(May 22, 2023 – Coppell, TX) The Spirits (42+) squad used just 4 hits to get a win over the Rattling Dodgers in NTABL Master (42+) action this past Monday night. Shawn Hunt and Travis Hitzeman recorded the only two runs batted in for the ghosts, while starting pitcher Don Massoud and closer, Earl German shut down the Dodgers offense by walking just one and combining for 9 strikeouts to aid in the victory.
The Spirits broke the ice in the first inning after Eric McPherson drew a leadoff walk against Dodgers starter, Scott Baxley. Massoud grounded out but pushed McPherson to second and after McPherson stole third base, Hitzeman knocked him home with a sacrifice fly ball. Will Nash reached on an error and Shawn Lee singled, but Baxley and company were able to get out of the inning after getting Mike Sopocy to fly out.
The Spirits added another pair of runs in the second inning after Brian Hackney and Hunt both singled. German grounded out but was able to move both runners over. David Tipton flew out but Lester Bedford reached on an error that allowed both runners to score before McPherson flew out to end the inning.
The Dodgers finally got on the scoreboard in the bottom half of the sixth after Ron Pirkle singled and Bryan Bessellieu walked. German, who had replaced Massoud in the fifth inning, was able to strike out Koran Johnson to slow things down but Lorenzo McEwen singled and Pirkle was able to score. The Spirits were able to cut down Bessellieu at third before German struck out Dee Mauldin to close the inning.
The Spirits added another run in the seventh after Nash drew a leadoff walk. Lee replaced him at first on a fielder’s choice and a walk to Sopocy moved Lee to second. Hackney drew a walk to load the bags and a sacrifice fly by Hunt scored Lee before German flew out to end the Spirits frame. German was able to close out the Dodgers in the bottom half of the seventh to seal the victory and to pick up the save.
The Spirits return to action on June 5th following the Memorial Day holiday when they host the Knights at Cowboy Field in Coppell. First pitch is slated for 8:45PM, and fans can click here for schedule details or to download the iScore Central app to listen live.
Five Star Ford Players of the Game
Brian Hackney (1-2, R, BB)
Shawn Hunt (1-2, R, RBI)
Don Massoud (4 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 0 BB, 5 K)