Nationally Ranked Pump Jacks Drop Homestand Opener

Published on July 27, 2011 under Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
East Texas PumpJacks News Release


In a matchup that has produced pitching duels time after time all season long, it came as no surprise that such was the case again Wednesday night when the Brazos Valley Bombers returned to historic Driller Park.

Unfortunately for the East Texas Pump Jacks, they found themselves on the losing side this time, dropping the battle 5-0 to the Bombers.

The loss marked the first time since June 13 that the Pump Jacks have lost two straight games and the first time since June 11 that they have been shutout.

The Jacks still hold a three game lead over the second place Victoria Generals in the second half of the season. Their 32-14 overall record sits at seven games over the Coppell Copperheads and has earned them a #8 ranking in the nation in summer collegiate baseball, according to Perfect Game.

With seven hits, three walks and an error, the Pump Jacks left 11 stranded on the bags. Brazos Valley starting pitcher Alec Mills tossed seven strong innings, striking out seven East Texas batters.

Tyler Girouard extended his hitting streak to 16 games with a single. Hunter Dozier doubled and had the Jacks only multi-hit game, going 2-for-4 at the plate. Kirby Pellant, Seth Granger and Jace Statum eached added singles to round out the Jacks offensive effort.

The newest Pump Jack and Longview native Ryan Small took his spot behind the plate in his second day with the Jacks. The Midland College sophomore wasted no time showing Jacks fans his skills both behind and at the plate by picking up his first hit in his second at bat.

James Guillen took his third loss of the season, tossing 5.1 innings. The USC hurler allowed six hits and gave up five runs, only two earned, while striking a season-high seven.

Andy Steinmetz maintained his sterling 0.00 ERA, coming on in relief in the sixth and shutting the Bombers down. Steinmetz struck out six while allowing only three hits and walking none.

Guillen allowed one hit to the Bombers through four innings, matching Mills step-for-step with both pitchers shutting down batters.

The Bombers put runners on first and second with two outs in the fifth with a costly two-out error by Dozier at third base. Herb Romero then reached first on a ground ball that hit the third base umpire, who had shifted behind the pitchers mound with runners at first and second, to load the bases. The Bombers scored three unearned runs on a pair of infield singles and a bases loaded walk, giving them the 3-0 lead.

Guillen struck out the first batter he faced in the sixth, followed by a walk and a double that would end his night with runners on second and third belonging to him. Steinmetz then gave up a single to left field that would score both inherited base runners. He allowed one more single before getting the final two outs with a strikeout and fly out.

Small took over behind the plate for Scott Kalush to start the seventh inning. He and Steinmetz then teamed up to sit the Bombers down on three straight strikeouts. The battery combined to sit the Bombers down in order in the eighth and ninth innigs as well.

The Jacks had runners in scoring position in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings but failed to push a run across home plate.

Brazos Valley returns to historic Driller Park for the two-game series finale on Thursday.

Thursday is Thirsty Thursday. Fans can beat the East Texas heat with $1 draft beers, $3 frozen margaritas and 50-cent soft drinks all night long.

The Jacks welcome Coppell to East Texas on Friday for this seasons final Fireworks Friday presented by KLTV News. Join the Jacks as they light up the East Texas sky with a spectacular postgame fireworks show, each set to its own unique soundtrack.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Texas Collegiate League Stories from July 27, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central