(September 11, 2016 – Dallas, TX) Amidst playoff activity for both the Spirits (35+) and Spirits (45+) teams, the Spirits Fall Ball team took the field at Jesuit College Preparatory and with them some new faces. Kyle Redinger and Michael Werner debuted with the team alongside returning fall ball player, Matthew Topps. They joined a number of regular faces, including shutdown starting pitcher Craig Molldrem to roll the Red Sox, 16 to 3. Molldrem used 4 no-hit innings of baseball to strike out 9 Sox hitters, while only walking one. A pair of errors on the same play following the walk led to the only unearned run given up by Molldrem.
“Craig was solid once again for us and just in time,” noted fall ball manager, Shawn Lee. “Our 35 plus club has been on leave so to speak with a first round bye and then a push due to a rain out. We’re not thrilled with the scheduling but fortunately fall baseball has arrived in time for us to get out and get ready for next Thursday’s game.”
The Spirits (35+) squad has sat idle for three weeks and returns to action against a solid Orioles ball club this Thursday night. In the meantime, several players fill the roster for the fall team including Lee, Molldrem, Jonathan Duran, and several others. Duran and Molldrem contributed some valuable offense as well. Molldrem doubled and added another hit, providing 3 runs batted in and one run scored. Duran was 2 for 3 with a walk, a run scored, and 4 RBI. Newcomer, Kyle Redinger added a 2 for 2 performance with a walk and 3 runs scored, while Lee added a pair of hits, 2 stolen bases, an RBI, and a run scored as well.
“The guys played great today,” continued Lee. “We’re excited about the combination of talent we have and we look forward to combining that with some experience and motivation to win this league. It should be a fun fall season for us.”
Cliff Brade added a pair of runs batted in and Topps, Chris Lewis, and John Show each singled. Brant Finchum, the team’s utility man played behind the dish and was solid in catching Molldrem and Duran who came in for an inning of relief. Finchum walked twice and also scored 3 runs for the club. Jason Bottenfield wrapped up the Spirits offense with a double and a pair of runs scored.
The fall ball squad returns to action again next Sunday afternoon as they host the Dallas Bulls at 3:30PM at Jesuit College Preparatory.
Waxahachie Autoplex Players of the Game
#34 Craig Molldrem (4 IP, 9 K, 2-3, 2B, R, 3 RBI)
#17 Jonathan Duran (2-3, BB, 2 R, 4 RBI)