(May 29, 2024 – Euless, TX) Cosmetically, it wasn’t one of the prettiest wins; boring some might say. But a win is a win, and the Spirits (40+) was taking no shame in an 8 to 3 victory that was loaded with patience and a game that featured 10 free trips to first base. Six of those walks belonged to the Spirits, while 3 free passes were earned by the Brewers. The Spirits added some key hits and went on to earn the victory behind a pair of hits by Kent Fischer and Mike Sopocy.
Fischer finished with a run scored and 2 runs batted in, while Sopocy added a pair of singles, 2 runs scored, and a run batted in. Jonathan Duran finished 1-for-1 on the night, adding a walk and run scored on top of a shortened-game victory on the mound. Duran tossed 4 innings of work, allowing 0 earned runs on 4 hits, while walking and striking out 2. Travis Hitzeman closed out the final inning for the Spirits, allowing no runs on no hits while walking 2 and striking out one.
It was a shaky start for the Spirits after Eric McPherson, Hitzeman, and Shawn Hunt went in order to start off the game offensively. The Brewers then put up 3 runs in the bottom half of the inning after Scott Rodgers drew a leadoff walk. Dale Baid grounded out and Rusty Brewer reached on a Spirits fielding error. Carl Wilson followed by reaching on another Spirits fielding error that allowed Rodgers to score. Rusty later scored on a wild pitch and an RBI single by Mike Lantzy made it 3 to 0, Brewers. A follow up single by Bruce Raspberry put additional scare in the Spirits but outfielder, David Tipton was able to gun down Lantzy trying to take third base to record the second out. Joe Cano drew a walk but Duran was able to get Rudy Theobald to ground out to stave off any additional runs.
Fortunately, for the Spirits, the inning was the highlight of the Brewers campaign. In the top half of the second, Sopocy led things off with a single and later stole second base. Shawn Lee reached on an error that moved Sopocy to third and allowed him second base, and moments later, Todd Murrah grounded out but was able to plate Sopocy to give the Spirits their first run. Eric Goetz went down looking but Fischer’s RBI single scored Lee to cut the score to, 3 to 2. Stacy Scott followed with a single and a walk to Duran loaded the bases. Tipton’s patience at the plate allowed for the easiest of RBIs after he drew a walk, but Brewers starter, Carl Wilson was able to get Cliff Brade to ground out to leave 3 stranded for the ghosts.
Tied at 3 to 3, the Spirits bounced back with 4 more runs in the top half of the third inning to take a 7 to 3 lead. McPherson reached on an error and stole second base, and the moved to third on a throwing error. Hitzeman walked and later stole second base, and a ground out by Hunt scored McPherson. Sopocy singled home Hitzeman and was able to move to third after the Brewers threw the ball around. Lee grounded out but was able to score Sopocy, and a pair of walks to Murrah and Goetz put two on with two out. The Brewers then turned to Bruce Rasberry to pitch, and Fischer welcomed him to the game with an RBI single that scored Murrah before Scott went down on swings to end the frame.
In the top half of the fourth inning, Duran welcomed Lantzy as the new Brewers pitcher by gifting him with a single. Tipton reached on an error and both runners were able to advance a bag before Brade flew out. McPherson then hit a sacrifice fly to left that was able to score Duran to give the game its final score.
“Strikes were few and far between tonight,” Lee mentioned after the game. “Guys were patient though, and we were able to get the job done. Nothing exciting to see tonight. A small amount of Little League play by both sides, but we took advantage of a few free passes and that proved to be the difference. Nice job by (Jonathan) Duran tonight on the hill. Sopocy and Fischer both had nice nights at the plate as well. It’s a W. We’ll take it.”
The team returns to action next Wednesday night as they take on the rival Redbirds. Game time is 6:00PM on Legends Field at Texas Star, and fans can click here for schedule details.
Central Roofing and Restoration Players of the Game
Kent Fischer (2-2, R, 2 RBI)
Mike Sopocy (2-3, 2 R, RBI)
Jonathan Duran (1-1, R, BB; 4 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K)