Carrboro, N.C. - When the Speakeasy Spirits brought the thunder last Thursday, routing the Fightin’ Squids 15-1, they had no idea there would be meteorological consequences. However, officials from the Town of Carrboro Parks & Recreation and the National Weather Service (NWS) are investigating the weird weather that began shortly after the game. 

“I forgot that was in the rules,“ said Spirits Manager Drew Stuck. “Invoking the Mercy Rule shortly after turning a double play angers the gods.“ When asked which gods, Stuck replied, “All of them.“

The Spirits had remarkable defensive play, limiting the previously undefeated Squids to only one run, which came in the sixth and final inning. It marked the first time in at least four seasons that the Spirits have been on the winning side of a Mercy Rule, ending the drought and apparently bringing the rain.

“It’s rare, but it does happen,“ retired WRAL meteorologist Greg Fishel said. “In some cultures, hail after a contest is seen as the God of Healing helping to nurse injuries after a defeat, and the Spirits put the Fightin' Squids on ice!”

When asked to keep his comments to meteorological matters, Fishel quipped, “I’m retired. You can’t tell me nothin’.“

In a shameless plug for the team’s sponsor, veteran Spirits third baseman Tony Davis told reporters, “This one’s for Nona and all of the great people who work at The Speakeasy, which is conveniently located at 100 E. Main St. in Carrboro and is open until 2:00 am every day.”

It wasn’t all rainbows for the Spirits, though. “Sure, I got on base, but it was a fielder’s choice," lamented average-height utility player Dustin Chicurel-Bayard after the game. "It kinda stings when fielders choose someone else over you, and I don’t think we talk about that enough.”

A severe weather forecast threatens to thwart tonight's game between the Speakeasy Spirits and the Street Walkin’ Cheetahs, which is slated for 8:20 pm. On Thursday, the Spirits will take on 401 Wayne at 7:00 pm - if they show. 

The scorecard for last Thursday’s game has been submitted to the Ackland Museum for assessment and valuation. A digital reproduction of the work of art is below.