Jacks Fall 5-3 on Family Fun Night for Series Split

Published on August 1, 2015 under Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
East Texas PumpJacks News Release


The Pump Jacks gave the Generals a run for their money, putting the winning run on base in the bottom of the ninth, but the game-winning hit- and a series sweep- eluded them.

The Jacks always find a way to make things interesting.

The East Texas Pump Jacks took a tough 5-3 loss at the hands of the Victoria Generals on Friday night, but it wasn't for lack of effort.

The Pump Jacks were facing a 5-1 deficit headed into the ballgame's final two frames, but clawed back in typical East Texas fashion. Tristan Clarke and Hunter Owens picked up back-to-back singles to lead off the eighth, and starting pitcher Joe Bernhard, who was hitting for himself in the eighth spot of the order, drew a walk that loaded the bases.

One out later, Anthony Donovan whacked a single over the head of the shortstop that brought Clarke and Owens in to score. Bernhard was thrown out trying to take third base, and a grounder for out number three sent East Texas into the final frame down two runs.

Owens took the hill to pitch the top of the ninth and retired three straight after issuing a leadoff walk, sending the Jacks went into the bottom of the ninth looking for their second consecutive walk-off win.

Victoria pitcher Lance Moszkowicz set down Weston Pitts and Dylan Mecham on strikes, and in the blink of an eye, East Texas was down to its final out. Tyler Moore wasn't going to let the game end on his watch, and he hustled down the line to beat out an infield hit.

Clarke followed, looking to extend the inning, and tapped a slow dribbler to the shortstop that looked like it would end the game, but Clarke sprinted down the line and launched into a head-first dive to beat the throw to first.

Just like that, Owens stepped into the box representing the winning run. On Thursday, Owens sent the ballgame into extra innings with a clutch RBI single in the eighth. On Friday, he came up big once more, sending a base hit into right field to load the bases.

As if the final inning wasn't interesting enough, the Pump Jacks' fate fell in the hands of left-handed pitcher Franklin Miller, who took over in left field when Owens moved to the mound.

Miller battled with Moszkowicz, but he was unable collect the clutch hit in his offensive debut, grounding out to shortstop to end the game.

East Texas opened the scoring in the first inning, with Donovan driving a leadoff double and Mason Mallard bringing him in with a base hit.

The Generals took the lead in the second, stringing together four hits with two outs to move ahead 3-1.

A leadoff homer by Bryce Brandl in the fourth inning extended the Victoria lead to 4-1. The Generals added another run in the sixth with three consecutive hits, setting the stage for the late-game drama.

Donovan had a hand in all three of the Jacks runs, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored, and Owens picked up two singles and a double in four at-bats. Clarke also had a pair of hits in his final game with the Jacks.

East Texas will welcome the rival Brazos Valley Bombers to Irwin UT Tyler Ballpark for a two-game series starting Saturday, so come on out and root on the Jacks during their final homestand of the regular season.

Upcoming Games

Saturday night gives fans a chance to take home a piece of East Texas history as the Jacks open a two-game series with the Brazos Valley Bombers on Photo Giveaway Night presented by Walgreens. The Pump Jacks will be giving away an 8x10 glossy photo, the third in a collector's series celebrating the team's inaugural season in Tyler. The Jacks will also have the first two photos in the series available that night, so fans can collect the entire trio just by coming to the game, all courtesy of Walgreens!

Sunday is Social Media Night, when fans can get free tickets just for connecting with the Jacks on social media! Like or follow the Pump Jacks on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, then send the Jacks an e-mail to get free tickets for Sunday's game! We'll also have promotions during the game on social media to win prizes, so connect with the Jacks and win on Social Media Night!

The Pump Jacks take a day off on Monday before their final home series of the regular season next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tuesday will be Kids Night, brought to you by our friends at Traditions Restaurant & Catering. Kids 12 years old and under get tickets for half price, which means tickets for kids start at just $2.50!

The series and homestand come to a close on Wednesday, but the Pump Jacks and Raising Cane's are keeping the mood light with Pump Jacks Stress Ball Giveaway Night. The cushy balls with both the Jacks and Raising Cane's logos are perfect for testy two-strike situations and late-game drama, so come on out to Irwin Field and relieve some stress with the Pump Jacks and Raising Cane's.

The regular season will come to a close when the Jacks visit the Bombers for a pair of games next Thursday and Friday.

By that time, the playoff situation will be set in stone, and the Pump Jacks will travel for a one-game playoff on August 8th with their eyes set on advancing to the TCL Championship Series. If the Jacks reach the finals, the best-of-three series will likely begin with a home game on Sunday, August 9. So keep pulling for the Pump Jacks and cheer them into the postseason!

Fans who are unable to join in on the festivities can tune in to our live Ustream broadcast or follow the game with live scoring updates on our Pointstreak feed.

To follow all the news during the Jacks' inaugural season in Tyler, presented by Brookshire's, visit the Pump Jacks official web site at www.pumpjacksbaseball.com. Join the conversation with other members of Pump Jacks Nation by visiting the Pump Jacks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Texas Collegiate League Stories from August 1, 2015


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