(April 15, 2023 – Irving, TX) The Spirits (50+) squad made the best of another early game, and again showed that the engine is ready and eager to run at 9:00AM on a Saturday. The squad added a snowman in the very first inning of play and went on to pick up an easy 12 to 1 win over the Aces.
A number of Spirits players made noise in the game’s box score, including Kirk Sipila, who finished 3-for-3 with a double and 2 runs scored. Will Nash also added a double, finishing the game with 2 hits, 2 runs scored, and a pair batted in. Vince Parello doubled twice, finishing 2-for-2 with a run scored and 3 runs batted in, while Brian Hackney added a 2-for-2 performance, scoring once and knocking in a run. Steven Nutt rounded out the offensive highlights, finishing with a pair of hits, a run scored, and 3 runs batted in.
Earl German took home the win, tossing 4 innings while allowing no runs and just one hit. German walked one and struck out 3. Newcomer, Jason Price closed out the final inning, dusting off his arm after 12 years, allowing one earned on one hit, while walking 3.
Despite a single and a walk in the first inning, German and the Spirits shut down any Aces scoring opportunity after Harlen McCaskey was picked at first when Eric Reifschneider flew out. In the bottom of the inning, the Spirits stepped on the gas pedal and never looked back. Chris Allen reached on an error and moved to second when Sipila singled. Kent Fischer, a former Aces player, reached on a fielder’s choice that put out Sipila at second and moved Allen to third. Nash also reached on an error that allowed Allen to cross the plate. Nash stole second and a single by Nutt scored both he and Fischer. Nutt was picked at first to get the second out of the inning, but Hackney kept things rolling with a single. Mike Sopocy drew a walk and Parello’s double scored both runners. Parello then scored on an RBI single by Stacy Scott, and another single by Todd Murrah kept the inning alive. A walk to German loaded the bags and a single by Price scored both Scott and Murrah before Allen flew out to end the rally.
The ghosts added 3 more runs in the second after Sipila led things off with a single. Fischer flew out but Nash’s double put two in scoring position with one out. Nutt singled home Sipila and Nash later scored on an RBI single by Hackney. Parello’s second double on the day in just as many at-bats scored Nutt and the Spirits held an 11 to 0 advantage moving into the third inning.
The team then made it 12 to 0 in the fourth after Sipila doubled with one out and then later scored on an RBI single by Nash. The Spirits then allowed for Price to return to the mound after a 12 year sabbatical, and despite some control issues and a handful of walks, he did well burning off some rust. The Aces eventually picked up a run before Price and the defense were able to officially retire the side and the team due to the league’s mercy rule.
The Spirits return to action next Saturday when the host the top-seeded Diablos at 9:00AM. The game will take place at McInnish Park, Field #11 and fans can click here for schedule details or to download the iScore Central app to listen live online.
WingStop Players of the Game
Steven Nutt (2-3, R, 3 RBI)
Vince Parello (2-2, 2 2B, R, 3 RBI)
Will Nash (2-3, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI)