both players scored easily after additional newcomer Michael Werner took one way deep over the left field fence for a 3-run blast. The Bulls were able to hold additional scoring at bay after Craig Molldrem walked and reached third after stealing second and being advanced by a David Tipton single.
Duran shut down the Bulls in order to start the second inning and then the Spirits showed up for some crazy offense. The bottom half of the inning saw 5 singles, 2 doubles, and a triple as the Spirits pounded the baseball for 9 runs and a commanding 13 to 5 lead after two innings completed. The Fall squad tacked on an additional run in the third inning and the shortened game completed after 5 innings due to time limitations, giving the Spirits a 14 to 5 victory.
Duran picked up the victory after striking out and walking 2, giving up 5 hits and 5 runs, 2 of which were earned. Redinger debuted with a pair of innings yielding one walk and two strikeouts as well to close out the game.
Offensively, John Show alongside Redinger led all hitters with 3 for 3 performances. Redinger’s stats included a triple, 3 runs scored and an RBI, while Show recorded a double, 2 RBI, and a run scored. Brade was 2 for 4 with a pair of triples, 2 runs scored and an RBI and Dennis Gonzalez added a double, run scored, and an RBI as well. Tipton, Werner, and Molldrem each added a 2 hits, with Werner bringing in 4 RBI.
The team returns to action Wednesday night as they visit the Cubs at Graham Field located at Prestonwood Christian Academy. First pitch is 8:45 PM.
Waxahachie Autoplex Players of the Game
#33 Kyle Redinger (3-3, 3B, 3 R, RBI)
#1 Michael Werner (2-3, HR, 2 R, 4 RBI)
#4 John Show (3-3, 2B, R, 2 RBI)