Jacks Run into 5-2 Loss in Opener with Victoria

Published on July 17, 2015 under Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
East Texas PumpJacks News Release


The Pump Jacks collected 11 hits in the ballgame but came up short, so they'll look to even the series on Big Screen TV Giveaway presented by Don's TV & Appliance on Friday.

Entering Thursday night tied with the Victoria Generals, one game out of first place in the second half, the East Texas Pump Jacks would have liked a different result.

Instead, the visiting Generals pulled out a 5-2 win over the Pump Jacks in a game East Texas had in their grasp.

Pump Jacks ace John Caskey made his final regular-season start for East Texas, but the Generals jumped out to a 5-2 lead after four innings. The Jacks collected seven of their 11 total hits in the fifth inning or later, but trouble on the basepaths negated some of their best opportunities.

After carrying a perfect game into the seventh inning in his last start, Caskey was on the defensive from the get-go, allowing a leadoff single and a four-pitch walk.

With two runners on base, Caskey got two quick outs on a fly ball and a strikeout and was set up to escape the inning undamaged. But Adam Goss beat a great pitch and lined it down the first-base line just past the glove of Alex Bell to score two early runs.

A hard-luck double that took a bad hop over Bell's glove led to a run in the second when Darien Simms hit a two-out RBI single.

East Texas answered in the home half of the frame on a Hunter Owens sacrifice fly. Dilon Argo drew a walk to lead off the inning, Nick Roark poked a single through the hole to left field, and James Lear laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to push Argo into position for Owens.

Caskey set the Generals down in order in the third, but was put in a jam immediately in the fourth when Victoria led off the inning with a pair of singles. One out later, Jonathan Reyes lined an RBI double, then Simms drop a squeeze bunt that brought in the General's fifth run.

Victoria starting pitcher Nolan Trabanino continued in his groove after the Jacks scored in the second, and held East Texas scoreless through the sixth before giving way to reliever James Swan.

The new pitcher was just what the doctor ordered for the home team, and the Jacks proved it by putting their first three batters on base in the seventh inning.

Anthony Donovan got things started with a single on the first pitch he saw, but erased when T.J. Friedl grounded into a fielder's choice. Brandon Grudzielanek pushed Friedl to second base with a single, and one out later, Argo came to the plate with two outs and runners on the corners.

Argo shot a single up the middle that scored Friedl, and the relay throw to third was late and Grudzielanek slid in safely. Argo attempted to take second on the throw, but third basemen Caden Williams quickly fired to second to catch Argo for the third out.

The Jacks threatened again in the eight when Lear laced a one-out single and stole second base. Owens filled the empty spot at first base by drawing a walk.

Tyler Moore lined a sharp ground ball to the first baseman, who stepped on the bag and made a strong throw to third to cut down Lear trying to advance.

Donovan picked up his third hit of the day to lead off the ninth, but the Pump Jacks were unable to mount a dramatic comeback.

Caskey finished his final start allowing five runs in seven innings, while striking out five and walking one. Mike Crimi pitched two scoreless innings and struck out four.

Roark and Donovan each collected three hits in four at-bats, and Grudzielanek finished 2-for-4 with a walk. Argo rounded out his 1-for-3 performance with an RBI, walk, and a run scored.

Upcoming Games

East Texas and Victoria will square off Friday on Big Screen TV Giveaway Night presented by Don's TV & Appliance. Don's and the Jacks are giving away a 55-inch Smart HD TV from LG, an instant upgrade to any living room or man cave! The giveaway is open to anyone in attendance 18 years and older, and there will be opportunities throughout the game for fans to increase their chances of winning.

The Pump Jacks head to Brazos Valley to take on the Bombers over the weekend, then they welcome the Bombers to Irwin UT Tyler Ballpark next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tuesday is Kids Night presented by Traditions Restaurant & Catering, when all children 12 and under get in the ballpark for half price. That means kids can come to the game for as little as $2.50, thanks to Traditions Restaurant & Catering!

Wednesday is College Night, when college students get $1 off tickets when they show their college ID. As an added bonus, students can get an extra $1 off if they're wearing any clothing or gear showing off their school. So bring your college ID, show off your school pride, and have a blast with the Jacks!

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 July 17, 2015


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