(May 2, 2017 – Dallas, TX) The Spirits (18+) squad came into Tuesday night’s showdown looking to extend their latest winning streak to 3 games. As the evening would progress, it would be apparent that it was in the cards for the blue bombers as they headed into game nine of the season at Reverchon Park in Uptown.
Johnny Lee’s “Looking for Love” song may have been fun in the movie, Urban Cowboy, however the lyrical portion of, “in all the wrong places” fit appropriately as the Indians and pitcher, Lyndon Britt entered the game confident that Britt’s hard-throwing pitching style would be effective. After a scoreless first inning, Britt’s confidence grew, but it was short lived. The Spirits opened up the second inning of play by scoring 3 runs and continued to put up crooked numbers up in every inning to follow. A number of players made their way into the Spirits highlight reel including their new catcher, Teddy Croft. With two on and two out in the second inning, Croft started his big night by clearing the bases on a hard-hit double to straightaway center field. The hits seemed to pile up for the Spirits offense as each inning only provided additional math to the Spirits box score totals. Another noteworthy blast came from the bat of center fielder, Cliff Brade. Brade also delivered a base-clearing double to plate two runs in what later turned out to be a 4-run sixth.
All said and done, the Spirits compiled 14 runs on an 18-hit attack against the Indians, leading to a 14 to 2 victory. The win puts the club in second place, a half game ahead of the Orioles, and one full game behind the undefeated Oak Cliff Pelicans in NTABL Open American League play. Six players reached two hits on the night, including both Croft and Brade. Eric Goetz, John Showalter, Collin Stacha, and Carl Suverkrop also contributed, each with a pair of base knocks from the dish as well.
Following his team’s third straight victory, Showalter noted, “Each of our guys that made it to the plate tonight got a hit. It was obviously a frustrating game for the Indians. They’re a good team, but they just didn’t have an answer for us tonight.”
On the opposite side of each frame, futility was apparent for the home team, Indians. Spirits starting pitcher, ace Duane Aponte remained in solid form, allowing only 2 hits through the first 3 innings and eventually striking out 5. The Indians finally reached the scoreboard in the bottom half of the fourth after Nick Bird drew a base on balls. Scott Donald followed with a single to right, which took a bad hop on the uneven outfield surface, advancing the runners to second and third. Cory Press then followed with another single to plate the 2 runs. These would be the only runs allowed on the night by the otherwise, airtight Spirits defense.
“Tonight was the first time this season that Duane has faced an opponent for the second time. They knew what was coming and still weren’t able to figure him out. It’s a testament to just how deceptive his pitching truly is,” continued Showalter after the game.
The Spirits return to action this Sunday as they travel to Prestonwood Christian Academy’s, Graham field to battle the host Pirates. Click here for schedule details or to watch the game online!
Waxahachie Autoplex Players of the Game
Duane Aponte (5 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 3 K, BB)
Teddy Croft (2-2, 2B, BB, R, 2 RBI)
Cliff Brade (2-3, 2B, 3 R, HBP, 2 RBI)