(October 18, 2025 – Dallas, TX) — The Spirits (50+) squad didn’t waste any time putting the game away Saturday morning McInnish Park, erupting for 8 runs in the first inning and cruising to a 13–0 shutout over Metroflex. The Spirits pounded out 9 hits, drew 8 walks, and capitalized on a string of defensive miscues to record their most dominant win of the fall campaign.
The Spirits’ bats came out blazing. Leadoff man Vince Parello drew a walk and Dee Mauldin followed with another free pass. Kirk Sipila joined the on-base parade with a third consecutive walk to load the bases with nobody out. Cleanup hitter Shawn Lee wasted no time cashing in, roping a single to score Parello for the game’s first run. The Metroflex defense began to unravel from there. Mauldin came home on a throwing error by the pitcher, Sipila scored when the third baseman mishandled a grounder, and Lee raced to third on the play. Kent Fischer reached safely on the error, and Mike Sopocy followed with a single to center, scoring Lee and Fischer.
Moments later, Ben Northcutt reached on yet another error as Sopocy crossed the plate, and Todd Murrah walked to keep the inning alive. Brad Petty lined a single to load the bases, and Kevin Simmons worked a bases-loaded walk to force in another run. Parello capped the eight-run eruption by grounding into a fielder’s choice that plated Murrah, giving the Spirits an 8–0 cushion before Metroflex had time to settle in.
On the mound, Sopocy made sure the early lead held firm. The veteran righty tossed two quick innings, allowing just one hit while striking out one and issuing no walks. Stacy Scott took over in the third and matched Sopocy’s efficiency, tossing a scoreless frame and limiting the Metroflex offensive opportunity. Simmons added a clean fourth inning followed by another inning by Scott to secure the combined shutout, scattering three hits across the final frame.
The Spirits tacked on insurance runs in the fourth. Parello reached on an error to start the inning, Mauldin walked for the third time, and Sipila followed with an RBI single to score Parello. Lee added another single to load the bases, and Fischer delivered the dagger — a two-run double to left-center to make it 11–0. Sopocy added a groundout RBI to plate Lee, and Northcutt followed with an RBI single to score Fischer, closing out the scoring at 13–0.
The Spirits offense finished with 9 hits and 9 runs batted in, while every batter in the lineup reached base at least once.
Lee led the charge with a 2-for-2 day, walking and scoring twice and driving in one as did Murrah, adding another 2-for-2 performance with a run scored and a walk. Fischer doubled, scored twice, and drove in two while Sopocy chipped in a pair of RBIs with a hit and solid pitching performance. Northcutt, Murrah, and Petty each added a hit, while Parello crossed the plate twice and added an RBI. Mauldin drew three walks and scored two runs as the Spirits’ table-setter.
“We talked before the game about starting fast, and the guys took that to heart,” mentioned Sipila afterwards. “That first inning was a perfect example of putting the ball in play and forcing pressure. When you execute and take advantage of mistakes, good things happen.”
Lee added, “It was one of those games where everyone stayed patient and trusted the plan. We didn’t chase, we kept the line moving, and the pitching was outstanding. You can’t ask for much more than a shutout and a dozen-plus runs.”
The win keeps the Spirits (50+) undefeated in regular season play as they break momentarily as several players will travel to the MSBL Phoenix World Series. The season reflects one of the best offensive displays on record, showcasing one of the most balanced offensive efforts in the team’s history. The club will look to carry that same energy into the playoffs as they look to finish on top.
Visit www.spiritsbaseball.com to check schedules, games stories, and to view player bios and stats.
Ranger Fire, Inc. Players of the Game
Shawn Lee (2-2, 2 R, BB, RBI)
Kent Fischer (1-3, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI)
Mike Sopocy (1-3, R, 2 RBI: 2 IP, 0 ER, H, 0 BB, K)