Pump Jacks Rally, But Fall Just Short in Victoria

Published on July 13, 2013 under Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
East Texas PumpJacks News Release


Garrett McMullen made things exciting with a two-out two-run home run in the top of the ninth to tie the game. However, the Pump Jacks coud not complete the rally, resulting in their fourth loss in a row. 

After being down the entire game, the East Texas Pump Jacks rallied in the ninth inning to come from behind and tie the ball game. However the Jacks were unable to hold off the Victoria Generals dropping the series on the road 9-8. 

It was all or nothing in coming into the top of the ninth for the Pump Jacks, after struggling to bring runners home throughout most of the game put them at an 8-3 deficit. The Pump Jacks battled back in full force, scoring five runs off all-star closer Kaleb Keith to tie the game.

 

The inning started out with Michael Hymes, in a pinch-hit appearance, reaching first on an error by the shortstop. Hymes crossed home for the first run of the inning on yet another pinch-hit, this one from pitcher Ben Mordini. Mordini roped a double into left center, and then reached third on the throw to home, to pick up the RBI and his first hit as a Pump Jack. Mordini came home on a pass ball for the second run of the inning.

Then after a fly out and a strikeout, The Pump Jacks found themselves down to their final out. Bret Bitow kept the Jacks alive, after falling into a two-strike hole he came back with a double into center. Joey Armstrong followed with a swinging bunt, reaching first safely and putting runners on the corners for Garrett McMullen.  Like both Bitow and Armstrong, McMullen found himself down to his last strike but he vowed not to go quietly.  The Longview native blasted his second home run of the season, and just like that the game was tied, 8-8. 

However the excitement was quickly hushed as the Generals responded in the bottom of the frame to take the ball game. After a single, an error, and a sac bunt placed a runner on third with no outs, Drew Featherston came through for the Generals with a single into right to walk off with the win 9-8. 

Things took a rough start early on for the Jacks and starter Jordan Johnson. The Generals scored three off the righty in the first including a two-run bomb from Romeo Cortina, and then followed up with one in each the second and third innings to take a 5-0 lead. 

The Pump Jacks got their first runs across in the top of the fourth.  J.J. Robinson was granted first after being hit by a pitch, and then moved to third on a single from Ryan Hope. Mark Mathias brought home Robinson on a fielder's choice, and then Devon Conley singled to left to plate Mathias and bring the Jacks within three, 5-3. 

The Generals got one back in the fifth, thanks to two costly Pump Jack errors. But the Jacks turned the tables, taking advantage of an error from the Generals to plate a run in the seventh. Conley led off with a single, and then advanced all the way to third on a pick off attempt that was overthrown. Bitow earned the RBI with a sac fly to left to plate Conley and move the score to 6-3.

However the Generals blew the lead back open in the bottom of the seventh thanks to the second two-run shot of the night, this time from Featherston.  The long ball put the Generals ahead 8-3 setting the stage for the exciting ninth inning rally.

J.J. Franklin was tagged with the loss after allowing the lead off single in the ninth. The single was the only hit that Franklin allowed in his 1.1 innings pitched, but it proved to be costly as it was the winning run in the walk-off. Johnson's night was done after just three innings, in which he allowed four runs on five hits and fanned two batters. Mitch Meyer made his debut on the mound for the Jacks and looked solid, pitching 1.1 innings allowing a hit, a run, and striking out two. 

The Pump Jacks return home on Saturday and Sunday to welcome the Brazos Valley Bombers to historic Driller Park. Saturday marks the second giveaway of the season for the Jacks, when the first 500 fans will get a personal LED message fan, presented by Convergys. Beat the heat with these great personal fans, which feature a flashing message when you turn them on. Take them everywhere for a great blast of cool air and a unique way to support the Jacks, all courtesy of Convergys.

Sunday will be another Sunday Fun Day with the Jacks, presented by theGOspot.com. Enjoy $2.50 chips and salsa or $2.50 frozen margaritas and Straw-ber-ritas for the weekend event. The Pump Jacks will even have face painting for the kids, just on Sunday Fun Day presented by theGOspot.com.

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.

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



Texas Collegiate League Stories from July 13, 2013


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