(September 9, 2023 – Carrollton, TX) In game two of their season starting doubleheader for DFW-ABA Fall ball, the Spirits (50+) Fall squad first watched the Cubs put up a snowman in the second inning, aided by 7 Spirits fielding errors that were more below the standards of Little League Baseball than in relation to. Despite the blasphemous second inning, the team rallied for 4 runs in the first inning, followed by three straight 5-run innings to earn a 19 to 10 victory, and to start the early season at 2-0.
In the second game, Eric McPherson and John Mahalik led all hitters, both finishing perfect on the day. McPherson finished 3-for-3 with a walk, 3 runs scored, 2 runs batted in, including a double and a triple, and a stolen base. Mahalik went 2-for-2, doubled once, walked twice, scored 4 times, and added 4 runs batted in. Steven Nutt and John Holmquist each finished 2-for-2. Each walked once and scored twice, with Nutt also adding triple and a pair of runs batted in. Finally, Stacy Scott remained on fire, adding a 3-for-3 game with a double, 3 runs scored, 2 runs batted in, and 4 stolen bases.
Shawn Lee walked 3 times, hit safely once, scored once and added a pair of runs batted in, while Kent Fischer and Mike Sopocy also knocked in 2 runs each. Every Spirits hitter reached safely at least once, with only two not hitting safely during the route.
The only dark spot of the game came in the second inning when the Spirits simply failed to field the ball. Holmquist, who started the game and is coming off an injury, was doing enough to get the job done but the Spirits could not put a glove on the ball. The result was 8 unearned runs spanning from 7 errors in the field.
“It was hard to watch,” Lee mentioned later referring to the blunders. “We call it a ‘Spirits inning,’ and we don’t mean that in a positive way. It’s a way for us to make fun of ourselves. It can be funny sometimes, but often it’s frustrating. Especially if you’re the pitcher. John deserved better than what we were giving him. An inning and two thirds doesn’t explain the truth behind his work. But I pulled him to change the mojo and to slow down the Cubs lottery win. As far as the offense goes; spectacular! Scott finished 7-for-8, with 3 doubles, 7 runs scored, 6 runs batted in, and 4 stolen bases. Just ridiculous. Most guys I know don’t have a SEASON that good. Kudos to him for having a great day for us!”
The Spirits offense wrapped up the game with 15 hits, putting up 19 runs to closeout the doubleheader. The team will return to action next Saturday morning when they visit the Aces at McInnish Park, Field #10. First pitch is slated for 11:45AM. Fans can click here for schedule details or to listen online.
Central Roofing and Restoration Players of the Game
Stacy Scott (3-3, 2B, 3 R, 2 RBI, 4 SB)
John Mahalik (2-2, 2B, 4 R, 4 RBI)
Eric McPherson (3-3, 2B, 3B, 3 R, 2 RBI, SB)