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Pump Jacks Clinch Playoff Berth

August 5, 2013 - Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
East Texas PumpJacks News Release


The East Texas Pump Jacks held on for a 4-3 win over the Texas Marshals to help clinch their sixth consecutive postseason berth.

The East Texas Pump Jacks ended the four-game homestand on a high note with a 4-3 win over the Texas Marshals Sunday night. The win not only completed the perfect 4-for-4 homestand, but also, thanks to a Woodlands Stykers loss, clinched a playoff berth for the sixth straight year.

The 2012 TCL Champions will look to defend their title as they head on the road for the first round of playoffs next Saturday, opponent still to be determined.

Sunday night at Historic Driller, Riley Toler had a solid outing for the Jacks to pick up his third win of the season. The Kilgore native went seven innings allowing three runs on eight hits with one walk and three strikeouts, including the last two batters he faced.

Both teams ran wild on the basepaths, with the first three runs of the game coming as a result of a steal of home, all on first and third double steals. The Pump Jacks picked up seven stolen bases on the night, including three by Matthew Dickey, moving him within one of the TCL single season record (39).

The Pump Jacks got on the board first in the opening inning without the benefit of a hit. Dickey opened the frame with a walk, and quickly swiped second. After another walk and a double play, Garrett McMullen kept the inning going with a single to set up the crucial point in the inning. With McMullen off on the pitch, the catcher attempted to throw out McMullen stealing second, allowing Dickey to come through the back door and scamper home for the first run of the game.

The Marshals took note and turned the table on the Pump Jacks in the top of the third, stealing home twice on first and third double steams, and adding a RBI double to take the lead 3-1.

The lead did not last long as the Pump Jacks battled back to tie the game in the next frame. Michael Hymes got things going with an infield single, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from Dickey, and scooted on to third on a wild pitch. Bret Bitow worked an eight-pitch walk and then the Pump Jacks turned to the double steal yet again with Bitow swiping second, and Hymes taking home on the throw. Bitow got himself in scoring position advancing to third on a wild pitch with McMullen at the plate. The Longview native then scorched a single up the middle to plate Bitow and tie the game, 3-3.

The Jacks got the go-ahead run the next inning thanks to a single from the hot-hitting Mitch Meyer. Hymes once again led off, this time with a walk. However he was erased on a fielder's choice from Dickey. Dickey picked up his 38th stolen base and crossed home on Meyer's hit into right.

With the one-run lead the Jacks turned to their pitching to complete the game. After Toler departed, Joshua Holley entered to pitch a 1-2-3 eighth inning, only needing eleven pitches. Kenny Oakley closed the door on the Marshals in the ninth to pick up his fourth save of the season. After allowing a lead off single, Oakley rebounded to retire the next three in order with one strikeout, securing the 4-3 victory.

After a Monday off, the Pump Jacks head on the road for a two-game series against the Acadiana Cane Cutters before returning home to close out the regular season Thursday and Friday against the Texas Marshals.

With the season closing out, that means it is the last time for two of the Jacks fan favorites. Thursday is Thirsty Thursday where 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.

Fans who missed Shirt Off Our Back Night can still get in on the action. Jerseys for five of the most popular Pump Jacks players--Dickey, Rossetta, Joey Armstrong, Garrett McMullen, and Mitch Meyer--are still available in an online auction through Monday, August 6. Click here for more information.

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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