(September 19, 2016 – Carrollton, TX) Hits were few and far between, despite solid defense by the Spirits (45+) team on Monday night. The Spirits managed just 6 hits as they fell to the Dallas Rangers 5 to 2 at Graham Field. Brant Finchum was the only Spirit with multiple hits leading the team with 2 hits and an RBI, while several others managed a single including Kirk Sipila, Eric McPherson, Brian Hackney, and Tony Davis.
Earl German had solid control pitching the complete game victory, but it was his team’s defense that seemed to keep the Spirits at bay. The Rangers started early with a pair of runs in the first inning, but the Spirits rallied themselves leaving the score at 2 to 1 after 2 completed. The Rangers battled back in the bottom half of the third with 3 runs and that seemed to pull the air out of the Spirits sails. They managed an additional run in the top half of the sixth, but couldn’t find the right combination of hitting.
Jack Nash saw bases loaded 3 different times and accounted for one run batted in, while Shawn Lee also saw bases loaded but the moment was squandered as he ended the inning with an infield fly. The Spirits left 11 runners on base and on any other night that would more than likely have accounted for some runs.
“We didn’t achieve our ultimate goal, but it was a successful season,” commented Sipila after the contest. “We have now experience as a group what this league has to offer. I am excited about our opportunity to win it all next season as we’ll bring some solid experience back. We’re looking forward to the next chapter.”
The inaugural season of NTABL Masters League play baseball yielded 11 wins against 8 losses for the Spirits. The team batted .350 and earned 74 walks compared to just 41 team strikeouts. They managed 133 runs scored on 180 hits with a total of 30 extra base hits, leaving an average of 7 runs scored per game alongside just over 9 hits per game.
The Dallas Spirits Baseball Club thanks you for your support in 2016 and looks forward to upcoming events and the team’s fall ball squad for some additional stories. Stay tuned to the team website and Facebook page for announcements, information, and options for purchasing team swag.
Waxahachie Autoplex Players of the Game
#13 Brant Finchum (2-3, RBI)