(May 7, 2018 – Plano, TX) The merry-go-round was in full swing Monday night as the Spirits (45+) reaped the benefits of free passes to first base and combined those free rides with timely hits, which led to another high scoring victory over the North Dallas Bulls in NTABL Masters League play.
David Tipton’s 2 doubles, 2 runs scored, and 3 RBI led the Spirits to victory Monday night at Graham Field.
David Tipton had the big bat in the lineup after earning 3 runs batted in and a pair of runs scored. Tipton took a fast ball deep and off the left-center field wall in the first inning and laced another line drive down the left field line in the second, before drawing a base-on-balls during his third at-bat. A few other Spirits hitters enjoyed a great night in the box score including Kirk Sipila, who added a pair of hits, a run scored, a pair of RBIs, and a free pass to first as well. Chris Lewis was Johnny-on-the-spot again with a 2-for-2 performance, adding a base-on-balls and two runs scored to his bottom line. Jack Nash added a two-run single and finished the night with a run scored, 2 RBI, and a free pass as well. Mark Leemaster wrapped up the scoring onslaught with 3 RBIs and Eric McPherson’s first inning shot to the wall was good for a double as he finished the night with a walk and 3 runs scored.
“It’s tough to take away learning opportunities in games like these,” commented manager Kirk Sipila after the game. “I’m happy to see the guys play against the game. We go out, play hard and try to find a challenge in each opportunity available. The Bulls are better than the box score shows. They had some issues getting strikes over the plate and when they did find the zone, our guys really took advantage of it. They’re learning too and there’s no doubt as the season progresses, they’ll get better like they did last year.”
Sipila’s squad may have seemed merciful in what turned out to be another shortened game against this particular opponent. The game lasted four and half innings, seeing Kirk’s squad combine for 10 hits that produced 13 runs batted in. The Bulls pitching really struggled with providing the offense with additional swing opportunities and that cost them as well, adding 11 walks that contributed to the Spirits generating 17 runs. The Spirits completed their shortened-game victory by a final of 17 to 4.
The Spirits will return to action once again next Monday night as they host the Hurricanes Baseball Club at Graham Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30PM. Click here to see schedule details, obtain directions to the field, or to download the iScore Central app to view and listen to the game live!
DMIS Managed IT Services Players of the Game
David “Big Drawers” Tipton (2-2, 2B (2), 2 R, 3 RBI, BB)
Kirk Sipila (2-2, R, 2 RBI, BB, SB)
Eric McPherson (1-3, 2B, 3 R, BB)