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Big Inning Drops Pump Jacks

July 28, 2013 - Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
East Texas PumpJacks News Release


The Jacks visited the Bombers fresh off a two-game sweep at home last week, but Brazos Valley turned the tables by downing East Texas 9-1.

When the East Texas Pump Jacks are on their game, they can beat anyone. Such was the case last week, when the Jacks swept the first-place Brazos Valley Bombers in a two-game series at historic Driller Park.

When the Pump Jacks struggle, though, it's usually under the strain of a big inning from their opponent. It was under these circumstances that the Bombers exacted a measure of revenge against the Jacks, beating East Texas 9-1 on Saturday night at American Momentum Bank in Bryan.

Aside from the second inning, the Pump Jacks and Bombers battled to a one-all tie. Unfortunately, Brazos Valley used an eight-run second frame to oust Jacks' starting pitcher Austin Watson and take control of the game.

Watson started strong. Despite a leadoff walk, he needed just 12 pitches to retire the side in the first inning. He got some help from his middle infielders, Zac Mishler and Michael Hymes, who turned a nifty double play to end the first.

Watson, who had been unbeaten until his last outing and was selected to start in the TCL All-Star Game, didn't make it out of the second inning. He walked four more batters and hit another, surrendering seven runs despite allowing just two hits while getting one out in the inning.

A hit batter and two walks loaded the bases with one out when Austin allowed his first hit of the night, an RBI single to Graham McIntyre. A wild pitch, a two-run double, and another wild pitch increased the lead to 5-0. A walk to Patrick McLendon ended the night for Watson.

J.J. Franklin took over for Watson, but his first pitch of the night was sent over the left field wall for a three-run shot, capping the Bombers' eight-run second inning.

Despite the rough start, Franklin was tremendous in relief. He allowed just two runs over 5.2 innings while giving up four hits and striking out six. Franklin's performance was a saving grace for the Jacks, who were able to save their bullpen despite the short outing from their starter.

East Texas also got a solid outing from reliever Jacob Kelzer, who retired the side in the eighth. The 6-foot-8 righty needed just seven pitches - including a pair of knee-buckling curve balls - to strike out the first two hitters, then got a weak grounder to end the frame.

The Pump Jacks offense picked up nine hits on the night, but struggled to piece them together for run-scoring innings. The lone run for the Jacks came in the top of the fourth inning, when they hit three straight singles to load the bases with no outs. J.J. Robinson bounced into a 4-6-3 double play that scored Garrett McMullen, but with two outs and a lone runner on third, the momentum waned.

McMullen and Conner Huesers both picked up multiple hits on the evening and Matthew Dickey stole his league leading 24th bag of the season.

The Jacks will look for the series split Sunday night against the Bombers at AMBBallpark. Game time is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. East Texas will enjoy a day off on Monday before returning to Bryan for another two-game set against the Brazos Valley on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Pump Jacks will return home for a four-game homestand beginning next Thursday, August 1. Thursday is Thirsty Thursday, when fans get to cool off with draft beers for just one dollar and regular soft drinks for only 50 cents.

August 2 is the fifth Fireworks Friday of the season, presented by CBS 19. The Pump Jacks will set the sky afire with a spectacular postgame fireworks display set to a unique soundtrack. Only two Fireworks Fridays remain this summer, so you don't want to miss this show!

The Pump Jacks will give fans a chance to take home game-worn memorabilia on August 3 with Shirt Off Our Back Night, presented by Republic Services. The players and coaches will be wearing special jerseys just for the evening, and every one of them can be won by fans. Some of the tops will be given away in a free raffle, and the remainder will be part of a silent auction to benefit charity. If you want to own a game-worn jersey from a potential future big leaguer, this is your chance to go home with a unique piece of Pump Jacks memorabilia.

The four-game homestand concludes on August 4 with Sunday Fun Day, presented by theGOspot.com. Enjoy $2.50 chips and salsa or $2.50 frozen margaritas and Straw-ber-ritas for the weekend event. The Pump Jacks will even have face painting for the kids, exclusively on Sunday Fun Day presented by theGOspot.com.

Tickets for next week can be purchased online at pumpjacksbaseball.com; in person at the Pump Jacks office at 106 North Kilgore Street, #201, in downtown Kilgore; by phone at (903) 218-4638; or at the ticket office at Driller Park the night of the game.

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