(March 15, 2025 – Carrollton, TX) A handful of extra base hits and some late inning offensive work proved to be the difference at the Spirits (50+) squad rallied from an 8 to 7 deficit in the seventh inning to put up 6 runs and walked away with a 13 to 8 victory on Saturday.
With a lot of mouths to feed in the 14-player lineup, the Spirits finally found the right recipe for offense led by Kirk Sipila‘s 3-hit performance. Sipila finished 3-for-4 adding a double, run scored, and 2 runs batted in to lead the ghosts. Eric McPherson finished 2-for-3, adding a triple, 2 runs scored and 2 runs batted in while Stacy Scott and Kevin Simmons also chipped in for a pair of runs batted in. Simmons also finished with a walk and run scored while Scott added 2 runs scored as well.
Spirits starting pitcher, Mike Sopocy had do deal with a solid hitting Laguneros team that peppered him for 11 hits in 5 innings of work while scoring 6 earned before Simmons came in for the final two frames, picking up the win while allowing one earned off 3 hits while striking out 2.
Down 8 to 7 in the top half of the seventh, Shawn Hunt doubled with one out to light the spark that eventually ignited into a 6-run inning. Hunt was able to score following Scott’s RBI single and a pair of walks to both Simmons and David Tipton loaded the bases for Eric Reifschneider. Reifschneider was able to reach on a fielding error that allowed Scott to cross the deish and Chris Allen was hit by a pitch to bring home another run. McPherson singled home Tipton but Reifschneider was tagged out at third to record the second out of the frame, however, Sipila kept the merry-go-round moving with an RBI single to score Allen to make it 12 to 8, Spirits. Brian Kellner then reached on another error that allowed McPherson to score before Shawn Lee flew out to close out the top half of the inning.
Simmons made quick work of the Laguneros in the game’s final frame after Juan Norat reached on a fielding error and Angel Garcia then grounded into a double-play. Luis Ruiz singled to keep the hope alive, however, it was short lived as Simmons was able to get Cecilio Acosta to ground out to end the ball game.
“They had us on our heels there for a minute,” Lee commented afterwards. “They hit well today and proved to be a valid opponent. I’m just glad we were able to find some offense late to get the job done. (Kevin) Simmons came in and looked good and appeared to shut their bats down and was able to get us some ground balls that we didn’t kick around. It certainly was interesting for a minute but we came together and pulled it out.”
The team will return to action next Saturday when they play host to the Freebirds. Game time is 11:45AM at McInnish Park, Field #10 and fans can click here for schedule details.
Five Star Ford Players of the Game
Kirk Sipila (3-4, 2B, R, 2 RBI)
Eric McPherson (2-3, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI)
Kevin Simmons (1-2, R, 2 RBI, BB; 2 IP, 3 H, R, 2 K)