(May 11, 2017 – Carrollton, TX) Thursday night appeared to be business as usual for the Dallas Spirits (35+) club as they cruised past the Royals by a margin of 10 to 1 to remain perfect at 6-0.
The Spirits used 11 hits to plate 10 runs fueled by shortstop, Travis Hitzeman, who was responsible for a bases-loaded clearing double and who knocked in 4 runs total. Also participating in the RBI column was outfielder and lead off man, Cliff Brade. Brade scored a pair of runs but added two runs batted in when he made the 360-foot trip around the bases after hitting a shot to opposite field and past the Royals right fielder. The inside-the-park home run was the final at-bat of the game, as time expired prior to the Royals getting another opportunity to rally.
Rounding out the offensive attack was third baseman, John Showalter. Showalter went 3 for 3 from the dish, knocking in one run while scoring once. Defensively, the team played well despite 2 fielding errors. Pitcher and fire-baller, Craig Molldrem picked up right were he left off after a two-week hiatus from the team. Molldrem went 5 innings, giving up no runs and allowing only one hit, 2 walks, while striking out 9 Royals hitters. Jonathan Duran came in to complete the mop-up portion of the game, giving up 1 earned run on two hits.
“We looked solid tonight,” commented team and club manager, Shawn Lee following the game. “The Royals have a great group of guys, but they’re still building chemistry. They have several guys who can hit the ball, and a few arms that are showing signs of becoming good pitchers. Craig did a great job shutting down their bats and when they did put balls in play, we did a great job playing defense for him. Travis’ double was big, clearing the bases for us, and Show (John Showalter) hat a fast bat tonight.”
The victory keeps the team atop the NTABL Veterans League standings with Modoc right behind them in second. The two teams will square off next Thursday night at McInnish Park, Field #11. First pitch is slated for 6:45PM.
Waxahachie Autoplex Players of the Game
John Showalter (3-3, R, RBI)
Travis Hitzeman (1-3, 2B, 4 RBI)
Craig Molldrem (5 IP, H, 2 BB, 9 K)