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Late Innings Surge Puts Cutters over Jacks

August 6, 2013 - Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
East Texas PumpJacks News Release


Garrett McMullen picked up his record-tying 17th double of the season, but a late inning rally pushed the Acadiana Cane Cutters over the Pump Jacks Tuesday night in Lafayette.

The East Texas Pump Jacks took an early lead but were unable to hold off the Acadiana Cane Cutters, falling on the road 7-2 Tuesday night.

The Pump Jacks offense had no problem getting hits, picking up eight on the night, however it was stranding base runners that proved to be their downfall. Garrett McMullen picked up his 17th double on the season to tie the TCL single season record and extend his lead over Acadiana catcher, Mitchell Nau. Nate Esposito collected three hits and drove in the lone two runs for the Jacks, and Devon Conley added a pair of hits, including his first triple of the season. Robert Parucha started on the bump for the Jacks and carried them through six shutout innings, before getting into a bit of trouble in the seventh. Parucha looked solid to start, needing only 61 pitches to get through six innings, including a six-pitch second inning and a 1-2-3 third inning with two strikeouts. In his seven innings of work the UC Davis sophomore allowed two runs on eighth hits, with five strikeouts and two walks.

The Pump Jacks got on the board first in the opening frame. Conley got things going with a lead off single, followed by two fielder's choices, an error, and a walk to Bret Bitow to load the bases for Esposito. The catcher from Oregon State knocked a single into right to plate two runners and give the Jacks a 2-0 lead, a lead that would carry until the seventh inning.

In the seventh, Parucha picked up a quick out, striking out Nick Dawson looking for the first of the inning. However he then allowed Chirs Sciambra to reach base on a single and followed by walking Kyle Cedotal, only his fourth walk issued all season. Parucha battled back to get Jordie Hein swinging but then ceded back-to-back hits to allow both runners on base to come home and tie the ballgame, 2-2.

Things took a turn for the worse the next inning as the Cutters sent nine to the plate, scoring five to run away with the game. Jacob Kelzer started the inning and allowed a hit by pitch, a sacrifice bunt, and two walks to quickly load the bases with one out. Kenny Oakley entered to relive Kelzer and allowed a perfectly placed bloop single from Cedotal, plating the go-ahead run. Things did not get better as a hit by pitch, and a wild pitch allowed two more runs to scamper home before the hot-hitting Michell Nau added to the damage with a single to score two and give Acadiana the 7-2 lead, and eventually the ballgame.

With the win, the Acadiana Cane Cutters secured the top spot in the second half of the season and will be rewarded with the number three seed. That means that the East Texas Pump Jacks will be the number four seed and will travel to Bryan, Texas to face the Brazos Valley Bombers for the first round, one-and-done playoff game Saturday night.

The Pump Jacks will look to rebound as they close out the two-game series with the Cutters Wednesday night before returning home to Driller for the final homestead to close out the season Thursday and Friday.

That means it is the last time for two of the Jacks' fan-favorite promotions. Thursday is Thirsty Thursday, when fans can beat the heat and cool off with draft beers for just one dollar and regular soft drinks for only 50 cents.

Friday is the final 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. Friday is also Team Poster Giveaway Night, when the Jacks' annual team poster will be given to the first 500 fans. The poster is a great keepsake for the 2013 season, and a very popular item to get autographed. 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. To get all the news on the Pump Jacks 2013 season, including game stories and promotional updates, 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 and Twitter.

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